Finnish Hound

Characteristics of Finnish Hound

Brief information

• Energetic, gambling;
• Independent;
• Friendly.

Origin story

According to one version, this breed owes its appearance to a Finnish jeweler, who selected the best hunting dogs of completely different types in his area and, as a result, received a Finnish hound. The second version of the origin of the breed has more ancient roots: according to some cynologists, it appeared as a result of crossing foxhounds and hounds.

Which of the versions is more correct, it is not known – you can choose any. However, both of them confirm that the Finnish hounds took all the best qualities from their ancestors, but who exactly these ancestors were is not so important for the owners.

These dogs are excellent hunters – however, only in the warm season. It is impossible to hunt with Finnish hounds in winter. At home, in Finland, this breed is very common, but outside the northern country it is very difficult to meet such a dog. Today, this breed is still small in number, but is already becoming more widespread. Finnish hounds, of course, are not bred for their intended purpose, since hunting has ceased to be a vital necessity, but as a companion dog or to participate in sports. In Norway, Denmark and Sweden, dog breeders are very fond of this breed, but in Russia it is not common.

Description

The appearance of the Finnish hound is typical for representatives of this species. A strong, lean body, well-developed muscles – all this ensures confident driving of game even on very rugged terrain.

A small head with strong jaws, a large black nose and almond-shaped eyes is crowned with drooping ears covered with long hair.

The look of the Finnish hounds is very expressive, immediately interested in everything that happens around.

The tail is usually not very long, shaped like a saber.

The coat is short and very dense, with a thick undercoat that protects the dog from frost and moisture.

Character

As a hunting working dog, the Finnish Hound has proved to be simply excellent. But even for keeping in an apartment as a companion dog, this breed has a very good character. Finnish hounds are easy-going and calm, rarely damaging things and furniture, despite their hunting instincts.

An animal that has grown up with young children together will become a great friend for their games, but it will be more difficult for an adult pet to get used to the appearance of new family members.

However, these dogs cannot be alone for a long time. For them, the constant presence of people nearby is mandatory, otherwise the hound may become apathetic and stressed.

This breed does not show aggression even towards strangers, but treats strangers with caution. Due to the innate friendliness of a good watchman, the Finnish hound still does not work.

It is very difficult to get along with other hound pets. Instinctively, any smaller animal is perceived as game. Even if the dog grows up with the cat, this does not guarantee that someday she will not start hunting for the mustachioed. Therefore, endangering pets and starting a hunting dog is still not worth it.

Finnish Hound Care

The short coat of the Finnish Hound does not require much care. Sufficient during periods of molting comb out the animal with a stiff brush, as well as the rest of the time at least once every two days to clean the dog with a silicone mitten.

If the pet is dirty, then the wool can be wiped with a damp cloth, but bathe a hound without urgent need is not recommended.

Hound eye care is also standard – wipe the lacrimal ducts as needed and make sure that there is no suppuration. But ears should be given more attention. Due to the structural features of the Finnhounds, they can often develop otitis media and similar infections, so the dog’s ears should be examined especially carefully, and if there is the slightest doubt, contact the veterinarian.

Conditions of detention

The ideal home for the Finnish hound, as well as for any other hunting dog, will be a country dwelling with a large fenced area. For any hounds, and the Finnish hound is no exception, daily movement is very important. Of course, you can keep this breed in an apartment, however, subject to long and active walks.

It is also necessary to take the dog to the forest, for example, so that she trains to look for a trace, and simply has the opportunity to run around to her heart’s content. This will allow the pet not only to maintain excellent physical shape, but also to avoid stress and behavioral problems.

Finnish hounds are playful animals. Walking in the company of their own kind will be both fun and useful for them. Nevertheless, we must not forget about their highly developed hunting instinct, so you should not let the dog off the leash in an unfamiliar place.

Prices

Finding a Finnish hound puppy in Russia is difficult. There are no nurseries dealing with this breed, and the breed is also not very popular with private breeders. But nothing is impossible – you just have to look longer. If you want to get a companion and the pedigree is not very important to you, then the cost of a puppy will vary between 15-20 thousand rubles, but a dog from champion parents will cost from 30 thousand rubles.

Finnish Hound – Video