Finnish Hound
Also known as: Suomenajokoira
The Finnish Hound is a breed originating from Finland, weighing 20-25 kg. The Finnish Hound comes from Finland, and typically weighs 20–25 kg. Individual Finnish Hounds vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- Finland
- Weight
- 20–25 kg (44–55 lb)
- Height
- Males
- Other names
- Suomenajokoira
About the Finnish Hound
The Finnish Hound is a breed originating from Finland, weighing 20-25 kg. It stands at a height of approximately 50-60 cm.
Overview
The Finnish Hound ( Finnish : suomenajokoira [ ˈsuo̯menˌɑjoˌkoi̯rɑ ] ) is a breed of dog originally bred for hunting hare and fox.
History
The Finnish Hound was a result of a breeding programme in the 1800s, which involved French, German and Swedish hounds. The goal was to develop a hound dog that could work on hilly terrain and in deep snow. The Finnish Hound ranked second-most popular amongst the most popular breeds according to registries in Finland in 2013.
Hunting
It is energetic in the hunt and is a versatile tracker. It works independently and pursues the quarry with passionate barking. It is energetic in the hunt and is a versatile tracker. It works independently and pursues the quarry with passionate barking. Finnish Hounds are energetic working dogs with great stamina.
Appearance
Finnish Hounds are a tricolored, medium sized dog. Dogs stand from 55–61 cm (22–24 in) and bitches stand from 52–58 cm (20–23 in). Adults typically weigh 20–25 kg (44–55 lb). The Finnish Hound is greater in length than they are in height and have a strong build. The top of its skull is domed, and its muzzle is as long as the skull. The topline of the skull is parallel to the bridge of the nose, which has a slight but clearly defined stop and must be black. The breed has dark brown eyes, drooping ears, and a tight and complete scissor bite. Its body is muscular and well-angulated, accompanied by a deep and clearly visible chest. Tail carriage should be low and slightly arched. Finnish Hounds trot lightly and efficiently with a long-reaching stride. Their topline remains level and firm when moving. The Finnish Hound has a short, dense and coarse double coat. The coat pattern is tricolor with tan and black predominantly, and small white markings on the head, neck, chest, lower parts of the legs, and tail tip.
Other conditions
The breed is also known to occasionally suffer from hip dysplasia, cardiomyopathy, lymphoma, black hair follicular dysplasia, and atopic dermatitis.
Cerebellar ataxia
Finnish Hounds suffer from an inherited disease, progressive cerebellar ataxia . This disease has an early onset, showing clinical signs as early as 3 months, with symptoms including tremors, progressive motor incoordination, and developmental delay. This has been traced to a homozygous missense mutation in a gene called SEL1L . The disease may be identified by detecting cerebellar shrinkage through MRI . A genetic test to prevent this disease from being passed down has been developed.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Finnish Hound?
The Finnish Hound is a medium-sized dog with a muscular build, short coat, and a distinctive head shape. They typically weigh between 35-55 kg and stand 50-60 cm tall. Their coat is usually brown or black with white markings. They have a strong prey drive and are known for their intelligence and energetic nature.
Is the Finnish Hound a good family dog?
The Finnish Hound can make a good family dog for active families with children who can provide adequate exercise and attention. However, they may not be suitable for very young children due to their strong prey drive and energetic nature. Early socialization and training are essential to ensure they get along well with family members.
What health problems do Finnish Hounds have?
Finnish Hounds are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, eye problems, and allergies. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help identify potential health problems early on. Responsible breeding practices can also help minimize the risk of inherited health issues.
How much does a Finnish Hound puppy cost?
The cost of a Finnish Hound puppy can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. On average, a Finnish Hound puppy can cost between $800-$1,500. It's essential to find a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs.
Where do Finnish Hounds come from?
The Finnish Hound comes from Finland. 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 Finnish Hound, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.