Pet Wiki

Bavarian Mountain Hound

Also called Bayerischer Gebirgsschweißhund, Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound

Quiet, steady and self-assured at home and very attached to its person, while tending to keep a polite distance from strangers.

SizeMedium
Weight17 to 30 kg (37 to 66 lb)males 20 to 30 kg, females 17 to 25 kg12
Height44 to 52 cm (17 to 20 in)males 47 to 52 cm, females 44 to 48 cm123
CoatShort, dense coat
OriginGermany (Bavaria), bred for tracking in mountain country.12
GroupFCI group 6
Recognised breedShort profile
calm and balanced
devoted to its owner
persistent, specialist tracker
13

Personality what they are like

Quiet, steady and self-assured at home and very attached to its person, while tending to keep a polite distance from strangers. At work it is focused and does not give up easily.123

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, dense coat

A close-lying, thick coat with only a little shine. The hair is finer on the head and ears and a bit longer and coarser on the belly, legs and tail.13

Coloursdeep reddeer redreddish browntanfawnbiscuitreddish greybrindle13

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Bavarian Mountain Hound. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A working hound built for steep ground; The Royal Kennel Club advises more than two hours of exercise daily, and scent work or tracking suits it well.41

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

A weekly brush is enough for the short coat, which does shed.4

The story where it all began

After the big hunting estates broke up in the mid-1800s, hunters needed a lighter tracking hound for the mountains. From about 1870 Baron Karg-Bebenburg crossed Hanoverian scent hounds with red mountain hounds to create it, and the breed club was founded in Munich in 1912.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Its German name, Gebirgsschweißhund, refers to following a blood trail in the mountains.2

  2. 2

    It looks like a smaller, lighter version of the Hanoverian scent hound, one of its main ancestors.4

  3. 3

    It became the favourite partner of Bavarian professional hunters and gamekeepers.3

  4. 4

    The FCI standard lists it as a specialist for finding hoofed game in difficult mountain terrain, confirmed through working trials.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name comes from its German origin, 'Bayerischer Gebirgsschweißhund', which translates to 'Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound', reflecting its use as a scent hound for tracking wounded game in the mountainous Bavarian region of Germany.2

Name ideas for your new friend

BavariaGipfelBergLudwigGretelAlpineHansEdelweissKaiserSchnappsMountainFritz

A day in the life told by a Bavarian Mountain Hound

I am a Bavarian Mountain Hound, steady and true. My day starts with a quiet stretch by the fire. My human and I head into the hills, where I track scents through the forest. I am focused but happy, my nose to the ground. After a long hike, we rest on a rocky peak. At home, I lean against my human's leg, content. I am not one for fuss, just loyal company. Life in the mountains is perfect: fresh air, good scents, and a calm heart.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 217, Group 6 (Scent hounds and related breeds), Section 2 Leash (scent) hounds, with working trial; standard dated 22.09.2017, country of origin Germany.1
The Royal Kennel Club
Hound group; not a vulnerable native breed.4
UKC
Scenthound Group; recognised 1 January 1996.3

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Bavarian Mountain Hound, and at what times?

Feed your adult Bavarian Mountain Hound at least two meals a day at consistent times. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.5

What should a Bavarian Mountain Hound eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food suitable for its age and activity level. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol. Always consult your vet for a balanced diet.6

How often should I bathe a Bavarian Mountain Hound?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, but general guidance recommends at least every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues.7 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Bavarian Mountain Hound need brushing?

A weekly brush is enough for the short, dense coat. This keeps shedding under control and maintains a healthy coat.47 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Bavarian Mountain Hound's nails, and how often?

Trim nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, about every four weeks. Cut a little at a time and stop before the quick to avoid pain. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Bavarian Mountain Hound need?

This working hound needs more than two hours of exercise daily. Scent work and tracking are excellent ways to keep it mentally and physically satisfied.41 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Bavarian Mountain Hound's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste; daily is ideal. Check floppy ears weekly for moisture and dirt, and dry them gently. Never insert anything into the ear canal.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Bavarian Mountain Hound live?

Lifespan varies by individual health and care. For a specific estimate, ask your breeder or vet.

Is a Bavarian Mountain Hound good with children and other pets?

This breed is steady and attached to its family, but tends to keep a polite distance from strangers. Early socialization is important for good interactions with children and other pets.123

Can a Bavarian Mountain Hound be left alone?

This breed is very attached to its person and may struggle with long periods alone. Provide plenty of mental stimulation and consider crate training. For specific advice, ask your breeder or vet.123

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

You might also like

Hanover HoundAlpine DachsbrackeTyrolean Hound

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. FCI standard no. 217 Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound fci.beused for recognition, size, weight, coat, colours, temperament, history
  2. Wikipedia: Bavarian Mountain Hound en.wikipedia.orgused for names, history, facts
  3. UKC: Bavarian Mountain Hound ukcdogs.comused for recognition, temperament, coat, colours, facts
  4. The Royal Kennel Club: Bavarian Mountain Hound royalkennelclub.comused for recognition, exercise, grooming, facts
  5. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.