Introduction
The Bavarian Mountain Hound is a calm and balanced animal that’s devoted to its owner, yet often reserved with strangers. Hailing from Germany, the breed was developed as a scent hound to track down wounded game. Designed to work on steep mountain slopes, the Bavarian Mountain Hound is strong, agile, and athletic. Its most notable trait is its outstanding “cold nose” tracking ability. Incredibly, their nose is so acute, they can distinguish between the injured game they are hunting and other animals of the same species. They are not kennel dogs and prefer to be around their own human family. In some respects, the breed is a smaller version of the Hanoverian Hound, a small German Bloodhound, which played a large part in its ancestry.
Health
Whether you’re considering buying a puppy or breeding from your dog, it’s important to understand the health issues that may affect the breed and how they can be managed or avoided. Bavarians are a generally very healthy breed. Responsible breeders screen their stock for health concerns such as hip dysplasia and epilepsy. Good breeders utilize genetic testing of their breeding stock to reduce the likelihood of disease in puppies.
Grooming
The Bavarian requires regular brushing. Their coat is dense, close fitting and harsh, with little gloss. It is soft and fine on the head and ears, and harsher and longer on the belly, legs and tail. The breed’s strong, fast-growing nails should be trimmed regularly with nail clippers to avoid overgrowth, splitting and cracking. Their ears should be checked regularly to avoid a buildup of wax and debris, which can result in infection. Teeth should be brushed regularly.
Exercise
Bavarian Mountain Hounds are not suited for city life. They are in regular need of space and exercise. They are also not dogs for the casual hunter. Most are owned and used by foresters and game wardens. If not placed in a working home, the Bavarian will need an abundant amount of physical and mental stimulation to satisfy his high hunting instinct. He is not a kennel dog, but can be trained to sleep and eat there. Space to run and play in an area with a high fence is important, as they have been known to climb fences and dig holes when bored.
Training
Bavarians are social, intelligent dogs, and, much like other breeds, if not kept mentally stimulated they will become bored, unhappy and destructive. Continued proper training, conditioning and patience are required. During training, they do best with positive reinforcement, never punishment.
Nutrition
The Bavarian Mountain Hound should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age. Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity and other health issues. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.