Type the name of the breed you're looking for below

[wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite] Don't see the breed your're looking for? Click here and let us know!
Finnish Hound

Breed Characteristics

Compatibility With Children
Trainability (Learning Rate)
Energy Level
Exercise Requirements
Grooming
Compatibility With Other Pets
Loyalty
Protectiveness

1 paw - breed exhibits the least amount of this characteristic
5 paws - breed exhibits most amount of this characteristic

[fbcomments]

Finnish Hound

Other Names Suomenajokoira, Finnish Bracke, Finsk Stovare
Country of Origin Finland
Weight 45 - 55 lbs. (20 - 25 kg)
Height (at withers) 20 - 24 in. (52 - 61 cm)
Coat The coat of the Finnish Hound is short, but dense and coarse to the touch.
Colour Colours include tan with black saddle; small white markings on head, chest, feet and tail tip.
Litter Size 2-6 puppies, Average of 4
Life Span 12 - 15 years
Origin & History The Finnish Hound was a result of a breeding programme in the 1800s, which involved French, German and Swedish hounds. The goal was to develop a hound dog that could work on hilly terrain and in deep snow. The Finnish Hound has become Finland's most popular dog breed. Although the breed is very popular in Finland and Sweden, it is quite uncommon elsewhere.
Personality Friendly, calm and never aggressive, yet energetic in the hunt, the Finnish Hound is used as a hunting dog for hare and fox by following the scent. Eager to hunt in difficult circumstances. He works independently, is a versatile tracker and pursues the quarry with passionate barking. Make sure you are this dog’s calm, but firm, confident pack leader to prevent behavior issues. Proper human to canine communication is essential.

Care Requirements

Health Finnish Hounds suffer from an inherited disease, cerebellar ataxia, forcing people to euthanize many puppies. This has been traced to a single mutation in a gene called SEL1L. Mutant cells suffer disruptions in their endoplasmic reticula, leading to disease. It is hoped that a test will be developed to screen for this mutation and eventually breed it out of the population. They are also prone to hip dysplasia.
Grooming The smooth, shorthaired coat is easy to keep in peak condition. Brush with a firm bristle brush, and dry shampoo occasionally. Bathe with mild soap only when necessary. The nails should be kept trimmed. These dogs are average shedders.
Exercise This is an energetic working dog with enormous stamina. It needs to be taken on daily, brisk, long walks, where the dog is made to heel beside or behind the human holding the lead. Never in front, as instinct tells a dog the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. It should also have plenty of opportunity to run, preferably off the leash in a safe area.
Other Considerations The Finnish Hound is not recommended for apartment life. It is moderately active indoors and does best with at least an average-sized yard.
Recent Blog Posts
  • Who is your Vet? Demystifying the facts!

    People are creatures of habit and we repeatedly do things that we have done in the past.  We drive the same route to and from work, we shop at the same stores, we buy gas at the same gas stations.  We are often on auto-pilot and don’t give a lot of thought to why we […]

  • Meet Dr. Katz at Petmapz!

    My name is Dr. Katz Piller and most of my clients refer to me as “Dr. Katz”. I have had meaningful relationships with various animals since I was a toddler and after losing one horse to severe colic and another to cancer. I made a commitment to studying veterinary medicine and to helping alleviate the […]

  • Why you should have your pet spayed or neutered

    The decision to spay or neuter your pet is an important one for pet owners. But it can be the single best decision you make for their long-term welfare. A USA Today (May 7, 2013) article cites that pets who live in the states with the highest rates of spaying/neutering also live the longest. According […]