The Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound is an adaptable hunting dog and faithful companion. He is known for his tracking abilities and is able to find injured game even when the trail has gone cold. Aloof with strangers, this German breed nonetheless has a balanced temperament and a “good head on his shoulders”. The breed has a confident nature yet will listen to his owner for direction when needed. He is steady both physically as well as mentally – making an excellent dog for an owner who can meet his rather substantial needs.
The Bavarian is active, yet when properly exercised he is calm and easy to take out in public. His medium-sized build is athletic and he is able to handle as much vigorous exercise as you can give him! He doesn’t always fare well in crowded city life without lots of effort on the part of the owner (he prefers frequent access to nature and the great outdoors). Despite being used for tracking long distances and other utilitarian work, he should be allowed to live in the home with the rest of the family. Although a working dog, he is not a kennel or outside-only breed.
Mountain Scent Hounds are working hunters and must regularly do what they were bred to do. This is not a dog for someone looking for “just a pet”. He is even too much for some hunters! The breed is frequently owned by those who give the dog a daily job, such as game wardens. Prospective owners must take this into account to decide whether or not they can provide what this dog needs. If they are not hunters themselves, they must be willing to provide daily activities (such as tracking, scent work, search and rescue and/or training in other dog sports) along with increased exercise.
Bavarians are intelligent and they need training in order to keep their minds occupied. If they aren’t given this, they can become very destructive! The social aspect of the breed means that they crave attention – even negative attention is better than nothing. Better to train the dog in obedience and/or other sports in order to fulfill that need rather than let them destroy your belongings! The breed works best when given plenty of motivation and praise for doing things right.
Although smooth-coated, the Bavarian Mountain does shed fairly extensively and requires frequent brushing. Other than this, grooming is fairly simple. When it comes to vet care – most members of the breed are healthy although epilepsy and hip dysplasia are occasionally seen. Prospective owners should do their homework and only buy from a reputable breeder who health tests and can tell you the issues in their lines (unfortunately there are no tests for idiopathic epilepsy, however a good breeder should know what is in their line). When well cared for, many members of the breed live to 15 or beyond.
Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds can be escape artists. All fencing must be secured both top and bottom. These hounds normally either try to escape out of boredom (see above) or because they spy an animal outside the fence. Like all scenthounds, they have a high prey drive and desire to hunt. On a related note – they may not make the best choice for people who own cats or small animals. Families with kids and/or other dogs are usually OK.
The Bavarian Mountain is a fairly quiet breed although can be prone to barking if left alone for long periods of time. They aren’t known for being watchdogs, nor for being guard dogs as they don’t tend to show any sort of aggression even when pushed. These dogs are lovers and not fighters, as evidenced by their strong loyalty and affectionate nature towards those whom they know, love and trust. When it comes down to it, they live to work and hunt with their owners – everything else comes second.
