Bavarian Mountain Scenthound

Also known as: Bavarian Hound

The Bavarian Mountain Scenthound was bred in the foothills of the German Alps to track wounded big game across steep, rocky terrain where a heavier or longer-legged dog would struggle. A relatively compact frame, up to 25 kilograms, lets it move through rocks and dense undergrowth without tiring. The short coat handles mountain cold well and needs minimal grooming. This is a purpose-built working breed, and without a job to do it can grow restless indoors. It tends to bond tightly with one handler rather than the household at large. Life expectancy runs 12 to 14 years.

Browse dog food sized right for this breed

Bavarian Mountain Scenthound: how old in human years?

44–52 cmHeight
18–25 kgWeight
12–14 yrsLife expectancy

Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen

FCI group: Scenthounds and Related Breeds
FCI section: Section 2: Leash (scent) hounds
FCI: 217
Country of origin: Germany

Energy level

3/5
Trainability

3/5
Family friendly

3/5
Grooming need

1/5

At a glance

Height

Males 47–52 cm

Females 44–48 cm

Weight

Males 20–25 kg

Females 18–23 kg

Life expectancy

12–14 yrs

Coat

short, dense (short)

Temperament & Family Life

Bavarian Mountain Scenthound's average temperament and family-life score for this breed is moderate.

Family friendly 3/5
Good with children 2/5
Good with other dogs 2/5
Friendly with strangers 2/5
Intelligence 4/5
Trainability 3/5

Exercise, Energy & Space

Bavarian Mountain Scenthound's energy and exercise needs are moderate.

Energy level 3/5
Exercise need 4/5
Apartment friendly 1/5
Prey drive 5/5
Hunting instinct 5/5

Guarding & Alertness

Bavarian Mountain Scenthound's guarding and alertness traits are low.

Guarding instinct 2/5
Watchfulness 3/5
Barking level 2/5

Grooming & Care

Bavarian Mountain Scenthound's grooming needs are low.

Shedding 2/5
Drooling 2/5
Grooming need 1/5

Living with the Bavarian Mountain Scenthound

Nose to the ground, tail low, and your Bavarian Mountain Scenthound is already reading yesterday's deer track that you had no idea was there. It was bred in the mountains of Germany to follow the blood trail of wounded game, and that work is not a game to it but the point of its life. Without a job for its nose, it gets bored quickly.

It needs long daily walks and, ideally, real scent work: tracking practice, nose games, hidden treats. Let it off the lead only in a fenced area, because once it picks up an interesting scent it will follow it to the end. It learns well and thoughtfully, but patience and consistency are essential, and a flat is too small for it.

It bonds closely with its owner and often picks one person as its own, while staying reserved with strangers and other dogs. It sees small animals as prey, so a cat in the house is a risky idea. It is an excellent choice for a hunter or anyone who wants to work with their dog, and a poorer one for those looking for a quiet sofa companion.

Grooming and coat

A Bavarian Mountain Scenthound's coat is short, dense and slightly harsh, made for working through mountain forest, rain and scrub. It sheds only lightly, so a weekly pass with a rubber mitt or brush is enough, a little more often during the moult. Baths are rarely needed, usually only after it has rolled in something fragrant.

After every working day or forest outing, go over the whole dog: ticks, scratches, needles between the toes. Lift the drop ears once a week to check they are clean and odour-free, and keep an eye on the nails, since not every walk wears them down.

How to do it:

By age:

Health and possible conditions

We don't have reliable health information specific to this breed, so we don't list conditions here. Keep up regular vet check-ups, and if you are getting a puppy, ask the breeder about the parents' health testing.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.

Food for large breeds — cheapest per kg

This list is chosen by the breed's weight (25 kg) rather than the breed itself: shops label food by dog size, so every breed of the same size gets the same list. Prices are updated daily.

≈ 295 g of dry food a day, from €16,14 a month For a neutered, normally active 21,5 kg dog. Calculate for your dog