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Hound · Germany

Bavarian Mountain Hound

A walker's guide to the Bavarian Mountain Hound: how much exercise they need, what to expect on and off the lead, and what to ask the owner before the first walk.

Medium, 20 to 25 kgActiveTracking houndRare in UKBonds closelyScent driven
Exercise a day60 min plus
Energy3 of 5
Walk styleCalm, methodical tracker
With other dogsUsually tolerant

Overview

The Bavarian Mountain Hound is a short-coated, red or brindle scenthound developed in Bavaria to follow the blood trail of wounded game across mountain terrain. It is a specialist rather than a pack dog, usually worked alone by one hunter, and it tends to bond deeply with that person and be reserved with everyone else.

The breed is recognised by the Kennel Club but remains rare. Most UK dogs belong to stalkers and deer managers, so you may well be walking a working dog on its day off.

Exercise and walking needs

An hour to an hour and a quarter a day is plenty. These hounds are not hyperactive, and a calm, steady walk with scent to work suits them better than a fast one.

Tracking is the breed's purpose. A short trail laid with a scent article or treats and worked on a long line will do more for the dog than any amount of running.

Daily minimum75 minutes
Ideal2 walks a day
Off-lead timeRarely, tracking instinct

On the walk

  • Recall: Cannot be relied upon once the nose engages. Use a long line rather than testing it.
  • Bonding: The dog may be slow to accept a new walker and may look for its owner for the first few outings. Patience rather than pressure.
  • Other dogs: Usually tolerant and uninterested in play. Not a dog for a boisterous group walk.
  • Lead manners: Steady and strong rather than erratic. A tracking harness and a long line suit the breed.
  • Wildlife: Deer are the specialism and the dog will follow one with total focus. Avoid areas where they are likely.

Tips for professional walkers

  1. Ask the owner to join the first walk so the dog sees you as part of the team.
  2. Carry a long line and treat the walk as tracking practice; the dog will be more settled.
  3. Keep the dog on lead through woodland in deer country, which in Britain is most woodland.
  4. Walk quietly and avoid busy parks; the breed is calm and does not need the stimulation.
Every dog is an individual. Treat this as a starting point and go with what the owner tells you about their dog. Anything to do with health belongs with the owner and their vet.

What to ask the owner

  • Is the dog actively worked on deer, and how does that affect what you should let it do?
  • How does it react to being handled by someone other than the owner?
  • Is there a tracking harness and line you should use, and any cues the dog knows?
Hanover HoundA heavyAlpine DachsbrackeA short-legged Austrian scenthound bred to track wounded deer and hare through mountain terrainAustrian Black and Tan HoundA sleek Austrian scenthound used to track hare and wounded game in mountain country: calmBloodhoundThe world's most famous tracking dog: gentle