Bavarian Mountain Hound

The Bavarian Mountain Hound was developed by the Baron Karg-Bebenburg, Reichenhall in the 1870s in Germany as a scent hound. This medium-size dog breed was developed by crossbreeding the Hannoversche Schweißhund breed and hunting dogs from the Alps. The breed was used as a blood tracker, locating injured big game after being shot using imprecise weapons.

This reliable breed has been called Bavarian mountain scent hound, Bavarian blood tracking dog, Bayrischer Gebirgsschweisshund, Bavarian Bracke, BBS, and BMH.

The BMH weighs 44–55 pounds and stands 44–52 centimetres at the withers. Its appearance is similar to other scent hounds, but it is more lightly built. It has a moderately broad head, flat skull, and heavy, droopy ears. Its body is relatively long and muscular.

Its coat is short, dense, shiny, harsh, and close-fitting that is finer on the head and ears. It is harsher and longer in the tail, legs, and abdomen. According to the Kennel Club, the standard colours are deer red, tan, or fawn, which may be combined with black or brindle. Generally, the colours get deeper in the back and tail. A mall and light-coloured patch on the chest is acceptable.

The BMH is a docile, calm, poised, intelligent, and devoted breed. It can be wary of strangers, but it is generally not aggressive. Its impressive scent and hunting ability is paired with dedication, persistence, quickness, and agility.

This breed forms a very strong bond with its owners and tends to have separation anxiety when left alone for hours. It is a good family dog that tolerates children. However, interactions with very young kids should always be supervised to avoid getting hurt because of overexcitement.

It is not for first-time and timid owners because it can present training difficulties and dominance. It is important for owners to establish their alpha role. Training should include controlling its strong tendencies to chase and attack/kill small animals. If trained well and socialised early, this breed is a generally good around other dogs and would rarely show aggression.

Early training and socialisation cannot be stressed enough with the Bavarian mountain hound. This is the only way dog owners can suppress or control its wilder tendencies it is predisposed to due to its genetic make-up. It is important to note that regardless of its predisposed temperament typical of its kind, several factors affect its personality growing up.

• Senior and less active: up to 900 calories daily
• Typical adult: up to 1,100 calories daily
• Physically active/working dog: up to 1,400 calories daily

There are only a few breeders that produce pedigree Bavarian mountain hound puppies in the UK. So whilst you bide your time, you might want to prepare financially first. For one, buying a pedigree puppy will cost around £500–£700. High-quality dog food will set you back £60–£70 a month, and this includes the dog treats.

Costs of pet insurance will depend on the coverage. For a basic insurance coverage, you will spend about £70 monthly, whilst a lifetime policy will roughly cost around £130 a month. Regular veterinary consultations will most likely be £1,000 a year, provided the dog does not undergo any special treatments for health issue. In total, you may have to budget around £150–£190 monthly. However, this budget excludes the initial cost of purchase, type of insurance, and as mentioned, any special health treatments.