Finnish Hound

The Finnish Hound is a breed of dog originating in Finland, specifically bred for hunting. It is noted for its distinctive tricolor coat, which combines black, white and tan. In addition, it is known for its excellent sense of smell and great physical endurance.

General details

Dogs of the breed are of medium size, with a weight ranging from 20 to 35 kilograms. Males range in height from 55 to 61 centimeters, while females measure between 52 and 58 centimeters. They have a life expectancy of 11 to 13 years. This breed is included in Group 6 of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), which groups hounds, scent hounds and similar breeds.

Breed history in brief

The Finnish Hound is a breed of dog originating in Finland, whose development began at the end of the 19th century by crossing local field dogs with hounds imported from Germany, Switzerland and the Scandinavian Peninsula. The Finnish Hound was bred specifically for hunting large and small animals (elk or hares), taking advantage of its excellent sense of smell, intelligence and endurance in the difficult Finnish climate and terrain. In 1932 the first breed standard was established and in 1954 it was recognized by the FCI. Today, it is still a valued hunting dog, although its popularity as a family pet has also increased in some countries.

Breed characteristics

The Finnish Hound is a strongly built and muscular dog, with a deep, long chest and a straight back. The eyes are slightly oval and dark brown in color. The ears hang with the front edge close to the head and are set high. The medium length tail is slightly curved, and if the dog is in motion, the tail may rise but never above the topline. The coat of this breed is dense and double, with a short, soft undercoat and a smooth, harsh outer coat of medium length. The tricolor coloration of the coat is black, white and tan. In temperament, the Finnish Hound is friendly, calm and sociable. It maintains a good relationship with children and other animals, and is loyal to its owners. In addition, they are versatile, intelligent and independent dogs, with a strong hunting instinct. Due to their high energy, they require regular exercise and mental stimulation to avoid destructive behavior.

Common health problems

Information on the most common diseases in the Finnish Hound breed is limited. Even so, it is likely to be predisposed to some of the most common disorders in dogs such as hip dysplasia, epilepsy, progressive retinal atrophy and volvulus-gastric dilatation.