Transylvanian Hound
The Transylvanian Hound is an old Hungarian dog breed that was mostly used by Hungarian hunters for over a thousand years. There were originally two strains of these dogs, the tall and the short version. Both these strains were specialized for different game hunting, but unfortunately, only the tall Transylvanian Hound remains today.
Despite being bred as a working hunting breed, the Transylvanian Hound makes an excellent family pet and companion. These dogs are generally very friendly and cheerful, so if you want an active dog breed for you or your family, this just might be the ideal breed for you.
Height:
22-26 in (55-65 cm)
Weight:
55-77 lb (25-35 kg)
Origin:
Hungary
Life Expectancy:
10-14 years
Dog Breed Characteristics
The Transylvanian Hound is a dog breed that is considered to be of medium size and strong build. They were used primarily for hunting purposes and were able to track prey for many, many miles. They have an excellent sense of smell and great stamina. This breed is considered to be of athletic build.
The Transylvanian Hound has a black nose and medium-sized, almond-shaped, dark brown eyes. Their ears are hanging down close to their cheeks and are medium-length. They also have a rectangular build and a strong tail that is slightly curled at the end. These dogs have long legs and powerful, well-defined muscles.
Coat
Transylvanian Hund has a black coat with tan spots. They have a double coat with a short outer coat and a soft and dense undercoat. These dogs shed, and regular brushing will keep the hair under control.
Brush their teeth at least three times a week to prevent tartar buildup and infections. Make sure you use products that are made especially for dogs, as human products could potentially harm them. Trim their nails if they don’t wear them down naturally. A good indication is if you can hear them clicking on the floor while they walk.
Clean their ears and check for signs of redness or infections. Use a cotton cloth and never insert anything in their ear canal. You can always check with your Vet about the products you should use and the proper technique.
Temperament
Transylvanian Hound makes a lovely family companion. They are most suited for active families that live an outdoorsy life. These dogs will love every activity you have planned for them. They also love a good playing session and have plenty of energy to keep up even with the toddler playing pace. Luckily for us, the Transylvanian Hound loves children and is usually really careful around them.
If you go for one of these dogs, your children will have an active playmate who will never get tired or bored.
These dogs are usually very affectionate with their own families and love spending time with them. It is a hound that prefers living inside the house and does not love being left alone for long periods of time. That can result in the development of problematic behavior.
Keep in mind that this is a breed that was bred for a thousand years to become a great hunting dog, and that means that their natural instinct is to follow an interesting scent. Try and keep your dog on a leash while walking or hiking, as they have a tendency to follow a scent and disregard anything their owner might say.
Transylvanian Hound training
It is very important that you start training your Transylvanian Hound as soon as it arrives at your house. It is an intelligent hunting breed that responds well to training. They are quick learners, and if you know how to properly approach and handle this breed, you will see fast results.
The Transylvanian Hound can be a bit strong-willed, like many other breeds bred to hunt and work independently. You must be firm and consistent and use as much positive reinforcement as possible. Correct their behavior in an unthreatening and painless way.
Socialization
Like any other dog breed, the Transylvanian Hound needs proper and early socialization to develop in a stable and well-behaved dog. They are usually pretty friendly and social, so socialization should be a treat to them.
Expose your new Transylvanian Hound puppy to different sights, situations, sounds, people, and dogs while they are still young so that they can learn what is the proper way to react and behave in unfamiliar and new situations. Even though they are naturally very friendly, the Transylvanian Hound socialization should not be overlooked.
Kids
Early socialization and proper training can teach them to behave even when children are around. Their temperament makes them more suitable for families with older children. If you train and socialize your dog well, your children will get a great playing partner that has plenty of energy. These dogs can play for hours upon hours without getting tired or bored.
Your children will also get a guard dog that is naturally suspicious of strangers, and you can be sure that they will warn you about any potential dangers approaching your kids. However, Transylvanian Hound will not tolerate aggressive behavior towards them or even between other children and may stop their quarrel before it escalates.
Children should never be left alone with any dog, no matter what breed. You should make sure that your children understand how to approach dogs of this breed and understand how to interact and play with them properly.
Other animals
These dogs can get along well with others and enjoy their company. They are not the best fit for other pets. They have a strong prey drive, so they will likely try catching smaller animals such as gerbils, hamsters, squirrels, or rabbits.
They can learn to get along with the pets they are raised with, but our advice would be never to leave them unattended.
Health problems
Like any other dog breed, the Transylvanian Hound can potentially develop health problems. If you are buying a dog, ensure the breeder can provide the necessary health tests and guarantees. Always ask to see the results of tests from the puppy’s parents. The health problems these dogs are associated with are:
- Hip dysplasia - Genetic problem affecting hips resulting from an improperly formed hip joint.
- Elbow Dysplasia - Usually, it affects large breeds and is caused by uneven growth of three bones making a dog’s elbow.
The Transylvanian Hound is generally considered a very healthy breed that can live 10-14 years.
Breeders
When getting a dog, the most important thing is to get it from a responsible and reputable Transylvanian Hound breeder. These dogs are energetic and protective; getting a poorly bred dog can have catastrophic results. Responsible breeders will breed dogs that don’t only look good but have great characters as well. You must find a good Transylvanian Hound breeder that can help you learn about this breed and make an informed choice about getting a dog with these characteristics.
If you are unsure whether this is the breed for you, check out this FREE GUIDE that will help you decide which dog breed is right for you.
World Dog Finder team
Updated at31.08.2023.
Breed History
Transylvanian Hound is an ancient breed from Hungary that was favored as a hunting dog for the aristocracy. Because of the different terrain conditions, the Transylvanian hound developed into two variants: long-legged and short-legged variant. In general, long-legged dogs were used for hunting big game, and short-legged for small game. A Group of enthusiasts saved the breed from extinction at the beginning of the 20th century.
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