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Hanoverian scenthound

The Hanoverian Scenthound was developed in Germany from the old Liam hounds used by medieval hunters, and it does one job: tracking wounded large game over cold trails, often many hours old and many kilometres long.

Foresters and professional hunters use it for exactly that.

It stands 48 to 55 centimetres, weighs 25 to 40 kilograms and lives ten to fourteen years, with a short dense coat in red-brown to brindle and a serious, wrinkled expression. It is calm and quiet at home and utterly absorbed on a trail. Like the Bavarian Mountain Hound, it is sold almost exclusively to working hunters, and the breed clubs are strict about it.

Origin
Hanover, Germany; from medieval Liam hound stock
Size
48–55 cm; 25–40 kg
Lifespan
10–14 years
Coat
Short and dense, red-brown to brindle
Purpose
Tracking wounded game on cold trails; sold mainly to hunters
Temperament
Calm and quiet at home; single-minded when working

2 hanoverian scenthound photos, newest first

  • Basil II, a hanoverian scenthound

    Basil II

    Basil II was promoted to camping guide assembling a tent much too small; unfortunately, a balloon bouquet pulls a tiny chair upward.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Basil II, a hanoverian scenthound

    Basil II

    Caught Basil II mid-yawn, as usual.

    MerryBadger · 2 weeks ago

Living with a hanoverian scenthound

This breed needs tracking work, and German clubs restrict sales to working hunters and foresters for that reason. Without a trail to follow the drive has nowhere to go.

For a non-hunting owner, blood-tracking sport and mantrailing are the nearest substitutes and should be pursued seriously rather than occasionally.

Recall is poor once tracking begins. Long lines and secure fencing.

They are reserved with strangers and strongly bonded to one handler, and they are quiet and undemanding indoors.

Grooming is minimal. Check ears weekly and ask for hip scores. They are physically robust with few inherited problems.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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