Overview
The Hanover Hound, or Hannoverscher Schweisshund, is one of the oldest specialist tracking dogs in Europe. German foresters developed it to follow the trail of a wounded deer or boar long after the shot, and it does this at a walking pace with complete concentration. Few live in Britain, mostly with people involved in deer management.
Expect a big-boned, red or brindle hound with a serious face and a surprisingly gentle manner. They bond closely with one household and can be reserved with strangers. They are not a dog for a busy group walk; they do best one to one with a walker who understands scent work.
Exercise and walking needs
An adult needs an hour and a half of movement a day, but it is the nose work that tires this breed rather than the miles. A slow walk through woodland where the dog can track at its own speed beats a brisk circuit of the park.
Young dogs carry a lot of weight on developing joints, so keep puppy walks short and flat until the owner confirms the dog is fully grown.
On the walk
- Lead: Walk this dog on a long lead or tracking line and accept that it will set the pace. Once it has a scent it leans into the harness and will not look up until the trail ends.
- Recall: Treat recall as unreliable in open country. A deer trail will take a Hanover Hound a long way, and it can follow it for hours without tiring.
- Other dogs: Mostly tolerant but not especially interested. They were bred to work alone with a handler and tend to ignore other dogs rather than play.
Tips for professional walkers
- Let the dog track. Choose a route with wildlife scent and allow time for it to work a line without being hurried.
- Use a wide, padded harness; the steady pull of a tracking hound wears a thin one out.
- Keep the dog on a line near roads and deer parks. It will follow a trail across a carriageway without hesitation.
- Dry the ears after wet walks and check between the toes for packed mud.
What to ask the owner
- Is the dog trained for tracking work, and are there commands or signals you should avoid using casually?
- How does it react to strangers on a path, and is there a routine for introductions?
- Any joint or weight concerns the vet has raised, and what pace suits the dog now?