Hanoverian Scenthound

The Hanoverian Scenthound was bred in Germany to track wounded game by blood scent, often working for hours on a leash beside a single handler rather than running free. That job shaped everything about the dog: a solid but not bulky frame reaching 40 kilograms in males, and a nose sensitive enough that scent work remains its defining trait today. The short, dense coat needs little grooming, but the breed does best in a quiet rural setting rather than a city apartment. It was never developed for a busy family household with children underfoot, it was built to work closely with one trusted handler. Strangers tend to get a reserved, sometimes wary reception. Life expectancy runs 10 to 12 years.

Browse dog food sized right for this breed

Hanoverian Scenthound: how old in human years?

48–55 cmHeight
28–40 kgWeight
10–12 yrsLife expectancy

Istrian Shorthaired Hound

FCI group: Scenthounds and Related Breeds
FCI section: Section 2: Leash (scent) hounds
FCI: 213
Country of origin: Germany

Energy level

2/5
Trainability

3/5
Family friendly

2/5
Grooming need

1/5

At a glance

Height

Males 50–55 cm

Females 48–53 cm

Weight

Males 30–40 kg

Females 28–38 kg

Life expectancy

10–12 yrs

Coat

short, dense (short)

Temperament & Family Life

Hanoverian Scenthound's average temperament and family-life score for this breed is low.

Family friendly 2/5
Good with children 1/5
Good with other dogs 1/5
Friendly with strangers 1/5
Intelligence 4/5
Trainability 3/5

Exercise, Energy & Space

Hanoverian Scenthound's energy and exercise needs are moderate.

Energy level 2/5
Exercise need 3/5
Apartment friendly 1/5
Prey drive 5/5
Hunting instinct 5/5

Guarding & Alertness

Hanoverian Scenthound's guarding and alertness traits are moderate.

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

Grooming & Care

Hanoverian Scenthound's grooming needs are low.

Shedding 2/5
Drooling 3/5
Grooming need 1/5

Living with the Hanoverian Scenthound

A shot is fired, a wounded animal crashes off into the thicket, and that is when the Hanoverian Scenthound's moment arrives. He was bred for exactly this: following the trail of wounded game on a long lead, slowly and doggedly, sometimes hours later or even the next day. This is a dog who works with his nose and his head rather than his legs. At home he is surprisingly calm, likes his own spot and doesn't do laps of the living room. Calm doesn't mean a sofa is enough, though: without meaningful work, he gets bored.

He is not an all-purpose family dog, and it's fairer to say so up front. He bonds very closely with his person but is reserved with strangers, won't necessarily get on with other dogs, and isn't a natural playmate for small children. He is alert and will tell you about anything unusual, without barking for the sake of it. He trains reasonably well, especially when the task involves a trail, but his prey drive is so strong that off-lead time belongs only where it's safe.

His ideal day is a long, unhurried walk with plenty of sniffing, a tracking session or a real job, followed by a quiet evening at your side. A flat is no place for him. He suits a hunter, or someone serious about scent tracking, who can give him the thing he lives for.

Grooming and coat

The Hanoverian Scenthound has a short, dense, slightly harsh coat, cut out for thick forest and rain. It asks for very little: once a week, go over it with a rubber brush or grooming mitt and the loose hair comes away. Shedding is moderate, so dark clothes will show a little, but you won't find tumbleweeds of hair in the corners. A bath is only needed when he comes back from the woods smelling of bog.

The head needs more of your attention. Loose lips and heavy ears collect drool, water and mud, so wipe his muzzle with a cloth after meals and drinks, and check the lip folds and ears once a week. A dog working through undergrowth brings home ticks and thorns, so after every job or long walk run your hands over his body and look over his paws. Trim the nails when you hear them clicking on the floor.

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 (40 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.

≈ 415 g of dry food a day, from €22,77 a month For a neutered, normally active 34 kg dog. Calculate for your dog