Hanover HoundCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says the Hannoverscher Schweißhund developed almost unchanged from the so-called “leash hound” (Liam hound) of the early Middle Ages, which already played an important role in the time of the Germanic tribes, around the year 500. With the arrival of firearms, dogs were needed to search for wounded game, and the leash hound proved the best suited.

Huntsmen of the Kingdom of Hanover developed the breed further and kept the traditional working methods. Since 1894 the “Verein Hirschmann” association has looked after the breed, and breeding is based strictly on working ability. Wikipedia says that, crossed with the Bavarian hound, it gave rise to the Bavarian Mountain Hound.

How the breed developed

• Around the year 500 – Leash hounds are already important among the Germanic tribes.
• After the arrival of firearms – They become dogs for tracking wounded game.
• 18th–19th centuries – Huntsmen of the Kingdom of Hanover develop the breed.
• 1894 – The Verein Hirschmann association is founded.
• 6 October 1959 – The FCI recognises the breed.
• 19 March 2015 – The current FCI standard is published.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The AKC describes it as a medium to large, well-proportioned and powerful dog. Its muscular legs suit it to tireless work, and its broad, deep chest gives room for the lungs.

General appearance

The forehead is slightly wrinkled, and the broad skull widens towards the back. Wikipedia says it is solidly built, with a large head, strong jaws and a deep chest.

The coat is deer red, from light to dark, more or less brindled, with or without a mask. Small white patches on the chest are tolerated.

The standard describes it as having a calm, self-assured temperament, sensitive towards its handler, selective and reserved with strangers. It has great powers of concentration on any trail and strong loyalty to the hunter.

The AKC says training can be a challenge because of its independent nature. It needs a confident handler with a strong personality; otherwise it ignores commands.

Tips for effective training

• Be confident. The AKC says it ignores anyone it does not see as the leader.
• Give it trail work. It specialises in tracking wounded game.
• Work on the barking. Without activity, it may bark a lot.
• Be gentle. The standard says it is sensitive towards its handler.

The AKC says it needs plenty of physical and mental activity every day; without it, it can become destructive and nervous and may bark non-stop. It needs space and has very great stamina.

Tips for a balanced life

• It is best suited to hunters.
• It needs plenty of space.
• Keep it on a lead outside the yard.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says it needs very little grooming: the short coat needs brushing only occasionally, and baths should be as rare as possible. The ears should be checked regularly and the nails trimmed often.

Common health problems

The AKC says most dogs are healthy. There are no known diseases specific to the breed. Worth watching for:

Other care

• Check the ears regularly.
• Trim the nails often.
• Brush its teeth when needed.

A large, active tracking dog needs good-quality food for medium to large breeds. Adjust the portion to its workload.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Split the food into two meals a day to reduce the risk of bloat.
• Fresh water should always be available.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. The body also reaches its adult form later than in small breeds.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• A blood specialist. It searches for wounded game by following the blood trail.
• A medieval breed. It descends almost unchanged from the leash hound of the Middle Ages.
• Parent of another breed. The Bavarian Mountain Hound was developed from it and the Bavarian hound.
• Strict breeding. Since 1894 the Verein Hirschmann association has bred it for work only.
• Rare. Wikipedia says it did not reach France until the 1980s.

What does a Hanover Hound do?

It searches for wounded game by following the blood trail.

How big does it get?

Males measure 50–55 cm and weigh 30–40 kg; females measure 48–53 cm and weigh 25–35 kg.

Is it a family dog?

It is first and foremost a working dog for hunters; it needs plenty of activity.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 10–14 years.