Estonian Hound Dog Breed Information, Images, Characteristics, Health

Basic Information - Estonian Hound for Sale

Group:

Hound dog

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Estonia

Height Male:

42 - 52 cm16 - 21 inches

Height Female:

40 - 50 cm15 - 20 inches

Weight Male:

15 - 20 kg33 - 45 pounds

Weight Female:

13 - 19 kg28 - 42 pounds

Life Span:

12 - 15 Years

Litter Size:

4 - 8

Size:

Medium

Other Names:

Estonian Scenthound, Gontchaja Estonskaja

Colors Available:

tan with black patches or blackish brown with red patches

Coat:

short, rough coat

Shedding:

Constant

Temperament:

Affectionate, Cheerful, Energetic, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal

Grooming:

Moderate Maintenance

Trainability:

Moderate

Hypoallergenic:

Kids Friendly:

Yes

New Owners Friendly:

Yes

History - Estonian Hound for Sale

In 1947, the Estonian Hound was developed and remains today the only pure breed ever developed in Estonia. At that time the national economic minister of the Soviet Union declared that every country in the USSR must have a national dog breed. Thus, the Estonian Hound and the Estonian Kennel Union were born. The Kennel Union is currently seeking breed recognition from the Federation Cynoloqique Internationale.

The Estonian Hound came from breeding local Estonian hunting dogs with several different breeds of foreign dogs. The Soviet decree also established that hunting dogs had to be no more than 17 inches high. This result in a hunting dog with great agility and drive that is extremely popular in now inependent Estonia. It is the national dog.

Description - Estonian Hound for Sale

The Estonian Hound is a strong, muscular body of medium size, with well-developed muscles and strong bones. It has a straight muzzle and skull with defined eyebrows and long drop ears. They have black noses and dark eyes. Their back is wide and straight, and their chest is deep and wide. They have skin that is tight with no wrinkles or folds anywhere.

The Estonian Hound is double coated, but the undercoat is not well developed. The top coat is rough, short and shiny. The tail has a thick covering of hair. The color is usually white with red patches, black or brown patches or yellow patches.

Characteristics - Estonian Hound for Sale

Children friendliness

The Estonian Hound is a happy dog and loves to play with children. He was bred to hunt though and he can get fixated on a scent and knock over a small child.

Special talents

He is a hunting dog with great agility and drive.

Adaptability

He has had to be adaptable through his short history and is now more a companion than a hunting dog. He can live in the city or country.

Learning ability

He is intelligent and trainable. He is lively and energetic and the challenge might be keeping his attention long enough to train.

Health Problems - Estonian Hound for Sale

With such a young breed there have not been any studies done on their health or genetic issues. It seems the breed is fairly healthy but there is too little information to really say. Being confined to Estonia there has been little commercial or backyard breeding. He is less likely than most pure breeds to have genetic issues.

It is likely that dogs of his type are at risk for:

Bloat – distended or twisted stomach

Caused by excessive exercise before or after having eaten a large meal. It is suggested that you feed your English Setter twice a day, smaller meals and not right before or after strenuous exercise.

Luxating Patella
Leads to lameness and arthritis
Allergies skin/food
See vet if issues arise
Respiratory allergies - It would be very important to see vet if any breathing issues arise
Joint dysplasia - This could be elbow or hip and can lead to lameness or arthritis

Caring The Pet - Estonian Hound for Sale

Feeding the puppy

Feed a high quality dry food made for puppies. Feed ¼ to ½ cup per day in 2-3 meals for the first six months.

Feed 1 to 2 cups in two meals from 6 months to a year or so.

Feeding the adult.

Feed about 2 to 3 cups in two meals.

Points for Good Health

As previously mentioned this seems to be a fairly healthy breed.

Be careful not to feed a large meal before or after exercise due to possibility of bloat.

Check their ears and clean them periodically.

Games and Exercises

The Estonian Hound is a hunting dog and needs a good deal of exercise – at least an hour and a half every day or a long walk if not used for hunting. He is a working dog with a lot of energy and stamina. Don’t let him off leash though or he will follow his nose and take off. He is usually calm and quiet indoors if he gets enough physical and mental stimulation outdoors. He can be destructive and loud, nervous and hyper if he doesn’t. They enjoy Frisbee, agility, tracking and of course hunting.