Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound

About this Breed

Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds are a German scent hound. They were created by crossing two other German hunting breeds, the Bavarian Hound and the Hanover Hound. While they are a relatively recent breed (the first Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds were born in the early 20th century) they have quickly become a popular choice of dog for serious hunters!

Bred to be exceptional tracking hounds, Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds have a keen sense of smell, are low enough to the ground to successfully follow even the oldest scent trails, and have even, steady, temperaments. They are not generally kept as pets, though they do make lovely companions once the hunt is done! Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds are usually owned by serious hunters and game wardens and are rarely used by casual outdoorsmen. They are serious, intelligent, and quiet.

Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds are not city dogs. They were bred to hunt, and will not be happy doing anything else. In fact, they are not even really suited to suburban living! The best home for a Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound is hunting home, where they will be utilized outdoors and allowed to hunt with their beloved master. While they are not terribly large dogs, and individuals may be tempted to ask them to adapt to apartment life, they are country dogs that will suffer if deprived of plenty of exercise and, most importantly, time outside.

For families that will hunt with them during the day, Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds make lovely pets once they’re home for the evening. They are patient and steady enough to do very well with children, and generally get along very well with other dogs (though, because they are not pack hounds, they are much more likely to bond with their humans, and may not be best friends with another canine!). Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds might not be a great choice for families with cats or other small mammals, as they have an exceptionally high prey drive, but may be able to be friends with cats if they are raised together from the time when the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound is a puppy.

Bavarian Mountain Hounds are still relatively unknown outside of Germany and the surrounding regions. While they have gained a certain notoriety in other Northern and Eastern European countries, such as Austria and Hungary, they are not well known and are not readily exported to other parts of the world. Families interested in adding a Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound to their home may very well have to travel to Germany in order to acquire a puppy. It’s important to keep in mind that many breeders will not place a Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound puppy in a home that does not intend to hunt with them!