Estonian HoundCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says that, like other Scandinavian hounds, the breed is based on hounds from eastern and western Europe and from Britain. An important step was reducing its height: smaller dogs protected livestock and did not chase game too fast. Thousands of hounds were assessed and registered, and the standard was officially approved in 1954.

Wikipedia says the breed came about after a 1947 order from the Soviet ministry requiring each republic to create its own local breed of hunting dog. Large hounds were blamed for the rapid decline in game, so only dogs of up to 43 cm were allowed to hunt. After Estonia regained its independence, the breed was proclaimed the country's national dog.

How the breed developed

• 1947 – A Soviet order calls for the creation of a local hunting breed.
• 1954 – The breed standard is officially approved.
• After 1991 – The Estonian Hound becomes the national dog of Estonia.
• September 2019 – The FCI recognises the breed provisionally.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. The breed has no AKC profile; the rating is based on the FCI standard (“balanced, agile and friendly”) and on the description in Wikipedia.

The standard describes it as a well-proportioned, medium-sized, strong and lean hound, with solid bones and well-developed muscles. The body is clearly longer than it is tall. The white patches stand out, so the hunter can easily spot it in the field.

General appearance

Wikipedia says the skin does not form folds, the ears hang down and the eyes are dark brown. The tail is evenly covered with dense hair, so it looks thick, and its tip must be white.

The typical colour is tricolour: black patches, tan markings and bright white patches. The size of the patches is not limited. Bicolour is also allowed, with lemon to golden patches and no black.

The standard describes it as balanced, agile and friendly. Its excellent nose and passion for hunting help it find and track game over difficult ground, and its powerful voice makes it easy to locate from far away.

Wikipedia says it is a cheerful, pleasant dog, calm, active and very intelligent. Like any hound, it follows a scent stubbornly, so recall needs a lot of practice.

Tips for effective training

• Practise recall. On a good trail it may forget about you.
• Work with its nose. Scent games make it happy.
• Use rewards. It is intelligent and learns quickly.
• Think of the neighbours. It has a powerful voice that carries a long way.

It is an agile, energetic hunter that needs plenty of exercise every day and the chance to use its nose.

Tips for a balanced life

• Keep it on a lead outside the yard.
• It suits an active family or a hunter.
• The yard must be well fenced.

Coat and skin care

The short, harsh coat is easy to care for, with one brushing a week.

Common health problems

There are no published health studies for the breed and no specific diseases are known. Worth watching for:

Other care

• Check the ears after every outing.
• Check for ticks after hunting.
• Trim the nails if they do not wear down on their own.

An active hound needs good-quality food. The portion increases during the hunting season.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Give it its food in two meals a day.
• Fresh water should always be available.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Most breeds become adults at around 13–15 months.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In dogs, a litter has 5–6 puppies on average, and the number rises with the size of the breed. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• The only Estonian breed. Wikipedia says it is the only dog breed created in Estonia.
• National dog. After independence it was proclaimed the national dog of Estonia.
• Created by order. A 1947 Soviet order required each republic to have its own breed.
• Small on purpose. Only dogs of up to 43 cm were allowed to hunt.
• Useful white patches. The white makes it easy to see in the field.

The national dog of Estonia

After Estonia regained its independence, the Estonian Hound was proclaimed the country's national dog. Wikipedia says it is the only dog breed created in Estonia.

Where does the Estonian Hound come from?

From Estonia; it is the only dog breed created there.

How big does it get?

Males measure 45–52 cm, females 42–49 cm; they weigh about 15–20 kg.

Is it recognised by the FCI?

Yes, provisionally, since September 2019.

Is it a family dog?

Yes, it is friendly and balanced, but it needs plenty of exercise.