What is so great about Hanoverian Scenthounds?
When most people think of a hound, they often say what comes to mind is a stinky, drooling, baying, aloof and hard to communicate with type of dog. The Hanoverian Scenthound fits none of these descriptors.
In our experience, Hanoverians exhibit the following traits:
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Bred to track/detect as well as a Bloodhound, without everything that comes with Bloodhounds
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General demeanor: Calm and quiet
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Drive: High, but with "off switch"
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Temperament: Sweet and affectionate
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Cognitive type: Incredibly smart, quick learners, highly receptive to handler
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Home life: Excellent in the home, coat is wash and wear, no drool unless food is involved, and then it's minimal.
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Working ability: Very versatile, due to the breed's athleticism and incredible nose
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Sensitive to handler, biddable and willing
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Friendly and approachable appearance
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Hilarious personalities!
It is important to note: there are several Hanoverian lines in the USA that have demonstrated high sensitivity to their environment and react with a great deal of fear to people they don't know. This is genetic. We have carefully selected outgoing, social, purebred Hanoverians from Europe who possess high environmental thresholds. There are no US bred dogs, nor are there any mix breed versions of the Hanoverian, in our program. We do not breed crosses, nor do we select dogs for breeding that are not social or unsound environmentally. Read about genetics here.
Hanoverian Scenthound FAQ:
How big do Hanoverian's get?
The FCI standard for height is 50-55cm, or 19-21 inches at the wither for males, and 48-53 cm or 18-20 inches at the wither for females. The standard for weight is 30-40kg, or 60-80lbs, and females 25-35kg, or 55-70lbs.
What are the coat colors for the Hanoverian?
Brindle is most common, with solid Red being the only coat colors - and the coat is always short/smooth
Are Hanoverians hard headed like other hounds?
Hanoverians are very sensitive to their owners but a solid recall must be taught at an early age. They are not overly stubborn unless you do not do the work required at an early age. While time in an outdoor kennel is fine, Hanoverians are household dogs, not kennel dogs. Please research more appropriate breeds if your plan is for the dog to be outside full time.
Do Hanoverians drool? Unless food is involved, we see very little drooling (or we wouldn't own them). They don't stink like some hound breeds do and we also love that they don't bay.
Are Hanoverian's destructive?
They are, they are working dogs and need to be busy. Don't leave your most valuable items unattended, and don't blame the dog if he does destroy something you own. That is your fault. Show your puppy what is acceptable, and before long he will learn to ignore your items. If you don't work the dog or train him, don't expect him to know better. Crates and kennels are important items to buy so you can avoid scolding the puppy all the time. We really avoid correcting puppies for as long as we possibly can. We keep frozen bones, hooves, and bully sticks on hand for boredom.
What are Hanoverian's personalities like?
Hilarious! Groaning backtalk. Inspecting your "taint" whether you like it or not, it's going to happen. A nose in your ear, a nose in your mouth if they don't like your singing voice. Serious inspection of every centimeter of your face. The snoopy dance when they are excited. They love to jump when they are excited. Massive amounts of affection and love. They are goofy and extremely loveable, and way smarter than you'd believe! I call them the "intellectual hound". The facial expressions are endless lol. Don't trust your hound around food or good whiskey either, it will be gone.
What is the difference between a Hanoverian and Bavarian?
Probably the most common question we get. We also own a Bavarian, and while we adore him, and he has a great nose, there are a lot of "moods", they are slow to recover from correction, and may pout for days about something they are upset about. Let's just say, there is much less drama. Hanoverians are no nonsense and serious when it comes to working, they don't resent it, and they are reliable for work. Of course there is the physical difference. Male Bavarians top out around 45-50lbs, where Male Hanoverians average 65-75lbs. Bavarians only come in a red coat color most often with a black mask. Their muzzle tapers up to the snout when observing the profile. The Hanoverian comes in Red, Brindle, Reverse Brindle, sometimes with black masks. Their muzzle is more square and full. I must reiterate, the Bavarian is a great dog, and they serve a great purpose for many happy owners.
Are Hanoverians Athletic?
Yes!! They are, and they especially love to jump. If you don't want them jumping on you, then you need to be clear and consistent in the message about jumping. Sometimes yes and sometimes no, is improper training and you'll end up frustrated. For working homes - which is 90% of what we sell, it is important that you don't "nit pick" the dog in the home about jumping on things, if you want this behavior in the field. They love to run, hike, swim as much as they enjoy working, and these activities are important outlets for their energy.