Hungarian Hound - Transylvanian Scent Hound
Other names: Erdélyi kopó, Transylvanian Hound
The Transylvanian Hound is a hunting dog from Hungary, specially developed to suit the climate, hunting conditions and terrain. This medium-sized dog looks very noble, with an athletic, muscular body and elegant gait. He is very similar in looks to the Rottweiler, as he has the same coat colouring. However, this hound is a slimmer dog with a more athletic look. As well as being a proficient hunting breed, he has a lovely personality and makes a fine family pet.
Key facts about the Hungarian Hound - Transylvanian Scent Hound
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Origins and history
The Transylvanian Hound, or Erdelyi Kopó as he is known in Hungary, is an ancient breed. It came about because of the hunting conditions, territory and climate of the area in which it was first bred. During the Middle Ages, this hound was a favourite hunting dog used by the Aristocracy. Initially, two different varieties evolved: a short-legged dog which was used for hunting hares or foxes and a long-legged hound which hunted lynx, wild boars and bears.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 6 - Scent hounds and related breeds
Section
Section 1 : Scent hounds
Physical characteristics of the Hungarian Hound - Transylvanian Scent Hound
Adult size
Female : Between 22 and 26 in
Male : Between 22 and 26 in
Weight
Female : Between 55 and 66 lb
Male : Between 55 and 66 lb
Coat colour
Black with tan markings.
Type of coat
This breed has a short, smooth coat that is very shiny and dense.
Eye colour
Dark brown.
Description
The Transylvanian Hound is a medium sized canine, with a noble appearance and the build of an athlete. With a dome-shaped skull, a black nose with wide nostrils and almond shaped dark brown eyes that are very expressive. The ears have curved tips and hang close to the dog’s face. With a wide chest and long straight legs, this dog is certainly built for speed.
Good to know
The Transylvanian Hound was almost extinct at the beginning of the 20th century. A determined breeding programme was set up in 1968 and to date, a significant increase in the number of dogs from this breed exist. It is worth noting that the long-legged variety of the Transylvanian Hound is thriving, whereas the short-legged variety has disappeared.
Temperament
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Affectionate
This dog is very amiable and friendly, especially towards his family.
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66%
Playful
He is an ideal family favourite with a playful nature.
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66%
Calm
The Transylvanian Hound is quite adaptable, very calm and well-balanced.
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66%
Intelligent
An intelligent canine, who enjoys any opportunity to use his brain. While he is excellent at tracking and retrieving, he can also adapt to other activities, such as obedience and agility.
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100%
Hunter
This dog was originally bred as a hunting dog.
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100%
Fearful / wary of strangers
Initially a little wary around strangers. However, once they get to know the person, the dog will relax and become quite friendly.
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66%
Independent
Often independent, especially when in the hunting field. He is capable of hunting over long distances alone, away from his owner.
Behaviour of the Hungarian Hound - Transylvanian Scent Hound
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66%
Tolerates solitude
The Transylvanian Hound has no issues being independant.
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33%
Easy to train / obedience
This breed excels at various dog sports, and will easily be trained at tracking game. This dog needs a firm and consistent hand and positive reinforcement methods work best.
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100%
Barking
A very observant dog, who will get his owner’s attention by barking, often with loud and persistent barks.
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66%
Tendency to run away
A curious dog who will chase after any interesting scent in the hunting field.
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66%
Destructive
If the Transylvanian Hound isn’t given sufficient physical and mental stimulation, problem and destructive behaviours can result.
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66%
Greedy / Gluttony
This dog isn’t greedy, providing he receives a high-quality diet, suitable for his size and energy expenditure.
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100%
Guard dog
His loyalty and courage make him an excellent guard dog. Naturally alert and defensive, many people use the Transylvanian Hound to guard their property.
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33%
First dog
Even though this hound was developed as a hunting dog, he also makes a great companion pet. He needs consistent training routines and early socialisation.
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Is the Hungarian Hound - Transylvanian Scent Hound right for you?
take the testLifestyle
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33%
Hungarian Hound - Transylvanian Scent Hound in a flat
The Transylvanian Hound will not be suited to an urban lifestyle in a small flat. He needs outdoor space in which to roam freely.
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100%
Need for exercise / Sporty
Obviously, as a hunting dog, the Transylvanian Hound is fairly active. He needs adequate daily exercise to maintain good health. He will appreciate a daily jog or walk, which is a necessity to prevent any unruly behaviours.
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33%
Travelling / easy to transport
This hound will happily travel in a vehicle, but perhaps not on public transport.
Compatibility
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33%
Hungarian Hound - Transylvanian Scent Hound and cats
This breed is intended to track and chase prey and he won’t be able to prevent the urge to chase a cat.
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33%
Hungarian Hound - Transylvanian Scent Hound and dogs
Generally gets along well with other dogs, and certainly fine when hunting in a pack with other canines.
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33%
Hungarian Hound - Transylvanian Scent Hound and children
The Transylvanian Hound is good-mannered and calm around children, especially those that he knows and trusts.
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66%
Hungarian Hound - Transylvanian Scent Hound and the elderly
This hound is not the best choice for people who live a more sedentary lifestyle, as this dog likes to be kept busy, both physically and mentally.
Price
The cost to purchase a Transylvanian Hound puppy is between £400 to £600. An additional monthly budget of between £80 to £100 will be needed to cover costs such as food, vets bills, and pet insurance.
Grooming
The Transylvanian Hound requires little in the way of coat maintenance. An occasional grooming with a firm bristle brush should suffice.
Nutrition of the Hungarian Hound - Transylvanian Scent Hound
This dog should do very well if fed a high-quality dog food. This product should be appropriate to the dog’s size and activity levels.
Health of the Hungarian Hound - Transylvanian Scent Hound
Life expectancy
This is a very healthy and hardy breed, in the majority of cases. Its average life expectancy is between 10 and 12 years.
Strong / robust
This courageous dog shows little fear when in the hunting field and confronted by any threatening prey. He has a superior amount of stamina and is able to hunt alone for long distances over many terrains.
Withstand heat
The short coat of this hound keep him cool during periods of warmer weather, however, shade should be provided when in the heat of the sun.
Withstand cold
The Transylvanian Hound works without any issues in many cooler weather situations, and over mountainous terrains.
Tendency to put on weight
Care must be taken to monitor this dog’s food intake and exercise levels, to prevent any obesity.