Estonian Hound Dog Breed Information, Puppies & Breeders 

Are you considering adding a furry friend to your family and exploring different dog breeds? If you are looking for a loyal and active companion, the Estonian Hound might be the perfect breed for you. This breed is known for its hunting abilities, endurance, and intelligence. Originating from Estonia, this breed is relatively new to the United States, but it’s gaining popularity among dog enthusiasts. Before making a decision, it’s essential to learn more about the Estonian Hound’s characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.

Breed Category: Hound
Country of Origin: Estonia
Average Size:45-52 cm
Average Weight:16-20 kg
Average Life Span: 12-14 years
Grooming Requirements: Low
Exercise Requirements:High

History and Origin

The Estonian Hound, also known as the Eesti hagijas, is a breed of dog that originated in Estonia. This breed is known for its excellent hunting skills, particularly in tracking and chasing game. The Estonian Hound is a medium-sized dog that is muscular and agile, making it an ideal hunting companion.

The history of the Estonian Hound can be traced back to the 19th century when the breed was developed by crossing local hounds with various European hounds, including the Beagle, the Foxhound, and the Bloodhound. The goal was to create a breed that was well-suited for hunting in the Estonian forests and marshes. The breed was officially recognized by the Estonian Kennel Union in 1954.

The Estonian Hound is a versatile breed that can hunt a variety of game, including hare, fox, and elk. The breed is known for its excellent sense of smell, which allows it to track game over long distances. The Estonian Hound is also known for its stamina and endurance, which makes it an ideal hunting companion for long hunts.

The Estonian Hound is a friendly and loyal breed that makes an excellent family pet. The breed is known for its intelligence and trainability, which makes it easy to train. The Estonian Hound is also known for its affectionate nature, which makes it a great companion for children.

The Estonian Hound is a relatively healthy breed that has a lifespan of 12-14 years. However, like all breeds, the Estonian Hound is prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia and ear infections. It is important to take your Estonian Hound to the vet regularly to ensure that it stays healthy.

In conclusion, the Estonian Hound is a versatile and intelligent breed that is well-suited for hunting in the Estonian forests and marshes. The breed is known for its excellent sense of smell, stamina, and endurance, which makes it an ideal hunting companion. The Estonian Hound is also a friendly and loyal breed that makes an excellent family pet. If you are looking for a hunting companion or a family pet, the Estonian Hound may be the perfect breed for you.

Size and Breed Category

The Estonian Hound is a medium-sized breed of dog that originated in Estonia. They are known for their athletic build and muscular physique, which allows them to excel in various activities such as hunting and agility competitions. The breed typically stands between 45-52 cm tall at the shoulder and weighs between 16-20 kg. Their coat is short and dense, with a variety of colors including black, white, and tan. The Estonian Hound is a versatile breed that can adapt to different environments and lifestyles, making them a popular choice for families and active individuals.

The Estonian Hound is classified as a scent hound, which means they have a keen sense of smell and are often used for hunting purposes. They are known for their endurance and ability to track game for long periods of time. The breed is also recognized for their intelligence and trainability, making them a popular choice for working roles such as search and rescue or detection work. Despite their hunting instincts, the Estonian Hound is also a loyal and affectionate companion that enjoys spending time with their family. They are an active breed that requires regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.

Fur Length and Colour

The fur of the Estonian Hound is short and dense, providing excellent protection against the harsh weather conditions of its native country. The fur is also smooth to the touch, with a glossy sheen that adds to the breed’s overall appearance. The fur colour of the Estonian Hound can vary, but it is typically a combination of black, brown, and white. The black and brown patches are usually found on the back and sides of the dog, while the white fur is typically found on the chest, belly, and legs. The contrast between the colours creates a striking appearance that is sure to turn heads.

The Estonian Hound’s fur is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also serves a practical purpose. The short fur allows the dog to move quickly and efficiently through dense forests and underbrush, making it an excellent hunting companion. Additionally, the dense fur provides insulation, keeping the dog warm in cold temperatures. The fur is also easy to maintain, requiring only occasional brushing to keep it looking its best. Overall, the fur of the Estonian Hound is a defining characteristic of the breed, providing both beauty and functionality.

Termperament and Trainability

The Estonian Hound is a breed that is known for its high energy levels and active temperament. They are a very social breed and thrive on human interaction, making them great family pets. However, due to their high energy levels, they require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. They are also known for their strong hunting instincts, which can make them difficult to train if not properly socialized from a young age. Despite this, with the right training and socialization, they can make excellent working dogs and companions.

In terms of trainability, the Estonian Hound is a breed that requires a firm and consistent hand when it comes to training. They are intelligent dogs, but can be stubborn at times, so it is important to establish yourself as the pack leader early on. Positive reinforcement training methods work well with this breed, as they respond well to praise and rewards. They are also known for their excellent sense of smell, which makes them great at tracking and scent work. Overall, the Estonian Hound is a breed that requires an experienced owner who is willing to put in the time and effort to properly train and socialize them.

Known Health Conditions

Estonian Hounds are prone to certain health conditions that owners should be aware of. One of the most common issues is hip dysplasia, which is a genetic condition that affects the hip joint. This can cause pain, lameness, and arthritis in the affected joint. To prevent hip dysplasia, it is important to only breed dogs that have been screened and cleared of the condition. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight and providing regular exercise can help reduce the risk of developing hip dysplasia.

Another health concern for Estonian Hounds is ear infections. This breed has long, floppy ears that can trap moisture and debris, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. Regular ear cleaning and grooming can help prevent infections, but it is important to be aware of the signs of an infection, such as redness, swelling, and a foul odor. If an infection is suspected, it is important to seek veterinary care promptly to prevent the infection from spreading or causing permanent damage to the ear.

Openness to Strangers

Estonian Hounds are known for their friendly and welcoming nature towards strangers. They are a breed that is always eager to meet new people and make new friends. This trait makes them excellent companions for families with children or those who frequently have guests over. Estonian Hounds are also very sociable with other dogs and enjoy playing and interacting with them. They have a curious and adventurous personality, which makes them great for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping.

Despite their openness to strangers, Estonian Hounds are also very loyal and protective of their owners. They have a strong sense of loyalty and will do anything to protect their family. This makes them excellent watchdogs and guard dogs. However, they are not aggressive towards strangers and will only bark to alert their owners of any potential danger. Estonian Hounds are also very intelligent and easy to train, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners. They are a breed that thrives on human interaction and will quickly become a beloved member of any family.

Playfulness Level

The Estonian Hound is a highly energetic and playful breed of dog. They are known for their love of play and their ability to keep their owners entertained for hours on end. Whether it’s playing fetch, chasing after a ball, or simply running around in the backyard, these dogs are always up for a good time. They are also very social animals and enjoy spending time with their owners and other dogs. This makes them a great choice for families with children or other pets.

Despite their playful nature, the Estonian Hound is also a very intelligent breed of dog. They are quick learners and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods. This means that they can be trained to perform a variety of tricks and commands, which can add to their playfulness and make them even more fun to be around. However, it’s important to remember that these dogs have a lot of energy and need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Owners who are willing to provide this will be rewarded with a loyal and loving companion who is always ready for a good time.

Suitability as a Pet for Children

Estonian Hounds are a highly energetic and active breed, making them a great choice for families with children who enjoy outdoor activities. They are known for their loyalty and affectionate nature towards their owners, and are generally good with children. However, due to their high energy levels, they require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They are also known for their strong hunting instincts, so it is important to socialize them early on and supervise them around smaller pets. Overall, the Estonian Hound can make a great pet for active families with older children who are able to provide them with the exercise and attention they need.

Exercise Needs

Estonian Hounds are a highly active breed that require plenty of exercise to maintain their physical and mental wellbeing. As a medium-sized breed, they need at least an hour of exercise every day, which can be split into two or three shorter sessions. This can include brisk walks, runs, or hikes, as well as games of fetch or other interactive activities that engage their minds and bodies. It’s important to note that Estonian Hounds have a strong prey drive and may be prone to chasing small animals, so they should always be kept on a leash or in a secure, fenced area when outside.

In addition to physical exercise, Estonian Hounds also benefit from mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. This can include training sessions, puzzle toys, and other activities that challenge their intelligence and problem-solving skills. As a highly social breed, they also enjoy spending time with their owners and other dogs, so regular playdates or trips to the dog park can be a great way to keep them happy and healthy. Overall, providing plenty of exercise and mental stimulation is essential for the health and happiness of the Estonian Hound.

Suitability for a Multi-Pet Family

Estonian Hounds have been known to coexist peacefully with other pets in the household. They are generally friendly and sociable dogs, which can make them good companions for other animals. However, as with any breed, individual temperament can vary and it is important to introduce them to other pets slowly and carefully to ensure a positive relationship. Additionally, proper training and socialization can also play a role in how well an Estonian Hound gets along with other pets.

Housing Requirements

Estonian Hounds require a living space that is large enough to accommodate their active nature. They are a breed that enjoys running and playing, so a house with a spacious yard would be ideal. The yard should be securely fenced to prevent the dog from escaping and getting lost. Additionally, the yard should have enough space for the dog to run around and play fetch. The house itself should have enough room for the dog to move around comfortably. A small apartment would not be suitable for this breed as they require ample space to move around and play.

Estonian Hounds require a comfortable sleeping area that is warm and dry. A dog bed or crate would be ideal for this breed. The sleeping area should be located in a quiet part of the house where the dog can rest undisturbed. The breed has a short coat, so they do not require a lot of grooming. However, they do shed, so regular brushing is recommended to keep their coat healthy and shiny. Additionally, the breed requires regular exercise, so daily walks or runs are necessary to keep them healthy and happy.

Summary

Estonian Hounds have a friendly and loyal temperament, making them a great choice for families with children. They are also highly intelligent and trainable, making them suitable for a variety of activities such as obedience training and agility. However, they have a strong hunting instinct and require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Overall, the Estonian Hound can make a wonderful pet for the right owner who is willing to provide them with the necessary care and attention.

Estonian Hound Dog FAQS