Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound
buh-VAIR-ee-an MOWN-tin SENT hownd
Germany· Bavaria and the Alpine foothills of southern Germany
The Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound is a German tracking breed developed specifically to follow the blood trail of wounded deer and other game over difficult mountain terrain.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Medium
Exercise needs
1.5-2 hours per day
Home size suited to
Medium or larger
Grooming frequency
Minimal
Coat length
Short
Sheds
Moderate
Lifespan
12-14 years
Town or country
Country only
Garden size needed
Large, securely fenced
Where it comes from
Origins of the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound
Bavaria's dense Alpine forests and steep terrain required a hound with an outstanding nose to follow the faint blood trail of wounded game long after it had been shot. Bred from Bavarian scent hounds crossed with the Hanoverian Scent Hound, this breed was refined specifically for precise, deliberate blood-trailing rather than fast pursuit.
- Region
- Bavaria and the Alpine foothills of southern Germany
- Climate it was bred for
- Mountainous, forested terrain with cold winters
- Original job
- Tracking wounded deer and other game over long distances by blood scent
The long read
About the breed
Its specialised role demanded an extraordinarily precise nose, patience and a calm, methodical working style rather than speed, along with close cooperation with a single handler on a long tracking lead.
As a companion it is quiet, devoted and less vocal than many hounds, but it needs a job to do and daily mental and physical engagement; it is not suited to owners without an active, outdoor lifestyle or hunting connection.
Still used extensively by professional hunters and game wardens across Central Europe, the breed remains a specialist working dog with limited numbers kept purely as pets.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Friendliness
3/5
How openly the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound greets people it does not know.
Trainability
3/5
How readily the breed takes to training in an ordinary home.
Energy
3/5
How much daily exercise and stimulation the breed expects.
Barking
3/5
How vocal the breed tends to be day to day.
Grooming
3/5
How much coat work the breed needs to stay comfortable.
Suits a first-time owner
3/5
How forgiving the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound is for someone taking on their first dog.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Skull
The Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound's skull is judged on balance rather than size — proportionate to the body, with a clean cheek and a stop typical of the breed. Coarseness or an over-refined head are both faulted.
Timeline
History & development
1870s
Development begins
Bavarian huntsmen crossed local scent hounds with the Hanoverian Scent Hound to create a lighter, more agile tracker.
1912
Breed club founded
A dedicated breed club was formed in Germany to standardise and promote the breed.
1936
First formal standard
The breed standard was formally established, distinguishing it clearly from the Hanoverian Scent Hound.
1955
FCI recognition
The breed gained FCI recognition as a distinct blood-tracking hound.
2000s
Continued specialist role
The breed remains the preferred choice for deer-tracking work across German-speaking Europe and beyond.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Slightly longer than tall, with good depth of chest and a strong, slightly arched back.
- coat
- Short, dense and shining, close-lying.
- ears
- Set high, medium length, hanging close to the head, rounded at the tip.
- eyes
- Medium-sized, brown, with a calm, attentive expression.
- head
- Broad skull tapering to a strong muzzle, with a moderate stop.
- size
- Dogs 47-52cm, bitches 44-48cm at the withers
- colour
- Various shades of red, reddish-brown, or brindled fawn.
- temperament
- Calm, focused and deeply loyal to its handler, with an outstanding, precise nose.
- general appearance
- A medium-sized, lighter-built tracking hound, agile and well-muscled, bred for precision work.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
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Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds added by PawPoint members through their pet passports. Share yours to appear here.
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Made for the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound illustration — and one everyday accessory that suits any dog.
The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
Every officially recognised breed plus the unofficial ones nobody else documents. 400+ pages, hardback, printed and shipped from the UK.
Own stock — shipped by us
Framed poster
Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound Mug
Ceramic mug with the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
Rope Slip Lead
Braided rope lead with a leather stop, 150cm. Good for training walks.
Fits any dog
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