Let's talk Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds
With their soulful eyes, adorable floppy ears and devoted temperament, it’s no surprise that the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound is becoming increasingly popular as a companion animal—even if they are still a relatively rare breed. Originally from Germany, where they were originally bred for retrieving prey for hunters, Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds still retain something of those instincts today. However, they’ll be just as content chasing after a ball—and, of course, bringing it back again to their favourite human. Over and over and over again!Official name: Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound
Other names: Bavarian Mountain Hound, Bavarian Mountain Scenthound, Bavarian Mountain Dog
Origins: Germany
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Warm weather? |  |
| Shedding level | |
Suited to apartment living? |  |
| Energy level (high, low, medium) *: | Medium to high | Family pet? * |
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| Compatibility with other pets |  |
Can stay alone? * | |
* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.
Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed’s specifics should be taken as an indication.
For a happy, healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socialising your pet as well as covering their basic welfare, social and behavioural needs.
Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.
All domestic pets are sociable and prefer company. However, they can be taught to cope with solitude from an early age. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or trainer to help you do this.
| Baby age: | Birth to 2 months |
| Puppy age: | 2 to 12 months |
| Adult age: | 1 to 7 years |
| Mature age: | 7 to 10 years |
| Senior age: | From 10 years |
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Origins of the breed
For many enthusiasts, the Labrador Retriever remains one of the most popular all-round dogs worldwide. It’s thought that Labrador Retrievers originated from the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, where fishermen used dogs of this appearance to retrieve fish. The breed as we know it today, however, was established by the British in the early 1800’s.
The Labrador Retriever Club was founded in 1916 and the first standard followed soon after, predominantly tailored to working Labrador Retrievers who found early fame, having been originally introduced to the U.K. in the late 1800’s by Col Peter Hawker and the Earl of Malmesbury.
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2 facts about Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds
1. Right on the nose
The clue is in the name with the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound. They have such an acute sense of smell that they can distinguish not only between different species but even between individual animals. Out in the field, this is known as “cold nose tracking”—and they’ve got it down to a fine art.
2. For your eyes only
Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds can tend to be quite aloof around strangers—not aggressive in any way, but just not particularly interested in them. In short, they’ll only really have eyes for you. That said, with early socialisation, they can learn to co-exist well with others; it’s just that you’ll always be their number one.
History of the breed
A relatively recent addition to the list of domestic pets, Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds were originally bred to be hunting animals in their native Germany. Exceptionally good trackers, they would spend their days retrieving hunters’ prey.
Descended from the German Bracken, the original sporting dogs, the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound first came into being in the late 1800’s. A cross between the Hanoverian Scent Hound and a red Mountain Scent Hound, the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound combined traits from both, resulting in a light, agile body, a good temperament and a highly refined sense of smell. In 1912, the first club was established, in Munich.
Today, the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound is becoming increasingly popular as a companion animal, not only in their native Germany, but also in Great Britain and the US too. However, they were only recognised by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as recently as 2016.
While they still remain a relatively rare breed for now, Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds can sometimes end up in the rescue system due to being quite high-maintenance in terms of exercise. It can therefore be worth considering adoption if you decide this is the breed for you.
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From head to tail
Physical characteristics of Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds
1. Head
Domed head with intelligent eyes and longish, floppy ears.
2. Body
Medium-sized body, muscular and agile, with long, level back.
3. Fur
Colouring ranges from deep red to lighter tan, can have brindle or mottled black markings.
4. Coat
Coat is short, lying dense and flat, with a healthy gleam.
5. Tail
Tail is medium length and carried either level or hanging.
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Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound
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Caring for your Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound
Grooming, training and exercise tips
While they can be quite high-maintenance in some ways, when it comes to grooming your Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound, their short, flat coats are super-easy to care for. A quick weekly brush should do it, along with regular checks of their ears, nails clipping as required and daily teeth-brushing. In terms of exercise, though, Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds do need quite a lot of physical activity to keep them happy and stimulated – ideally between one and three hours a day – supported by quality playtime with you. As highly intelligent animals – and eager to please their preferred human – Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds are usually a joy to train and tend to do well in puppy classes. They will also benefit from the mental stimulation that comes with ongoing training.
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All about Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds
Assuming they have come from a reputable breeder, the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound is typically a healthy breed of dog with a good lifespan. As such, they have an average life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.
Although they are most commonly used by foresters, game wardens and sometimes rescue crews, Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds make excellent family pets. Just be sure they are trained well if you have children (as with any breed) and get plenty of exercise and attention. With all this, you should have a loyal friend by your side for years.
Sources
1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
2 - Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book
5 - American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/