The Transylvanian Hound is an ancient Hungarian breed used for hunting in varied terrain. It is a courageous, persevering dog with a balanced temperament. It is noted for its ability to follow tracks and its ability to adapt to extreme weather conditions.
General details
The breed has a medium size and an athletic appearance. The average weight is approximately 25 kilograms, while the height varies between 55 and 65 centimeters. The life expectancy of the Transylvanian Hound is 10 to 14 years. The breed belongs to Group 6 of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), which includes scent hounds, tracking dogs and similar breeds.
Breed history in brief
The Transylvanian Hound, also known as Erdélyi Kopó, is an ancient Hungarian breed that, during the Middle Ages, was highly valued by the nobility for hunting. However, due to the advance of agriculture and deforestation, its role was limited to the inaccessible forests of the Carpathian Mountains. The Transylvanian Hound was divided into two varieties, the large and the small, which were usually bred together. The large variety was used for big game, such as buffalo, bear and lynx, while the small variety was used for small game, such as foxes and rabbits in wooded or rocky terrain. Today, specimens of the large variety exist in Hungary and Romania, while the small variety has disappeared.
Breed characteristics
The Transylvanian Hound is a medium sized hound with an overall athletic and muscular appearance. Its head is elongated but not pointed, with medium-sized, almond-shaped, dark brown eyes. The ears are medium set, hanging close to the cheeks and broadening along their length, ending in a rounded tip. The tail, medium set and strong, curves gently upward at rest and is carried folded over the dorsal line when excited.
The coat is short, dense and smooth all over the body, including the abdominal area. It is characterized by swirls and ridges in the coat. Under the outer coat, there is an undercoat of wool. The basic color of the coat is black, with tan markings on the eye area, muzzle and limbs.
The Transylvanian Hound has a good temperament, calm and balanced. They are dogs known for their courage, perseverance and determination in their work. They show great endurance and adaptability, as they are able to withstand extreme weather conditions. In addition, they stand out for their ability to follow tracks with precision and for their ability to work in a team.
Common health problems
Information on the most common diseases in the Transylvanian Hound breed is very limited, it is not known to be prone to specific health problems. Even so, it is likely to be predisposed to some of the more common dog disorders such as hip dysplasia, eye problems and dermatitis.
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