The Dog Breed Bavarian Mountain Hound

The Bayerischer gebirgsschweisshund dog breed originated towards the end of the 19th century from a selection between Hanoverian, Bracken and Tyrolean hounds. There was a need for a lighter dog with good agility qualities for hunting deer, chamois and game in northern German areas, capable of withstanding long walks and the harsh climate of those areas.

At first Hanoverian hounds were used, but in those mountainous areas, with very difficult terrain, this breed was too heavy and therefore unsuitable. The products of the above-mentioned cross-breeds soon proved to be excellent for this hunting task. And thus was born the Bayerischer gebirgsschweisshund, which in German means mountain and blood.

It belongs to the group of bloodhounds and bloodhounds. It was Baron Karg-Bebenburg of Reichenhann who selected this breed in 1870, which today has become the classic companion of German gamekeepers and foresters. In 1912, the Bayerischer Gebirgsschweisshund club was created in Munich, Germany, which is the only accredited club for this breed.

Character of the bayerischer gebirgsschweisshund dog breed

The Bayerischer gebirgsschweisshund is a very docile dog and very attached to its owner. Extremely patient especially with children, he plays very happily and seeks cuddles. He builds an unbreakable bond with his owner and is also very affectionate with his family.

It defends its owner's possessions, which is why hunters take advantage of this endowment by getting it used to defending its backpack and always being close to it so that even if left alone in the woods there is no risk of it straying. He can live both indoors and in the garden, as he is not afraid of the cold, but if he lives indoors, he needs a place of his own that he will become protective of.

It is very lively and courageous, therefore perfect for hunting, but as it is also very well-balanced and calm it also does very well at home with the family. At home he is a polite and clean dog. With strangers he is a little shy and reserved, but never becomes aggressive. However, it is always important to keep him active and take him for many walks in the open air.

As a hunting dog, it is one of the best in the world. This is a dog that can sniff out even the smallest blood trail and follow its prey, always finding itself, even for kilometres. It is a dog that defends its prey from strangers, with strength and courage, waiting for its master to catch up with it. And only he is allowed to approach.

Appearance of the bayerischer gebirgsschweisshund dog breed

The Bayerischer gebirgsschweisshund is a medium-sized hound, with a height at withers of 47 to 52 centimetres and a weight of 20 to 30 kilograms; the female usually a little less. Its physique is small in appearance but in reality it is a particularly massive dog.

On the whole it is a harmonious dog, rather light, but very agile and muscular, the neck and back are strong and supple, the paws are muscular and have a strong and resistant bone structure. The pads of his feet are very thick and strong and allow him to walk and move in all kinds of terrain. The tail is of medium length, attached high and carried horizontally or drooping slightly backwards. It is morphologically classified as a braccoid type.

The skull of the bayerischer gebirgsschweisshund is broad, with a flat surface even if very slightly arched. Snout not too long nor too wide and somewhat gaunt under the eyes. The truffle is black or dark brown, the ears are longer than average and hang down along the head. The eyes are not too big and almost round, dark brown or even light brown and have a very alert expression.

The coat coat is dense, flat and well set, slightly rough to the touch. The coat differs on different parts of the body; on the ears it is finer while on the chest, legs and tail it is coarser.

The colours may be different: deep red, deer red, reddish brown, fawn, also pale yellow to yellow-blonde; reddish-grey similar to the winter coat of deer, also carbonated or with small dark speckles. The main colour tends to be more intense on the back. Dark muzzle and ears. Generally, the tail shows small dark speckles.

Care and health of the bayerischer gebirgsschweisshund dog breed

It is a fairly long-lived dog, its average life expectancy being 14 years. As health-wise, it does not present any particular problems, it naturally tends to be overweight, so a healthy, balanced and more or less controlled diet is a must. He is not particularly afraid of the cold, except for his ears, which are very droopy and can get wet in drinking water and give him problems.

As far as coat care is concerned, it does not require any special care because it is a very clean dog in itself. It is sufficient to brush him every now and then, while it is not necessary to bathe him too often.