Bavarian mountain hound: a description of the breed, nature and interesting facts

This dog is not often found on the streets of even large Russian cities. The Bavarian mountain hound is an animal rare and, without exaggeration, exclusive. These rather stubborn animals dog experts are not recommended to start as pets.

The Bavarian mountain hound is very affectionate to the owner, but requires special education. For her training you need experience and skill. The hunting qualities of the Bavarian mountain have received a well-deserved recognition in Germany, but outside the country of origin the breed has not found wide distribution.

History of the breed

The Bavarian mountain hound appeared in Germany in the 19th century. Although references to similar dogs have been preserved in documents dating from the 15th century. Such hunting dogs were common in the court of the King of Bavaria. They were taken out for catching deer and roe deer in a difficult mountainous area.

Ancestor of our today's heroine was the Hanoverian hound, specializing in the search for prey on the blood trail. However, it soon became clear that she was not adapted to work in the mountainous area - the hound was working on a leash, and the owner moving behind the dog risked breaking off the cliff.

In the seventies of the XIX century Hanoverian hounds were crossed with Tyrolean and Austrian hounds. As a result, a Bavarian mountain hound appeared, which showed excellent results in mountainous conditions. Officially, this breed was recognized in 1912. Interestingly, the breed standard was developed much earlier - in 1870, when the breed was only bred. Until today it is in force.

This breed owes its appearance to Baron Karl Reichenhall. A passionate hunter of the hunt, he dreamed of getting a dog that could work actively towards the mountainous region of Bavaria on the blood trail.

Bavarian mountain hound: a description of the breed

A compact medium-sized dog has short limbs and a rather sturdy physique. The head is somewhat elongated, with a pointed muzzle, rounded hanging ears. The limbs are muscular, paws oval in shape. Straight croup ends in medium length with a saber-like tail.

The sex of the dog does not greatly affect the growth of the animal. In the dog, the height at the withers is 52 cm, and in the withers - 48 cm. The average weight of the Bavarian hound, according to the standard, should not exceed twenty-five kilograms. The wool is dense and short, moderately stiff, adjacent to the body. On the ears and head - more thin and soft, on the tail, limbs and abdomen - stiff and long.

The standard allows red color of different shades and brindle. On the back, the color of the coat is more intense than the rest of the trunk. Darker than the basic color, the mask covers the face and ears. The tail is black. Small white markings on the chest are allowed.

Character and temperament

Bavarian mountain hound - balanced, obedient, benevolent, very affectionate and devoted to its owner dog. With strangers, he behaves rather restrained, but at the same time he never shows aggression. But it must be taken into account that in the first place it is an indispensable assistant to the hunter.

The unique flair of these animals allows them to be successfully used by the police, the rescue service, and, of course, they are indispensable for hunting. Another interesting fact: the Bavarian mountain hound, unlike most similar breeds, never runs away from the owner. Despite the huge hunting enthusiasm, she does not even lose sight of him in the forest and regularly resorts to "notice".

According to the owners of these animals, the "Bavarian" at home and on the hunt are two completely different dogs. In the house the dog behaves calmly and amicably, although he does not tolerate familiarity, and on the hunt he radically changes his behavior, becomes a gambler, capable of making independent decisions.

If you compare the "Bavarian" with other hounds, then the dogs of this breed benefit in many respects: they are rather light, very fast and energetic, which allows them to perform brilliantly on rough terrain. The Bavarian hounds are intelligent and smart, but categorically do not accept force and pressure. When raising a puppy, it is more expedient to use cunning and ingenuity, and then your pet will thank you with obedience and fidelity.

Maintenance and care

Care for the Bavarian hound is simple. Difficulties can only be delivered by strong molting. Bathe this dog no more often than once every two months. It is required to closely monitor the state of the hanging ears of the animal. They need to be inspected regularly (once every ten days) and cleaned with a cotton swab dampened with boiled water.

Mountain hounds need long walks and physical activities that will keep the animal in excellent form between hunting.

Feeding

The Bavarian hound does not suffer from lack of appetite. However, the owners should take into account that the nutrition of the dog during the service and at rest should differ not only in calorie content, but also in the quality composition of the feed. With active activity, your pet will need 30% more protein. In the autumn-winter period, it is desirable to increase the number of animal fats.

Less fat can be compensated for by increasing carbohydrates. As a rule, these are cereals and vegetable supplements, as well as dried wheat or rye bread. Pre-it must be soaked in milk or broth.

Training

Hunting instinct in these animals is developed from birth, so the process of hunting gives them great pleasure. An inexperienced owner during the training of his pet can face stubbornness and obstinacy of the representatives of this breed.

The Bavarian mountain hound is extremely sensitive to correcting the methods of training, so it is advisable to avoid it by basing the lessons on the incentive system. Training should be systematic. They must be conducted by a person who has a corresponding experience in raising such breeds.

Where to buy a puppy?

Often, hunters are interested in: "Where to get a puppy of this breed of good level?" To begin with, you should decide what you are investing in this concept. If you mean an exhibition animal, then it is still difficult in our country. Representatives of this breed are not yet "spoiled" by various shows. As a rule, the selection of animals is conducted according to their working qualities.

Thoroughbred "Bavarians" in fact very little. Interestingly, in the homeland of the breed (in Germany), as in ancient times, puppies of the Bavarian mountain hound are sold only to officially registered hunters. The best livestock is also available in Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland and Latvia.

In recent years and in Russia you can find a nursery of the Bavarian mountain hounds. In Kostroma, for example, for the tenth year the nursery "Goddeshant" operates, which has an excellent reputation among dog handlers and animal owners. Since 2007, professional cynologists have been engaged in breeding and selling Bavarian hound puppies here.

We can recommend you nurseries: "Bird's Nest", located in the Moscow region (Vidnoe), as well as Amber Hope in Yaroslavl.

Bavarian mountain hound: price

Due to the fact that this dog is quite rare in our country, it is not cheap. The cost of the puppy can vary depending on the region. The average price in Moscow is now 40 thousand rubles. It can be lower if the puppy does not have all the necessary accompanying documents. But in this case you risk acquiring a half-breed.