Facts & Origin
Origin and use
The Finnish hound originates from Finland and was bred specifically for hunting hares and foxes. Its outstanding ability is to pick up the scent of its prey with great enthusiasm, even under difficult conditions. It works independently, which makes it a versatile tracking dog that pursues its game with a full-sounding bark. Its original standard was first established in 1932 after various breeding lines from different regions of Finland were brought together.
| Alternate Name | Suomenajokoira, Finsk Bracke, Finsk Stövare |
| Origin | Finland |
| Life expectancy | 10 - 12 years |
| Care requirements | low-maintenance |
| Activity level | average to high |
| FCI group | Scent hounds |
| AKC group | not recognised |
| KC group | not recognised |
Attitude, character and temperament of the breed
Character traits & nature
The Finnish Hound is known for its calm and friendly nature, but is also energetic and persistent at work.
This breed is never aggressive, but balanced and intelligent, with a high work ethic. As a hunting dog, it works independently, which makes it ideal for experienced owners who can train it consistently and provide it with sufficient activity.
The Finnish hound as a companion
- Friendly & balanced: One of the outstanding characteristics of this dog is its friendly and even-tempered nature. It rarely shows aggression and is usually reserved towards strangers, but not fearful.
- Eager to work & persistent: Originally bred for hunting, the Finnish Hound has impressive stamina and a strong will to work. However, its hunting instinct can become a challenge in non-hunting situations.
- Intelligent & teachable: He is considered highly intelligent and learns quickly. This makes training him both rewarding and challenging. Early socialization and consistent training are therefore essential.
- Social & family-friendly: Despite its hunting instinct, the Finnish Hound is very family-friendly and gets along well with children. It generally gets along well with other dogs as long as it has been properly socialized.
- Suitable for active owners: Given its high energy and stamina, it is best suited to active families or individuals who can provide it with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
The Finnish Hound impresses with its loving nature. It is the ideal companion for active people who are looking for an intelligent, persistent and family-friendly dog. With the right training and socialization, it will become a loyal and obedient companion.
Health and breeding information
Care of the Finnish Hound
The Finnish Hound, known for its short and shiny coat, is easy to care for but still requires regular attention: its coat should be brushed weekly to remove dead hair and promote a healthy shine. More frequent grooming may be necessary during the shedding season. His ears should be checked regularly for signs of infection or parasites and cleaned if necessary.
It is also recommended to brush their teeth at least three times a week to prevent tartar and gum disease.
Health of the Finnish Hound
Although it is a generally robust breed, there are some health aspects that should be considered:
- Hip dysplasia: Some running dogs can be prone to this genetic condition.
- Eye problems: As with many breeds, eye disease can occur.
- Regular check-ups: An annual health check at the vet is essential to detect possible health problems at an early stage.
Breeding the Finnish Hound
The Finnish Hound is often bred with a focus on its working qualities and stable temperament. It is important to strictly adhere to the standards set by breeding associations. Potential breeding dogs should be tested for known genetic diseases to ensure the health of the puppies.
Appearance and build
This medium-sized, tri-colored dog has a powerful but not heavy build. The body length clearly exceeds the height at the withers, giving it a slender yet sturdy appearance. His back is straight and muscular, the loins are short and strong, while the croup is slightly sloping and well developed. The chest is deep and reaches to the elbows, with well sprung ribs and a visible forechest. The belly is slightly tucked up, which emphasizes his athletic silhouette.
The tail is long and strong, reaches to the hock and has a slightly curved shape. When moving, it is raised but never carried above the topline.
Head and expression
The head of the Finnish Hound is well proportioned, with a slightly domed skull and pronounced eyebrow arches. The topline of the skull runs parallel to the straight bridge of the nose, giving it a balanced profile. The stop is slight but clearly recognizable and the furrow between the eyes is barely visible.
The dark brown eyes are slightly oval shaped, not protruding and give him a calm, alert expression. The ears are of medium length, flat and hang close to the head, with their rear edge pointing slightly outwards. The tip of the nose is black, with well-developed, mobile nostrils that enable him to keep a fine scent.
Movement and limbs
The Finnish Hound is an enduring runner whose movements are characterized by lightness and efficiency. Its preferred gait is a wide, even trot, in which the topline remains stable and the legs are parallel.
The forelegs are strong and straight, with muscular shoulders that are close to the body. The elbows are placed close to the body, which gives him a stable, controlled movement. The hindquarters are well angulated, with long, broad thighs and deep-set, strong hocks. The paws are oval in shape, with tight toes and elastic pads that ensure a secure step.
Coat and coloring
The coat of the Finnish Hound consists of a dense undercoat and a medium-length, firm outer coat. The coat lies close to the body and provides reliable protection against cold and moisture.
Its typical tricolored coat consists of a black mantle with rich tan markings on the head, chest, shoulders, thighs and legs. White markings are often found on the head, neck, chest, lower parts of the legs and the tip of the tail.
Size
With a height at the withers of 55 to 61 cm in males and 52 to 58 cm in females, the Finnish Hound is a medium-sized running dog.
| Fur length | short |
| Fur | flat coated |
| Ear shape | Floppy Ear |
| Tail | lang |
| Anatomy | rugged |
| Size ♀ | 52 - 58 cm |
| Weight ♀ | 20 - 25 kg |
| Size ♂ | 55 - 61 cm |
| Weight ♂ | 20 - 25 kg |
| Suitable For | - |
