Estonian Hound
Also known as: eesti hagijas, chien courant d'Estonie, Estnische Bracke, sabueso de Estonia
The Estonian Hound is a breed originating from Estonia, known for its hunting abilities. The Estonian Hound comes from Estonia, and has a short, smooth, shiny coat. Individual Estonian Hounds vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- Estonia
- Height
- Males
- Coat
- short, smooth, shiny
- Colour
- tricolor (white with black and red markings), bicolor (white and yellow or white and red)
- Other names
- eesti hagijas, chien courant d'Estonie, Estnische Bracke, sabueso de Estonia
About the Estonian Hound
The Estonian Hound is a breed originating from Estonia, known for its hunting abilities. It typically reaches a height of 55-65 cm in males.
Overview
The Estonian Hound ( Estonian : eesti hagijas ) is a scent hound -like breed , with the distinction of being the only dog breed developed in Estonia . It was bred in 1947 when the Soviet Union ''s national economy ministry decided that every country in the Union must have its own breed. In September 2019, the FCI officially recognized the breed.
History
The Estonian Hound resulted from the crossbreeding of several foreign dog breeds with local hunting dogs . The Estonian Hound''s development was announced by an ultimatum issued by the Soviet Union ’s Ministry of Agriculture and Economy in 1947, which ordered every Soviet Republic to establish a local breed of hunting dogs to replace the large breeds of hunting dogs bred at that moment. These large dogs were blamed for the rapid decline of Estonia''s wildlife population; it was established that only dogs with a maximum height of 17 inches were allowed to hunt. The result was a very agile and hard-driven breed that has enjoyed tremendous popularity since then: the modern Estonian Hound. After Estonia regained its independence, the Estonian Hound was proclaimed the country''s national dog.
Description
The Estonian Hound is a dog of medium size and a strong muscular body, bone structure, and well-developed muscles. It has no folds in its skin, and drop ears. The coat is short and rough and should be shiny. The undercoat is weakly developed. This breed''s eyes are dark brown colored. The Estonian Hound usually has black patches and a dark pigmented skin. The size of the patches is unlimited. Blackish-brown color, red patches and a saddle like patches on the back are also allowed, but the tip of the tail has to be white. The Estonian Hound''s height is 17–21 inches (43–53 cm) and it weighs 33–44 pounds (15–20 kg) .
Temperament
The Estonian Hound is happy and pleasant dog with a balanced, calm and active temperament and a high intelligence. It is friendly and should never be aggressive, so it needs to be socialized and exposed to new situations and environments in order to prevent it from being a bit timid. It is good with other dogs and usually also with cats if used to them as a puppy. They love human attention and can get upset when left alone. Proper human to canine communication is really important to its training. They are affectionate and easy to teach; this is important since they have to learn that they cannot hunt hoofed animals in Estonia, where only hare and foxes are allowed to be hunted. The Estonian Hound has a pleasant voice that doesn''t annoy when it hunts.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Estonian Hound?
The Estonian Hound is a medium-sized scent hound with a muscular build, short coat, and a distinctive head shape. Adult Estonian Hounds typically weigh between 25-35 kg and stand 50-60 cm tall at the shoulder. They have a strong instinct to follow their nose and are known for their intelligence and energetic nature.
Is the Estonian Hound a good family dog?
As with any breed, the Estonian Hound's suitability as a family dog depends on the family's lifestyle and experience. They are generally good with children if socialized properly, but their strong hunting instinct may lead them to chase small pets. Regular exercise and training are essential for this breed.
What health problems do Estonian Hounds have?
As a relatively new breed, there is limited information available on specific health issues affecting Estonian Hounds. However, scent hounds are generally prone to hip dysplasia, ear infections, and eye problems. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help identify potential health issues early on.
How much does a Estonian Hound puppy cost?
The cost of an Estonian Hound puppy can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. On average, a puppy from a reputable breeder can cost between €500-€1,500 (approximately $550-$1,650 USD). It's essential to research and find a responsible breeder to ensure you're getting a healthy puppy.
Where do Estonian Hounds come from?
The Estonian Hound comes from Estonia. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Estonian Hound, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.