Discover Everything About Hanoverian Scenthound
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
At a glance
Hanoverian Scenthound overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
The Hannoverscher Schweisshund is a robust working breed with a very low genetic disease burden. The primary focus in breeding is on hip dysplasia (HD), which is the only relevant hereditary condition strictly monitored through mandatory health tests. Buyers can expect a very healthy and stable dog, provided that the parents are confirmed to be free of HD.
Lifespan
10–14 yrs
Height
50–55 cm
Weight
25–40 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,800 – 3,000 €
- Coat: Short, dense and smooth
- Origin: Germany
Typical coat colors
- Deer red
- rarely with a small white breast spot
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Hanoverian Scenthound, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Hanoverian Scenthound right for you?
The Hannoverscher Schweißhund is a stoic, incredibly resilient tracking dog—bred as a highly specialized bloodhound to track wounded game on a long leash through difficult terrain. This deep level of focus makes him a loyal companion who absolutely requires a genuine job to do.
Perfect for you if:
- You are a hunter or can offer him high-level, challenging tracking work—simple walks are never enough for this hardware.
- You live in a rural area, ideally right by the edge of the forest, and have daily access to vast natural spaces.
- You lead with calm, patience, and a sense of partnership, as this independent worker will immediately shut down if treated with unnecessary harshness.
- You are looking for a deeply devoted one-family dog that shows an indifferent, calm demeanor toward strangers.
Less ideal if:
- You expect a dog that joyfully fetches balls in the meadow—he was bred to read invisible trails for hours, not for mindless repetition.
- You live in a busy city, where the constant sensory overload on asphalt completely contradicts his calm, forest-oriented nature.
- You have to leave him alone for long periods during the week, as this worker, who is strongly bonded to his handler, will wither in isolation.
The real vibes check
A Hannoverscher Schweißhund on a trail is like a surgeon at the operating table—the rest of the world ceases to exist for him. You aren't getting a classic companion dog that just tags along, but a highly professional colleague for the forest. If you challenge and guide this absolute devotion to his nose, he will never leave your side in everyday life.
Breed Profile
The Hanoverian Bloodhound is an impressive sight. He is strong and well proportioned with strong bone structure and powerful musculature. His head is broad and the expression in his dark brown eyes shows intelligence and seriousness. His ears are set high and of medium length, drooping, giving him a noble and serious look. The Hanoverian Scenthound has a short, dense and smooth coat that protects it from bad weather. This dog belongs to FCI Group 6: Hounds, Scenthounds and related breeds. The Hanoverian Scenthound does not differentiate between performance and show lines. Its appearance clearly shows its abilities and purpose as a working dog, especially as a tracker.
| Height | 50 - 55 cm (Female), 50 - 55 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 25 - 35 kg (Female), 30 - 40 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 10 - 14 years |
| Character | Loyal, Intelligent, Quiet |
| Coat | Short, dense and smooth |
| Coat Color | Deer red, rarely with a small white breast spot |
| Price | 1800 - 3000 € |
History
The history of the Hanoverian Bloodhound goes back a long way. It is descended from medieval hunting dogs that were bred specifically to search for wounded game. The dogs of this breed have their origins in the region around Hanover, Germany, where they have been known since the 17th century. The Hanoverian Bloodhound is known for its skills as a sniffer dog and was primarily used to search for injured game. His impressive endurance and unwavering will make him an invaluable aid to hunters. The breed was systematically developed and spread by the Hirschmann Association in the 19th century. In 1894 the "Hirschmann e.V. Association" founded, which is dedicated to the breeding and promotion of this breed. The Hanoverian Scenthound was officially recognized as an independent breed in 1935.
The Hanoverian Bloodhound was developed for searching for injured game and is characterized by an excellent sense of smell.
Germany
Mittelalter
Character & Temperament
The Hanoverian Bloodhound is known for its loyalty, intelligence and calm character. He is a highly specialized working dog who takes his job very seriously and is extremely reliable. In his element he shows incredible concentration and endurance. He is a fairly calm dog who has a strong bond with his Establishes a reference person. He is therefore very people-oriented and needs close contact with his family. Despite his calm and serious nature, the Hanoverian Hound can also be playful, especially when around people he knows and trusts. Since this breed was traditionally used to search for wounded game, the Hanoverian Bloodhound can have a strong hunting instinct. However, his drive is mainly directed towards finding clues and not towards killing wild animals. It is important that potential owners are aware of this trait and take appropriate measures to ensure that the dog can express its urges in an appropriate manner. In terms of its independence, the Hanoverian Scenthound is an interesting mix. On the one hand, he is a very independent worker, able to make decisions and solve problems on his own when he is on the trail. On the other hand, he is closely connected to his caregiver and looks for guidance and confirmation. Another aspect to note about this breed is its alertness. The Hanoverian Scenthound is a keen observer and will notice any new visitor or change in his surroundings. However, he is not a classic guard dog and will generally not be aggressive towards strangers. Instead, he will probably stand back and monitor the situation. When it comes to staying alone, Hanoverian Bloodhounds can learn to be alone for short periods of time, provided they receive enough physical and mental exercise. However, you should note that these dogs form close bonds with their people and prefer to be around them. Therefore, you should make sure that your future four-legged friend is not left alone for too long. All in all, the Hanoverian Scenthound is a fascinating, loyal and intelligent dog that builds a close bond with its people and, with the right leadership and appropriate activity, is a balanced and contented member of the family.
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
| Watchfulness A natural watchdog with real protective instinct. | High |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
Did you know that the Hanoverian Scenthound is one of the oldest hunting dog breeds in Germany? They have an impressive history and were used to track game as early as the Middle Ages!
What Awaits You
The Hanoverian Scenthound has a calm and secure temperament, but at the same time it is sensitive towards its handler and picky and demanding towards strangers. He has a high level of concentration when tracking and a strong loyalty to the hunter in charge.
Housing & Care
As a working dog used to track game, the Hanoverian Scenthound is best kept in rural areas or in households with large gardens. He is less suited to city life as he needs sufficient exercise and mental stimulation to be happy and balanced. Although the Hanoverian Scenthound forms a strong bond with his family, he is not necessarily the best choice for families with small children. He is not a classic family dog and can feel uncomfortable in loud and chaotic environments. They are generally good with other pets, provided they have been properly socialized.
| Family Friendly Loves family life and thrives in a group. | Family-oriented |
| Child Friendly Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride. | Patient with children |
| Dog Friendly Usually gets on fine with other dogs. | Generally tolerant |
| City Friendly City-appropriate with enough exercise and stimulation. | Manageable in cities |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
The Hanoverian Scenthound is an intelligent, serious and determined animal that loves challenges when training. His traditional role as a sniffer dog should be taken into account in his training, such as using search games and tracking to satisfy his natural instincts. Since this breed has a strong work ethic, it is important to find a good balance and not risk “over-busy” the dog. A certain level of frustration tolerance and impulse control should be developed during training to help the dog keep a cool head even in stressful or exciting situations. While Hanoverian Bloodhounds can have a tendency to be “ball junkies.” This can be offset by a variety of activities and workouts that satisfy their work urges in other ways. It's important to challenge the dog mentally and use his problem-solving skills to keep him busy and happy.
Nutrition & Care
The Hanoverian Scenthound is an active dog that requires a balanced diet to meet its energy needs. High-quality food that is tailored to the dog's age, weight and activity level is important for its health and performance. Whether you choose dry food, wet food, or a raw diet, make sure your dog is getting all the necessary nutrients. Grooming the coat of the Hanoverian Scenthound is relatively uncomplicated. Its short, thick fur can kept healthy and clean through occasional brushing. This breed has an undercoat and can tolerate the climate in Germany well. They shed moderately and more during the spring and fall seasons.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding No or minimal hair loss — suitable for allergy sufferers. | No shedding |
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
Solid
Health grade
The Hannoverscher Schweisshund is a robust working breed with a very low genetic disease burden. The primary focus in breeding is on hip dysplasia (HD), which is the only relevant hereditary condition strictly monitored through mandatory health tests. Buyers can expect a very healthy and stable dog, provided that the parents are confirmed to be free of HD.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
You should ensure a healthy weight and joint-friendly upbringing to relieve the strain on your dog's heavily used back and joints in daily life.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the hips, elbows, back, eyes, and hearts of the parent animals tested to maintain the physical resilience of these heavy dogs within the bloodline.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Experiences with the Hanoverian Scenthound
Thomas B., Berufsjäger aus dem Harz (Rüde, seit 2021)
Als Berufsjäger führe ich meinen Rüden Oskar nun schon seit über fünf Jahren im täglichen Reviereinsatz. Für mich gibt es bei der erschwerten Nachsuche auf Schalenwild keinen zuverlässigeren Partner. Die Konzentration und Ausdauer, die er an den Tag legt, sobald er am Riemen arbeitet, sind phänomenal. Er ist ein absoluter Spezialist, der seine Aufgabe extrem ernst nimmt und selbstständig schwierige Fährten ausarbeitet.
Im Haus ist er das genaue Gegenteil: ein unfassbar ruhiger, fast schon stoischer Hund, der eine extrem enge Bindung zu mir hat. Er ist sehr menschenbezogen und sucht ständig meine Nähe. Fremden gegenüber verhält er sich neutral bis distanziert, beobachtet aber alles sehr genau.
Man muss sich jedoch im Klaren sein, dass diese Rasse kein Hund für 'normale' Spaziergänge ist. Ohne echte jagdliche Auslastung verkümmert sein Potenzial. Wer glaubt, einen HS als reinen Begleithund halten zu können, unterschätzt seinen extremen Finderwillen und seine Eigenständigkeit, die draußen schnell in Sturheit umschlagen kann, wenn er nicht ausgelastet ist.
sinngemäß aus echten Halterberichten
Community Posts
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Frequently asked questions about the Hanoverian Scenthound
Is a Hanoverian Scenthound the right dog for me?
The Hanoverian Scenthound is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Hanoverian Scenthound live?
The average life expectancy of a Hanoverian Scenthound is 10-14 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Hanoverian Scenthound need?
Hanoverian Scenthound grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Hanoverian Scenthound good for families with children?
The Hanoverian Scenthound can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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