Finnish Hound Dog

Breed: Hounds

Height: 20-24 inches

Weight: 20-25 kg

Coat: Double Coat

 

The Finnish Hound is a popular breed of dog that was basically bred to hunt and survive the sturdy weather of Finland. Created by Tammelin, a Finnish metalsmith, by crossing German, Swiss, English, and Scandinavian hounds, the Finnish Hounds have been around for more than three centuries now. Although this breed of dog is quite popular in Finland, it is hard to find the dog elsewhere across the globe. The canine expels a friendly and calm disposition. Though the dog is never aggressive, the Finnish Hound exudes excellent energy and power and is, thus, used for hunting hare and fox. It is a rangy yet strongly boned hound, much like a large Foxhound. Probably a gift from its German ancestors, the dog boasts of singular ears that are large with stiff cartilage, making them stand out somewhat from the head. To know more about this breed of hounds, read on.

Finnish Hound, a native of Finland, was originally bred to satisfy Finland’s need of owning its own hunting dog. The Finnish Hound is known to owe its pedigree to French, German and Swedish hounds. While Finland served as a home to many native breeds of dogs, it had no hunting breeds of its own. Also the large hunting dogs imported from other nations were incompatible to the glacial weather and sturdier working conditions of the place, which justified the need for a local hunting dog. Tammelin, a blacksmith by profession, initiated several experiment to come up with a breed of hunting dog that matched the hunting conditions and the immobilizing cold of Finland. As European breeds were common in Finland during that time, the English Foxhounds, Harrier and Beagle were crossed with Hamilton Hounds and other Swiss, Polish and Russian hounds to create Finnish Hounds. Finnish Hounds status as hunting dogs depended much on their acute scenting prowess and their ability to hunt animals like fox, rabbit, elks and lynx. The Finnish Hound is highly prized as a hunting dog, because of its ability to fight the harshest of climate and survive the toughest of weather conditions. However, the dog is popular only in Finland and Sweden.

 

As Finnish Hound was bred purely for hunting, much thought was not given to its appearance. However, what stands out is its remarkable tri-colored coat, its intensity and graceful jaunty movements. These spectacular features have today earned the Finnish Hound an eminence which very few dogs can match. The canine is a medium-sized dog with a fairly rectangular structure and double coat. It has straight harsh tri-colored topcoat, while the undercoat is usually short, dense and light textured. Finnish Hounds have a domed skull and a slightly convex forehead, broad muzzle and a slightly tapered large black nose with well-developed mobile nostrils. They usually have well-defined lips, strong jaws and razor sharp teeth. They have oval eyes and usually wear a calm expression. A Finnish Hound has a medium length muscular clean neck, a straight well-built back, a rather short powerful loin and a strong slightly oblique well developed beautifully arched croup.

 

Finnish Hounds have a basic temperament of a hunter. This fierce hunter loves to work independently and is stubborn by nature. Training a Finnish Hound is never easy, since these dogs were never meant to be domesticated in the first place. Thus, it’s best to handle them gently. Finnish Dogs are rarely aggressive and enjoy human company. A well-trained Finnish Hound makes for an affectionate, gentle pet. It does have extensive exercise requirements. These dogs love free environment and thus an apartment may not be ideal place for these breed of hounds.

 

The Finnish Hound is one of the healthiest breeds in the canine population. However, originating from an extremely small gene pool, these dogs run a risk of developing disease like hip dysplasia, achalasia, epilepsy, cardiac issues and more.

A Finnish Hound doesn’t require extensive grooming and is, thus, easy to maintain. A weekly brushing of its hairs will ensure that it stays glossy and healthy all along. However, Finnish Hounds are excessive shedder and thus extra care may be required during the shedding season. These dogs don’t require frequent baths. Mild soaps can be used on its body. However, regular teeth and nail care is recommended.