Bavarian Mountain Hound

Scenthound Group

The goals and purposes of this breed standard include: to furnish guidelines for breeders who wish to maintain the quality of their breed and to improve it; to advance this breed to a state of similarity throughout the world; and to act as a guide for judges.

Breeders and judges have the responsibility to avoid any conditions or exaggerations that are detrimental to the health, welfare, essence and soundness of this breed, and must take the responsibility to see that these are not perpetuated.

Any departure from the following should be considered a fault, and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.

History

The Bavarian Mountain Hound is descended from the original hunting dogs that were called ‘Bracken’. All Bracken have outstanding abilities for tracking and trailing. The Bavarian Mountain Hound was bred to be a lighter leash trailing scenthound that could be used in mountainous regions. They have been so successful that today they are the classic companion in the mountains of Bavaria for the professional hunter and gamekeeper.

The Bavarian Mountain Hound was recognized by the United Kennel Club January 1, 1996.

General Appearance

A very well balanced, fairly light, active and mobile, medium sized, short coated dog that is slightly longer than tall, and stands with its rear slightly higher than its shoulders.

Characteristics

Calm, self assured and biddable, the Bavarian Mountain Hound is devoted to its owners, but may be reserved with strangers.

Head

SKULL

The skull is relatively broad and very slightly arched. The occiput is not pronounced, and the stop is well defined. The cheeks are only moderately pronounced.

MUZZLE

The muzzle is slightly shorter than the skull, and sufficiently broad so that it never appears pointed. The nasal bridge is straight or slightly convex. The lips are pendulous.

TEETH

The Bavarian Mountain Hound has a complete set of evenly spaced, white teeth meeting in a scissors or level bite.

Disqualifications: Markedly overshot or undershot. Wry mouth. Missing teeth other than P1.

NOSE

Black or dark red, of good size with well opened nostrils.

Serious Fault: Pink nose.

EYES

The eyes are not too large or too round. They are brown of varying shades. The expression is clear and alert, and the eyerims are tight fitting.

Serious Fault: Loose eyerims.
Disqualifications: Entropion or ectropion.

EARS

Set on high, broad at the base, and rounded at the tips, the ears are heavy and hang close to the head, without any twist. They are nearly long enough to reach to the nose but not beyond.

Neck

Medium in length, and strong, with a slight dewlap.

Forequarters

The shoulder blade and upper arm are long and sloping, meeting at a good angle that sets the front legs well under the body.

FORELEGS

The forelegs are lean, strong and straight, with good bone and muscle. The elbows fit close to the body. The pasterns are slightly sloping.

Body

The chest is moderately broad and deep, with a well developed forechest. The ribs are oval in shape, deep and long, and reach well back. The withers are barely defined. The topline slopes gently upwards from the withers to the hindquarters. The back is strong and supple. The loin is short, broad and muscular, and the croup is long and fairly flat. There is a slight tuck up.

Hindquarters

The hindquarters are well angulated to match the front assembly.

HIND LEGS

The upper thigh is broad and very muscular. The lower thigh is long and sinewy. The stifle and hock joints are strong and the rear pasterns are short and vertical.

Feet

The feet are spoon shaped, with tight, well arched toes, and cushioned pads that are well pigmented.

Tail

Set on high and medium in length, reaching at most to the hock. It is carried horizontally or slightly slanting downwards.

Disqualification: Kinked tail.

Coat

Dense, close fitting and harsh, with little gloss, the coat is finer on the head and ears, and harsher and longer on the belly, legs and tail.

Serious Faults: Fine or thin coat.

Color

Biscuit, fawn, clear tan through deep red, reddish grey, also brindled or interspersed with black hair. The basic color on the back is generally more intense, and the muzzle and ears are dark. A small white star on the chest is permitted.

Serious Fault: Any other color, including black and tan.

Height and Weight

Height for males is 18.5 to 20.5 inches. For females, it is 17 to 19 inches.

Serious Fault: Any deviation from stated sizes.

Gait

Light and springy, and ground covering, with legs straight and parallel.

Disqualifications

(A dog with a Disqualification must not be considered for placement in a conformation event, and must be reported to UKC.)
Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid.
Viciousness or extreme shyness.
Albinism.
Markedly overshot or undershot.
Wry mouth.
Missing teeth other than P1.
Entropion or ectropion.
Kinked tail.