The words Dog Breed Info with the letter D inside of a black paw print

Finnish Hound

Information and Pictures

Left Profile - A Finnish Hound is standing on a porch and sniffing flowers with a tree and a red fence next to it.

Luta at 15 months smelling a flower, photo courtesy of Joe Gow

Other Names
  • Suomenajokoira
  • Finsk Stovare
Pronunciation

fin-ish hound

Description

The coat of the Finnish Hound is short, but dense and coarse to the touch. Colors include tan with black saddle; small white markings on head, chest, feet and tail tip.

Temperament

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.

Height, Weight

Height: 20 - 24 inches (52 - 61 cm)
Weight: 45 - 55 pounds (20 - 25 kg)

Health Problems

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Living Conditions

The Finnish Hound is not recommended for apartment life. It is moderately active indoors and does best with at least an average-sized yard.

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.

Life Expectancy

About 12 years

Litter Size

About 4 to 8 puppies

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.

Origin

The Finnish Hound was a result of a breeding program in the 1800s which involved French, German and Swedish hounds. The Finnish Hound has become Finland's most popular native working breed. Although it is very popular in Finland and Sweden, it is uncommon elsewhere. Hunting season for a Finnish Hound is Sep - Feb. He is rarely exhibited.

Group

Hound

Recognition
  • ACA = American Canine Association Inc.
  • ACR = American Canine Registry
  • APRI = American Pet Registry, Inc.
  • DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
  • FCI = Fédération Cynologique Internationale
  • FKC = Finnish Kennel Club
A Finnish Hound is wearing a pinch collar standing in a field and looking to the left

Luta at 15 months loving the outdoors, photo courtesy of Joe Gow

A Finnish Hound is walking across a cement patio and standing overtop of a sock toy.

Luta at 15 months with her toys, photo courtesy of Joe Gow

A black, tan and white tricolor Finnish Hound puppy is standing on a bank at the side of a body of water

Luta as a puppy checking out the water, photo courtesy of Joe Gow

A black, tan and white tricolor Finnish Hound puppy is laying outside on a wooden deck and looking to the left

Luta as a puppy laying on the deck, photo courtesy of Joe Gow

Dog Breed Info Center(R) DBIC