German Hound
Energetic, loyal, and skilled at tracking, this breed thrives in active households. Adaptable and social, the German Hound forms strong bonds with both family and other dogs.
Breed Characteristics

Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
40–53 cm (male)
40–53 cm (female)
WEIGHT
18–27 kg (male)
16–25 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
10–12 years
German Hound: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance

Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A German Hound isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding German Hound's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The German Hound is even-tempered, friendly, and sociable, displaying a gentle nature with people and other dogs. This breed is known for being both adaptable and calm.
Key Personality Traits
Generally good-natured and sociable with people
Learns commands quickly and solves simple problems
Highly active and requires regular exercise
Enjoys some games but not overly playful
Adjusts moderately well to new environments

Strengths
- Excellent scent-tracking abilities
- Strong stamina for long hunts
- Loyal and affectionate with family
- Generally healthy with few genetic issues
- Adaptable to various outdoor environments
Challenges
- Requires extensive daily exercise
- Prone to independent and stubborn behavior
- May chase small animals instinctively
- Not suited for apartment living
- Needs consistent training and socialization

Protect your German Hound
German Hound are active and energetic, but they can develop ear infections and hip dysplasia. Get peace of mind with PetSecur's comprehensive coverage.
Intelligence & exercise needs
German Hounds are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Learns with consistency
Overall rating
German Hounds are intelligent and quick learners, responding well to consistent training methods. They are cooperative but can show some independence, requiring patient and positive reinforcement.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
60–90 minutes daily
recommended per day
This breed has high exercise needs and thrives on regular, vigorous physical activity such as long walks and scent-based games. Mental stimulation is important to keep them content and well-behaved.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
German Hounds are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a German Hound would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Needs experienced handling and consistent training
Apartment Living
Requires space and frequent outdoor activity
Active Lifestyle
Thrives with active owners and regular exercise
Kids
Generally gentle but may be boisterous with small children
Multiple Pets
Can get along if well-socialized early
Being Left Alone
Dislikes being left alone for extended periods
Breed comparisons
Wondering how German Hounds compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about German Hound
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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