Hungarian Hound - Transylvanian Scent Hound

Black with tan markings.

This breed has a short, smooth coat that is very shiny and dense. 

Dark brown.

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. 

This dog is very amiable and friendly, especially towards his family.

He is an ideal family favourite with a playful nature.

The Transylvanian Hound is quite adaptable, very calm and well-balanced. 

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. 

This dog was originally bred as a hunting dog.

Initially a little wary around strangers. However, once they get to know the person, the dog will relax and become quite friendly.

Often independent, especially when in the hunting field. He is capable of hunting over long distances alone, away from his owner. 

The Transylvanian Hound has no issues being independant.

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. 

A very observant dog, who will get his owner’s attention by barking, often with loud and persistent barks. 

A curious dog who will chase after any interesting scent in the hunting field.

If the Transylvanian Hound isn’t given sufficient physical and mental stimulation, problem and destructive behaviours can result.

This dog isn’t greedy, providing he receives a high-quality diet, suitable for his size and energy expenditure. 

His loyalty and courage make him an excellent guard dog. Naturally alert and defensive, many people use the Transylvanian Hound to guard their property.

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.

The Transylvanian Hound will not be suited to an urban lifestyle in a small flat. He needs outdoor space in which to roam freely. 

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. 

This hound will happily travel in a vehicle, but perhaps not on public transport.

This breed is intended to track and chase prey and he won’t be able to prevent the urge to chase a cat. 

Generally gets along well with other dogs, and certainly fine when hunting in a pack with other canines.

The Transylvanian Hound is good-mannered and calm around children, especially those that he knows and trusts. 

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.

Average shedder.

This is a very healthy and hardy breed, in the majority of cases. Its average life expectancy is between 10 and 12 years.

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. 

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.

The Transylvanian Hound works without any issues in many cooler weather situations, and over mountainous terrains.

Care must be taken to monitor this dog’s food intake and exercise levels, to prevent any obesity.

• Hip dysplasia
• Elbow dysplasia

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.