The Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound is a working dog primarily used for tracking wounded or deceased game. However, when mentally and physically stimulated, it also shines as a lovely, tranquil family pet. However, puppies from official breeders are only given to hunters active as tracking dog handlers.
The Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound (BGS Dog for short) is one of the medium-sized dog breeds. Males reach a withers height of 47 to 52 centimetres, while females stand at 44 to 48 centimetres tall. The weight of a fully grown Bavarian Scent Hound is generally between 18 and 28 kilograms.
How long does it take for a BGS Dog to reach full size?
It takes about twelve months for a Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound to reach full maturity. Its body is elongated, sinewy, and well-muscled.
This breed is also characterised by strong limbs, a short neck, and a broad head with a noble expression. The eyes of the Bavarian Scent Hound are clear and alert, with its relatively large, wide ears hanging down.
The overall appearance is light and finely built. It has a narrow waist, and the croup slopes gently. The high-set, medium-length tail is carried horizontally or with a slight downward slope.
What coat colours are there?
The coat of the BGS Dog has been bred to blend into the forest during hunts, with colours ranging from red-brown, red-grey to pale yellow, and sometimes brindled.
The back and ears of the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound have a darker colouration. The breed has a slightly darker mask on its face but has no other markings.
The coat of the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound is also short, smooth, and lies close to the body.
The Bavarian Mountain Hound is typically characterised by its brown coat with a darker mask
Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound: a Hunting Dog Through and Through
The FCI categorises the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound into Group 6 of “Scenthounds, Running Dogs, and related breeds” specifically Section 2 of the Scenthounds. Dogs like the BGS Dog are hunting dogs primarily used in the tracking of hoofed game.
Good to know: The term “Schweiß” in hunting terminology refers to the blood of an animal that has leaked from its body.
Specialist with Great Tracking Reliability
For instance, if a hunter has shot a deer or stag, it is the Bavarian Scent Hound’s task to locate the injured animal as quickly as possible. This allows the wounded game to be dispatched swiftly, relieving it of any pain.
Its keen nose, hunting instinct, and game alertness come naturally to the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound. It is an absolute specialist when it comes to tracking down shot game animals.
Breeding Only with a Passed Working Test
The FCI, the largest canine federation, declares this breed as a working dog that must pass a working test. This means: only dogs that pass the performance test are allowed for breeding.
Character of the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound
Its deliberate breeding as a hunting dog has naturally impacted the character of the Bavarian Scent Hound. It is considered highly work-oriented, capable and fearless.
A Faithful Companion for Hunting
Whilst very focused and self-assured during work, the BGS Dog is a rather easy-to-handle quadruped. Trained by people with (hunting) dog experience, this breed is usually quite obedient.
Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds enjoy collaborating with their human companions without showing any signs of nervousness or aggression.
Hunters, therefore, value this breed as a faithful companion with excellent qualities such as temperament stability as well as scent and voice trailing.
Is a Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound a Family Dog?
For a hunting dog, the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound is extremely calm and well-balanced. Within the family, it is affectionate and patient – even with children. This is provided that its needs are sufficiently met.
A Bavarian Scent Hound needs to follow its hunting instinct and use its nose. When physically and mentally fulfilled, it can also make a very people-oriented, friendly family dog.
However, the BGS Dog is reserved with strangers.
Living Conditions: Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds Want to Work
A small city apartment is not the right environment for a Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound. This agile, athletic dog wishes for a large living space with a garden or a house in the countryside to feel truly content. And it’s not satisfied with just short walks.
How much exercise does a BGS Dog need?
Anyone considering a Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound should plan plenty of time for long walks. These animals require a lot of exercise and want to be challenged both physically and mentally.
Tracking work is naturally the best way to occupy this hunting-enthusiastic, intelligent dog. After all, this breed was bred with the purpose of freely roaming and reliably locating injured or dead game animals.
Well-suited for Dog Sports
Furthermore, Bavarian Scent Hounds are suitable for dog sports like Mantrailing, Agility, or Obedience. Due to their excellent noses, they can also be trained as search and rescue dogs.
However, because of their hunting drive, the BGS Dog is not suitable purely as a companion dog.
Nutrition and Care for a Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound
When dogs like the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound are used for hunting, they have an increased energy requirement compared to other breeds. They need energy-rich, protein-heavy food. The same applies to puppies still in growth as well as to pregnant females. With seniors, the food amount can be adjusted downwards accordingly.
To prevent stomach problems, particularly the dreaded gastric torsion, Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds should be allowed to rest after eating. Playing and romping, as well as walks, are not recommended immediately following meals.
Coat and Claw Care
The short, smooth coat of the Bavarian Scent Hound requires little coat care. Occasional brushing, especially during the moulting season, is all that’s needed.
As these animals often traverse on soft surfaces like forest ground, their claws may not wear down sufficiently on their own. Therefore, they should be checked regularly and trimmed if necessary.
Moreover, the working dog’s skin must be examined for injuries and ticks regularly.
Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound’s Health
Due to strict breeding guidelines and performance tests, inherited diseases are rare.
Only hip dysplasia (HD), as with other larger breeds, is a known health issue with the Bavarian Scent Hound. Dogs with hip dysplasia walk awkwardly and have trouble getting up. The treatment is complicated and costly—particularly if a new hip joint is required.
How long do Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds live?
BGS Dogs are robust animals that can live to 12 or 13 years with proper care.
History and Breeding: A Relatively Young Dog Breed
The origins of the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound only go back to the mid-19th century. At that time, large hunting grounds were divided up, and improved firearms with greater range were introduced.
With the structural changes in hunting, there was a desire for a working dog that could impress with absolute tracking certainty while being terrain-suitable and sure-footed.
Wild hounds, mountain bracken, and Hannover Scent Hounds were used as the basis for the breeding of the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound. The goal was to create a lighter, more agile dog that could effortlessly navigate the Bavarian mountains.
This new dog breed was officially recognized at the end of the 19th century. The Club for Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds, based in Munich, has existed since 1912.
Buying a Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound: Only Available to Hunters
The bad news first: Not all dog lovers can keep a Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound. The breeding is tightly regulated.
Little Chance for Laypeople
Reputable breeders, members of the Club for Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds, only release their puppies to hunters and certified tracking dog leaders. Laypeople generally have no chance of getting a tracking dog puppy from an official breeder.
Those who have fallen for the breed, yet still desperately want a Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound, could try their luck with various animal welfare organisations. Even purebred dogs like the Bavarian Scent Hound are sometimes given up—for example, if they are sick or unsuitable for hunting.
Natalie Decker
"A life without a pug is possible, but pointless," Loriot once said. I would unreservedly agree and add: "A life without horse, cat and rabbit as well!" My heart beats for all animals big and small and I have the great fortune to be able to write about my passion as a freelance author. With my articles I would like to raise awareness for animal welfare and give useful tips to animal lovers.
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