BAVARIAN (MOUNTAIN SCENTING) BLOODHOUNDS
(Bayrisher Gebirgsschweisshund)

General Description
The Bavarian Bloodhound is very energetic and muscular. It is an average sized dog. The males do not grow taller than 50 cm (18 inches), and the females grow to be about 45 cm (15 inches) in height. The body is elongated and is supported by four stout, muscular legs.

Head
The forehead is wide and flat. The snout is a little lower than the eyes; it is very long and pointed, not rounded at the end. The color of the head should be almost black in color.

Nose and Mouth
The nose is black or a very dark red. The nostrils are very wide and pronounced. The mouth is on the smaller side and does not hang. The mouth is also a dark color. The lips fully cover the mouth.

Ears
The ears are long, soft, and are a dark reddish brown (auburn) color. They are rounded at the base. The ears hang flat against the head. If you place the tips of the ears to the tip of the nose, the ears should not extend past the nose. If they do, they are too long.

Eyes
The eyes are an almond shape. The dogs have either very dark brown or blackish eyes or lids. The eyes should have a glitter or glimmer to them. The lids fold over slightly to protect the eyes.

Neck
The neck is average in length, muscular, and dark in color.

Forequarters
Shoulders are clean, muscular, and indicate speed and strength.

Hindquarters
Smooth, round, and proportionally wide and muscular.

Tail
Average in length. If stretched, it should not touch the ground. It should be carried straight, curved upward, or curved downward. Along the bottom of the tail, the hair is longer, thicker, and coarser.

Gait
Dexterous and graceful, rhythmic footfall. With ample reach in front and drive behind. Covers all types of terrains easily.

Temperament
Eager to please, loyal, intelligent, and alert. Aggressive, bold, and fearless towards other animals, especially when hunting. It can vary between the strains, with a distinction sometimes appearing between those bred for big game and those bred as coon hounds.