Finnish Hound
Other names : Suomenajokoira, Finnish Bracke
The Finnish Hound is one of the country’s native breeds and until recently, probably the most popular. Nevertheless, this dog is a brilliant hunter often used to track down hares and foxes. Their popularity has fallen as they are certainly not show or companion dogs, but the best choice if you are looking for a hunting canine.
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Life expectancy |
The Finnish Hound has a life expectancy of between 11 and 13 years |
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Temperament |
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Size |
Medium
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Adult size |
Female
Between 20 and 23 in
Male
Between 22 and 24 in
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Adult weight |
Female
Between 55 and 62 lb
Male
Between 55 and 62 lb
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Coat colour
A tricolour coat of black, brown and white. Some white markings on the tip of the tail, feet, chest and head are allowed. |
Black
White
Red
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Type of coat
The Finnish Hound has a short, smooth coat. |
Long
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Eye colour
Dark brown. |
Brown
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Purchase price |
The Finnish Hound costs between £400 and £600 |
As this breed is known to have quite an independent and stubborn streak, early socialisation and training when the pups are at a very young age is advised. Firm and consistent routines are needed.
More details about the Finnish Hound
Finnish Hound: Origins and history
During the 1800’s a breeding programme was scheduled which involved Swedish, German and French hounds. The idea was to produce a hound dog that could work in both deep snow and over hilly terrain. The resulting dog, the Finnish Hound, has certainly become one of the most popular dog breeds in Finland. Although it’s quite common in Sweden and Finland, it is very rare to find one of these dogs elsewhere.
Physical characteristics of the Finnish Hound
The Finnish Hound is an athletic dog, who shows lots of stamina. He is well-muscled and robustly built. His body is a rectangular shape and the head is slightly domed. One of this dog’s most noticeable features is his upper lip, which curves into an “n” shape. The dog’s eyes have a tranquil look and his ears are flat and wide, but not very long. He carries his tail low as it tapers to a point.
FCI classification of the Finnish Hound
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Group 6 - Scent hounds and related breeds
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Section 1 : Scent hounds
Finnish Hound: Characteristics
Although not often kept as pets in the home environment, the Finnish Hound will be friendly and calm, and at times affectionate.
This hound gets along well with children and is an energetic and playful dog.
The Finnish Hound can be calm and friendly, especially when not in hunting mode.
Certainly an intelligent dog who lives to hunt when given the opportunity.
The Finnish Hound is a scent hound, who hunts various species of prey like hare and fox. He is always eager to hunt, even in difficult circumstances.
Providing this hound receives adequate attention, he will be friendly with strangers.
As this breed was initially developed as a solo hunting dog, rather than as pack hunters, they can often become quite independent and stubborn.
Finnish Hound: Behaviour
As a dog who works closely with his master when hunting, he can suffer from extreme separation anxiety when left alone for long periods of time.
When it comes to scenting and hunting routines, this dog needs little or no training. However, the same cannot be said for other circumstances. The Finnish Hound can find obedience to be quite challenging and will often tire of his training and become quite stubborn.
As a scent hound, he uses barking as one part of his hunting skills.
The Finnish Hound has a great hunting instinct and will have the inclination to follow his nose, and prey, given the opportunity.
This dog needs plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation to prevent him becoming bored and destructive.
As a medium sized hunting and working dog, he needs a high quality feed. Otherwise, he will always be on the lookout for any other snack.
While they will bark at any new visitor, the Finnish Hound does not display suspicion or aggression so does not make an efficient watchdog.
Training a Finnish Hound
When it comes to scenting and hunting routines, this dog needs little or no training. However, the same cannot be said for other circumstances. The Finnish Hound can find obedience to be quite challenging and will often tire of his training and become quite stubborn.
Finnish Hound: Lifestyle
This energetic dog is not the ideal choice to live in a flat or small home. They are active indoors and will also need a good-sized, secure, outside space in which to exercise.
As the Finnish Hound has been developed as a working dog, he has lots of energy and a high need for exercise. In addition to daily walks and runs, he also needs mental stimulation to prevent him becoming bored and to keep his mind sharp.
This breed will travel in the rear of a vehicle without issue.
Breed compatibility Finnish Hound
This dog will view any small animals as prey and this, coupled with his strong hunting instincts, does not make it the ideal breed to live with cats.
This working dog will tolerate the company of other canines very well. In fact, several hunting dogs are often housed together.
The Finnish Hound is suitable as a children’s companion, being energetic, affectionate and playful towards them.
As this is a high energy dog who requires lots of daily exercise and lots of space to run around freely, he is not recommended as a companion pet for an elderly person.
As an enthusiastic hunting dog, the Finnish Hound is not usually recommended as a companion dog or first pet.
Finnish Hound: Purchase price
The initial cost to purchase a Finnish Hound puppy is between £400 to £600. In addition, a monthly budget of between £80 to £100 will cover costs for feed, vet bills, and pet insurance.
Finnish Hound: Grooming
The short, smooth-haired coat of the Finnish Hound is easy to maintain. Grooming is best done with a firm bristle brush to remove any loose hair.
Finnish Hound: Health
Generally a hardy and healthy dog. Its average life expectancy is between 11 and 13 years.
Without doubt, in the hunting environment, this dog is energetic and alert, with great endurance and stamina.
The Finnish Hound does not cope very well in climates with higher temperatures.
His native Finland is a country of cooler climates, where the Finnish Hound has no issues living and working in cooler temperatures.
As a very fit working breed, the Finnish Hound isn’t likely to gain excess weight when engaged in hunting routines. However, once he has retired from this sport and his lifestyle becomes more sedentary, he will be prone to becoming obese.
- Cerebellar Ataxia
- Ear infections
- Black hair follicular dysplasia
- Hip dysplasia
- Atopic dermatitis
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