Finnish Hound Dog Breed Information, Puppies & Breeders 

Are you considering adding a new furry member to your family and wondering if the Finnish Hound breed might be the perfect fit? Originating from Finland, this breed is known for their exceptional hunting skills and loyalty to their owners. They have a friendly and playful nature that makes them great companions for families with children. Finnish Hounds are also highly energetic and require regular exercise, making them a great choice for active individuals who enjoy outdoor activities. In this article, we will explore the unique characteristics of the Finnish Hound breed and help you decide if they are the right choice for you.

Breed Category: Hound
Country of Origin: Finland
Average Size:53-61 cm
Average Weight:20-25 kg
Average Life Span: 12-14 years
Grooming Requirements: Moderate
Exercise Requirements:High

History and Origin

The Finnish Hound, also known as Suomenajokoira, is a breed of dog that originated in Finland. It is a medium-sized breed that was primarily used for hunting game, such as hare and fox. The breed is known for its excellent sense of smell and its ability to track prey over long distances. The Finnish Hound is also a popular pet in Finland and other parts of the world.

The Finnish Hound is believed to have descended from various breeds of hounds that were brought to Finland by hunters and traders from other parts of Europe. These hounds were then crossbred with local Finnish dogs to create a breed that was well-suited to the harsh climate and terrain of Finland. The Finnish Hound was first recognized as a distinct breed in the early 1800s.

The Finnish Hound was originally used for hunting large game, such as elk and bear. However, as the population of these animals declined, the breed was adapted to hunt smaller game, such as hare and fox. The Finnish Hound is known for its stamina and endurance, which makes it well-suited for hunting in the rugged terrain of Finland.

The Finnish Hound is a medium-sized breed that typically weighs between 45 and 55 pounds. It has a short, dense coat that is usually black and tan or red and tan in color. The breed has a long, narrow head and long, floppy ears. The Finnish Hound is known for its excellent sense of smell, which makes it a popular breed for hunting and tracking.

The Finnish Hound is a friendly and loyal breed that is known for its intelligence and trainability. It is a popular pet in Finland and other parts of the world, and is often used as a search and rescue dog. The breed is also used in Finland for hunting and tracking, and is considered to be one of the best hunting breeds in the world.

In conclusion, the Finnish Hound is a breed of dog that originated in Finland. It is a medium-sized breed that was primarily used for hunting game, such as hare and fox. The breed is known for its excellent sense of smell and its ability to track prey over long distances. The Finnish Hound is also a popular pet in Finland and other parts of the world, and is known for its loyalty, intelligence, and trainability.

Size and Breed Category

The Finnish Hound is a medium-sized breed of dog that originated in Finland. They are classified as a hound breed and are known for their exceptional hunting skills. Finnish Hounds have a muscular build with a deep chest and strong legs that allow them to move quickly and efficiently through rough terrain. They have a short, dense coat that comes in a variety of colors, including black, tan, and red. Their ears are long and droopy, and their eyes are dark and expressive. Finnish Hounds are highly intelligent and have a strong sense of smell, which makes them excellent hunting companions. They are also known for their loyalty and affection towards their owners.

Finnish Hounds are a versatile breed that can be used for a variety of hunting purposes, including tracking and retrieving game. They are also used as search and rescue dogs and have been known to excel in obedience and agility competitions. Finnish Hounds are highly active and require plenty of exercise to keep them healthy and happy. They are not recommended for apartment living and do best in homes with large yards or access to open spaces. Finnish Hounds are known for their independent nature and can be stubborn at times, so early training and socialization are important to ensure they become well-behaved members of the family. Overall, the Finnish Hound is a loyal and hardworking breed that makes an excellent companion for those who enjoy an active lifestyle.

Fur Length and Colour

The fur of the Finnish Hound is short and dense, providing excellent protection against the harsh Finnish climate. The fur is typically straight and lies close to the body, with a slightly coarser texture on the back and tail. The fur colour is predominantly tricolour, with a black saddle and white markings on the chest, legs, and tail. The tan colour is usually found on the cheeks, eyebrows, and inside the ears. The tricolour pattern is well-defined, with no blending of colours. The fur is easy to maintain and requires minimal grooming, making it an ideal breed for those who prefer low-maintenance pets.

The Finnish Hound’s fur colour is an important characteristic of the breed. The black saddle is the most prominent feature of the fur, covering the back and extending down the sides of the body. The white markings on the chest, legs, and tail provide a striking contrast to the black saddle. The tan colour on the cheeks, eyebrows, and inside the ears adds warmth to the overall appearance of the breed. The fur colour is an essential aspect of the Finnish Hound’s identity, distinguishing it from other breeds and reflecting its Finnish heritage. The fur colour is also an indication of the breed’s hunting abilities, as the tricolour pattern helps the dog blend into its surroundings while tracking prey.

Termperament and Trainability

The Finnish Hound is a breed that is known for its high energy and strong hunting instincts. They are a very active breed that requires a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. They are also known for being very independent and can be stubborn at times, which can make training a bit of a challenge. However, with patience and consistency, they can be trained to be obedient and well-behaved.

In terms of temperament, the Finnish Hound is generally friendly and affectionate towards their owners and family members. They are also known for being good with children and other pets, although they may have a strong prey drive towards smaller animals. They are a very vocal breed and will often bark and howl, which can be a bit of a nuisance for some owners. Overall, the Finnish Hound is a loyal and loving breed that can make a great companion for those who are willing to put in the time and effort to properly train and socialize them.

Known Health Conditions

Finnish 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 Finnish 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 vigilant for 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 it from spreading or causing more serious complications.

Openness to Strangers

Finnish 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. Finnish Hounds are also known for their loyalty and devotion to their owners, which makes them excellent watchdogs. They are always alert and ready to protect their family and home from any potential threats.

Despite their friendly nature, Finnish Hounds can be quite reserved and independent at times. They are a breed that enjoys their alone time and can be quite content spending time by themselves. However, they are also very social animals and thrive in environments where they can interact with other dogs and people. Finnish Hounds are known for their intelligence and adaptability, which makes them easy to train and well-suited for a variety of living situations. Whether living in a city apartment or a rural farm, Finnish Hounds are sure to make excellent companions for anyone looking for a loyal and friendly dog.

Playfulness Level

The Finnish 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, the Finnish Hound is always up for a good time. They are also highly social animals and love to interact with their owners and other dogs. This makes them an excellent choice for families with children or other pets.

Despite their playful nature, the Finnish Hound is also a highly intelligent breed of dog. They are quick learners and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods. This makes them an excellent choice for owners who are looking for a dog that is both fun-loving and easy to train. Additionally, the Finnish Hound is a highly adaptable breed of dog that can thrive in a variety of different environments. Whether you live in a small apartment or a large house with a big backyard, the Finnish Hound is sure to bring joy and laughter to your life.

Suitability as a Pet for Children

Finnish 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 friendly and loyal nature, and are generally good with children. However, they do require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Finnish Hounds are also known for their strong hunting instincts, so it is important to socialize them early on and supervise them around smaller pets. Overall, Finnish Hounds can make great pets for active families with older children who are able to provide them with the exercise and attention they need.

Exercise Needs

Finnish Hounds require a significant amount of exercise to maintain their physical and mental health. As a medium-sized breed, they need at least one hour of daily exercise, which can be split into two or three shorter sessions. This breed is known for its high energy levels and love for outdoor activities, such as hiking, running, and playing fetch. Finnish Hounds also enjoy participating in dog sports, such as agility and obedience training, which can provide them with mental stimulation and physical challenges. It is important to note that Finnish Hounds have a strong prey drive, so they should always be kept on a leash or in a securely fenced area during exercise.

In addition to physical exercise, Finnish Hounds also benefit from mental stimulation. This breed is intelligent and curious, and they enjoy learning new things and solving puzzles. Owners can provide mental stimulation by incorporating training sessions, interactive toys, and scent work into their daily routine. Finnish Hounds also thrive on human interaction and enjoy spending time with their owners. They are affectionate and loyal dogs that make great companions for active families who can provide them with the exercise and attention they need. However, due to their high energy levels and strong prey drive, Finnish Hounds may not be suitable for households with small children or other small pets.

Suitability for a Multi-Pet Family

Finnish Hounds have a reputation for being friendly towards other pets in the household. They are known to get along well with cats and other dogs, as long as they are socialized properly from a young age. It is important to supervise interactions between pets, especially during the initial introduction period. Finnish Hounds have a strong prey drive, so it is important to ensure that smaller pets are kept safe and secure. Overall, Finnish Hounds can coexist peacefully with other pets in the household with proper training and socialization.

Housing Requirements

The Finnish Hound requires a spacious and secure living environment. They are an active breed that needs plenty of room to run and play. A large, fenced yard is ideal for this breed, as they have a strong hunting instinct and may chase after small animals if given the opportunity. Additionally, the Finnish Hound should have access to a comfortable indoor space where they can rest and relax. This breed is adaptable to different living situations, but they thrive in homes with plenty of space and opportunities for exercise.

In terms of grooming, the Finnish Hound has a short, dense coat that requires minimal maintenance. Regular brushing can help to remove loose fur and keep the coat looking shiny and healthy. This breed may benefit from occasional baths, especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors. It is also important to keep the ears clean and dry to prevent infections. Overall, the Finnish Hound is a low-maintenance breed that is well-suited to active families who can provide them with plenty of space and exercise.

Summary

Finnish Hounds make great pets for active families who enjoy spending time outdoors. They are known for their excellent hunting abilities and high energy levels, so they require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. With proper training and socialization, they can be friendly and affectionate towards their owners. However, they may not be the best choice for households with small children or other pets, as their strong prey drive can lead to chasing and potentially harmful behavior.

Finnish Hound Dog FAQS