Pet Wiki

Hanover Hound

Also called Hannoverscher Schweisshund, Hanoverian Scenthound, Hanoverian Hound, Hanoverian Bloodhound

Even-tempered and self-assured, this hound forms a close, sensitive bond with its own person while staying reserved and selective with strangers.

SizeLarge
Weight25 to 40 kg (55 to 88 lb)males 30 to 40 kg, females 25 to 35 kg12
Height48 to 55 cm (19 to 22 in)males 50 to 55 cm, females 48 to 53 cm12
CoatShort, dense coat
OriginGermany, developed on the royal hunting estates of the former Kingdom of Hanover.12
GroupFCI group 6
Last checked2026-09-30
Recognised breedShort profile
calm and steady
devoted to its handler
tireless and focused on a trail
12

Personality what they are like

Even-tempered and self-assured, this hound forms a close, sensitive bond with its own person while staying reserved and selective with strangers. On a scent line it becomes intensely focused and persistent. It generally gets along well with other dogs.12

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Hanover 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 7every year

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, dense coat

A strong, fairly long-bodied tracking hound with a thick, short and rather harsh coat that grows a little longer on the backs of the thighs and on the tail. The head often carries a darker mask.12

Colourslight deer-reddark deer-redbrindled redred with dark mask12

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A working tracker that does best with plenty of room to move and regular scent work; it is not considered well suited to city life.21

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short, harsh coat needs only simple brushing to keep it tidy.1

Home where they are happiest

Most at home in a rural setting with space to exercise, ideally with a handler who hunts or does tracking.2

Company who they like around

Bonds strongly with one handler and is usually easygoing with other dogs; cool with unfamiliar people.12

The story where it all began

The breed traces back to the medieval leash hounds used to find game. Once firearms arrived, hunters needed a dog that could follow the cold trail of wounded deer, and the huntsmen of the Hanover estates refined this type for that job. A dedicated breed club, the Verein Hirschmann, has guarded its working qualities since 1894.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It is a specialist at following the trail of wounded game, sometimes many hours after the animal has passed.1

  2. 2

    In 1912 it was crossed with the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound to help create a lighter, more agile mountain tracker.2

  3. 3

    Its breed club in Germany has been maintaining the breed with a strict focus on working ability since 1894.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name comes from the Kingdom of Hannover in Germany, where the Hanoverian hunting estate developed this hound. The name 'Hannoverscher Schweißhund' reflects its origin and its role as a 'Schweißhund' (scenthound) used for tracking wounded game.3

Name ideas for your new friend

LudwigGretaBrunoFritzHeidiBaronGustavLieselHansKaiserAnnelieseRudi

A day in the life told by a Hanover Hound

This morning I followed my person through the dew-wet grass, nose low to the ground, picking up the story of every creature that passed in the night. After breakfast we went to the big field where I can really stretch my legs and work a scent line. I found an old rabbit trail and followed it with total focus until my person called me back with a gentle pat. Later a stranger came to the gate; I stood quietly, watching, until my person said it was okay. Now we're home, the fire crackling, and I'm curled at their feet, perfectly content.

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

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Group 6 (Scent hounds and related breeds), Section 2 Leash (scent) hounds, working trial required; current standard dated 26.05.2015, country of origin Germany. Wikipedia gives 1964 as the year of FCI recognition.1
UKC
Recognised 1 January 1996 (per Wikipedia).2

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 Hanover Hound, and at what times?

Feed your Hanover Hound at least two meals a day, ideally at the same times each morning and evening. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Follow the food label for amounts and ask your vet for a schedule tailored to your dog.4

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

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for your Hanover Hound's age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a complete list.5

How often should I bathe a Hanover Hound?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests bathing every 8 weeks, but at least once every three months is fine. Bathe more often if your hound gets very dirty or has skin issues. Use a gentle dog shampoo.6 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Hanover Hound need brushing?

Brush your Hanover Hound weekly to keep its short, harsh coat tidy and remove loose hair. Pet Wiki's starting plan recommends brushing every 7 days. This also helps bond with your dog.16 Pet Wiki plan

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

Trim nails about every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part). If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.6 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Hanover Hound need?

This working tracker needs daily exercise and plenty of room to move, ideally with scent work or tracking. It is not well suited to city life. Pet Wiki suggests daily walks and play, plus regular opportunities to use its nose.21 Pet Wiki plan

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

Brush teeth daily if possible, at least 2-3 times a week, using dog toothpaste. Check ears weekly and dry them gently, as floppy ears trap moisture. Never push anything into the ear canal.6 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Hanover Hound live?

Lifespan varies by individual and care. For specific longevity information, please ask your vet or a reputable breeder, as this detail is not provided in the available sources.

Is a Hanover Hound good with children and other pets?

This hound is even-tempered and generally gets along well with other dogs. It forms a close bond with its owner but is reserved with strangers. Its suitability with children depends on early socialization and supervision.12

Can a Hanover Hound be left alone?

This breed bonds strongly with its handler and may not enjoy long periods alone. It is best suited to a home where someone is around most of the time. If left alone, provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation beforehand.12

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.

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Where this comes from

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

  1. FCI Standard N° 213 Hannoverscher Schweisshund fci.beused for origin, recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament, history
  2. Hanover Hound - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, history, UKC recognition, exercise, fun facts
  3. fci.be fci.be
  4. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

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