Finnish HoundCharacteristics, history, training and care
Finnish Hound. · EtäKärppä / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. Cropped and resized.
The Finnish Hound (Suomenajokoira) is a medium to large tricoloured hound, bred to hunt hares and foxes on hills and through deep snow. It is calm, energetic and friendly, never aggressive. When hunting it works independently and follows game while baying with passion.
Quick facts
| Common name | Finnish Hound (Suomenajokoira) |
| Scientific name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Country of origin | Finland |
| Official recognition | FCI, definitively since 8 August 1954 (group 6, medium-sized scent hounds, with a working trial; standard no. 51) |
| Lifespan | No published data for the breed; medium-sized hounds usually live 11–14 years |
| Size (males) | 55–61 cm at the withers, ideally 57–59 cm |
| Size (females) | 52–58 cm at the withers, ideally 54–56 cm |
| Weight | about 20–25 kg (Wikipedia) |
| Coat type | Double: medium-length, straight, harsh topcoat; short, dense undercoat |
| Common colours | Tricolour: black saddle, tan and white markings |
| Energy level | High |
| Suited to an apartment? | No |
| Temperament | Calm, energetic, friendly, never aggressive |
| Tendency to aggression | Very low |
| Good with children | Good |
| Good with other animals | Good with dogs; strong hunting instinct |
| Genetic predispositions | Progressive cerebellar ataxia (a genetic test exists), hip dysplasia, cardiomyopathy |
- Primary category:Dog breeds
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History and origin
The FCI standard says that at the beginning of the 19th century there were in Finland, besides the local country dogs, many dogs resembling European hounds. The development of the Finnish Hound began after the Finnish Kennel Club was founded in 1889, and the first standard was written in 1932.
Wikipedia says the breed resulted from a 19th-century breeding programme using French, German and Swedish hounds. The aim was a dog that could work on hilly ground and through deep snow. In 2013 it was the second most popular breed in the Finnish registers.
How the breed developed
- 19th century – French, German and Swedish hounds are crossed in Finland.
- 1889 – The Finnish Kennel Club is founded; development of the breed begins.
- 1932 – The first standard is written.
- 8 August 1954 – The FCI recognises the breed.
- 2013 – It is the second most popular breed in Finland.
Breed rating
| Feature | Stars |
|---|---|
| Training and intelligence | ★★★★☆ |
| Easy to train | ★★★★☆ |
| Intelligence | ★★★★☆ |
| Independence | ★★★★☆ |
| Stubbornness | ★★★☆☆ |
| Behaviour and temperament | ★★★★☆ |
| Affectionate with family | ★★★★☆ |
| Friendly with children | ★★★★☆ |
| Good with other dogs | ★★★★★ |
| Good with cats and other animals | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Loyalty | ★★★★☆ |
| Tendency to be aggressive | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Tendency to bark | ★★★★☆ |
| Needs and care | ★★★★☆ |
| Shedding | ★★★☆☆ |
| Needs frequent grooming | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Activity and lifestyle | ★★★★☆ |
| Energy level | ★★★★★ |
| Daily exercise needs | ★★★★★ |
| Suited to apartment life | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Health and longevity | ★★★★☆ |
| Life expectancy | ★★★★☆ |
| Predisposition to genetic diseases | ★★★☆☆ |
| Working abilities and uses | ★★★★☆ |
| Good hunting dog | ★★★★★ |
| Good companion dog | ★★★★☆ |
Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. The breed has no AKC profile; the rating is based on the FCI standard (“calm, energetic and friendly, never aggressive”) and on the description in Wikipedia.
Physical characteristics
The standard describes it as a tricoloured, medium-sized hound with a body clearly longer than it is tall, strongly built but not heavy. Males and females are clearly different.
General appearance
The skull is domed, and the muzzle is the same length as the skull, with a black nose. The eyes are dark brown and the ears hang down. The tail is carried low, slightly curved. Wikipedia says its trot is light and efficient, with long strides.
| Feature | Finnish Hound |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium to large |
| Height at the withers | males: 55–61 cm; females: 52–58 cm |
| Weight | about 20–25 kg |
| Coat | Double, harsh |
| Eyes | Dark brown |
| Tail | Carried low, slightly curved |
The Finnish Hound is tricoloured: a black saddle, rich tan on the head, the underside of the body, the shoulders, thighs and legs, and white markings, usually on the head, neck, chest, lower legs and tail tip.
Training and socialisation
The standard describes it as calm, energetic and friendly, never aggressive. Wikipedia says it is a versatile, energetic tracker that works independently and follows game while baying with passion.
Like any hound, it is hard to call back once it has picked up a scent, so recall needs a lot of practice. Rewards and patience give the best results.
Tips for effective training
- Practise recall. It works independently on a trail.
- Use rewards. It is friendly and easily motivated.
- Think of the neighbours. It bays with passion when hunting.
- Ask for the genetic test. Ask the breeder for the test for cerebellar ataxia.
Activity needs and lifestyle
Wikipedia says it is an energetic working dog with great stamina. It needs plenty of exercise every day and the chance to use its nose.
| Activity | How often | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Long walks in nature | daily | Great stamina |
| Scent work | several times a week | Hound instinct |
| Running in a fenced area | several times a week | Uses up energy |
Tips for a balanced life
- It copes very well with cold and snow.
- Keep it on a lead outside the yard.
- It suits a hunter or a very active family.
Care and health
Coat and skin care
The harsh double coat should be brushed once a week, more often during shedding periods.
Common health problems
Wikipedia says the breed has a specific inherited disease, for which there is a genetic test. The following are worth watching:
| Condition | Description | Common symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive cerebellar ataxia | An inherited disease of the cerebellum, caused by a mutation in the SEL1L gene | From 3 months: tremors, uncoordinated gait, delayed development |
| Hip dysplasia | The hip joint forms incorrectly and, over time, arthritis develops | Limping, difficulty getting up or jumping, hip pain |
| Cardiomyopathy | A disease of the heart muscle | Tiredness, coughing, laboured breathing |
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.
Diet and nutrition
An active hound needs plenty of energy, especially during the hunting season. The portion should be adjusted to its weight and workload.
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.
| Dog's weight | Calories per day (neutered) | Calories per day (not neutered) | Dry food per day (approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 kg | 1,060 kcal | 1,190 kcal | 260–340 g |
| 22 kg | 1,140 kcal | 1,280 kcal | 280–370 g |
| 25 kg | 1,250 kcal | 1,410 kcal | 310–400 g |
- 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.
Reproduction and development
Physical and emotional maturity
In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. The body also reaches its adult form later than in small breeds.
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 large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.
Interesting facts
- Made for snow. It was bred to hunt on hills and through deep snow.
- Very popular at home. In 2013 it was the second most popular breed in Finland.
- European roots. Its ancestors include French, German and Swedish hounds.
- It bays when hunting. It follows game while baying with passion, to guide the hunter.
- Genetic test. There is a genetic test for cerebellar ataxia.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Finnish Hound hunt?
Hares and foxes, especially on hills and through snow.
How big does it get?
Males measure 55–61 cm, females 52–58 cm; they weigh about 20–25 kg.
Is it a family dog?
It is calm and friendly, but it needs a great deal of exercise.
Does it have inherited diseases?
Yes, progressive cerebellar ataxia; breeders can have their dogs genetically tested.
