Hanoverian Scenthound
🧠 Temperament & character
The Hanoverian Scenthound is calm, focused and remarkably bonded to one handler. At work he shows the highest concentration, endurance and an unwavering will to follow the trail. Towards strangers he is reserved and unobtrusive. His serious, wilful character calls for an experienced handler who gives him clear tasks.
📜 Origin & history
The Hanoverian Scenthound goes back to the medieval leash hounds, which were already used then for tracking wounded game. In the 19th century the hunting estates in Hanover developed today's type as a specialised tracking hound. To this day he is used almost exclusively by professional hunters and trained tracking handlers.
✂️ Grooming, care & training
The Hanoverian Scenthound's short, dense coat is easy to care for and requires little effort. What is decisive is not physical exercise at any cost, but the demanding tracking and scent work for which he was bred. He needs calm, clear training and a close bond with his handler. Without a genuine tracking task his great potential remains unused.
🩺 Health
The Hanoverian Scenthound is a robust working breed with a life expectancy of about ten to thirteen years. Hip dysplasia occasionally occurs, which is why reputable breeders have the parent animals examined accordingly. As with other dogs with pendulous ears, regular ear checks are sensible. Overall he is regarded as a healthy, long-lived specialist given good breeding selection.
🏡 Who is this breed right for?
The Hanoverian Scenthound belongs exclusively in the hands of hunters and trained tracking handlers. As a family, sport or apartment dog he is unsuitable because he needs a genuine, demanding working task. He requires a great deal of experience, a close bond and calm, consistent leadership. In Switzerland too he is found almost only in the professional hunting environment.