Transylvanian Hound - A Handsome and Loyal Companion

There are quite a few lovely breeds native to Hungary and this includes a very charming dog in the shape of the Transylvanian Hound. This gentle dog boasts a very amiable character that over time has won the hearts of many people in their native land, and yet the breed is relatively unknown in other parts of the world.

A Little Background History

The exact origins of the Transylvanian Hound is unknown, although some people believe these striking dogs may be the end result of crossing certain hounds that were introduced to Hungary by the Magyars with other hounds found throughout Europe at the time. Whatever their ancestry, the Transylvanian Hound we see today, is a courageous, loyal and extremely skilled scent hound that for centuries has been highly prized in their native Hungary and which in times past were the preferred hunting dogs of the noble families.

Good Natured, Loyal Companions

The Transylvanian Hound is a very gentle and good natured dog that loves to be out in the great outdoors as much as they enjoy being in the warm which is why they make such a wonderful choice of family pet for people who lead active lives. They are not the best choice of pets for people who lead more sedentary lives simply because they like to be kept busy both mentally and physically.

Male dogs stand at anything between 18 and 26 inches at the shoulder and can weigh in at 55 to 77 lbs with females being slightly smaller and lighter than their male counterparts. They are highly intelligent and quite sensitive which means they need to be expertly handled and trained with a firm, yet gentle hand. These hounds are the not the best choice for first time dog-owners for that reason and if not properly trained, they can start to show a dominant side to their character which can prove hard to correct later on in a dog's life.

They also boast quite a protective side to their character which in short, means they are in general, very skilled guard dogs and ones that don't bark for the sake of it, but rather because there is something wrong that needs to be checked out. They are by nature a little wary of strangers when they first meet them, but once they get to know a person, these dogs relax and are very friendly towards them.

Early Socialisation and Training are a Must

As with most hounds and other dogs, it's really important for a Transylvanian Hound to be well socialised from a young age so they grow to be confident, well-balanced and happy dogs. When it comes to training, this needs to be done early too and with a firm, yet gentle hand by someone who has the experience needed to train this type of dog. The early a dog is introduced to lots of people, other animals large and small the better it is for them because it helps them grow into more confident dogs.

Exercise Needs of the Transylvanian Hound

Although not considered very high energy, the Transylvanian Hound would not be a good choice of pets for anyone who lives in an apartment because they love to be in the great outdoors and would not do well if cooped up inside for longer periods of time. They need to be given lots of physical exercise and mental stimulation to be truly happy dogs. However, once they get home after being out and about, they are perfectly happy to chill out and relax next to their owners on the sofa.

The thing to bear in mind when out on a walk with a Transylvanian Hound is that they boast an extremely keen sense of smell and therefore might just take off after a scent they pick up preferring to ignore any commands. As such, it is far wiser to keep these dogs on a lead when walking in a park, through woods or the countryside where you are bound to encounter lots of great wild animal scents and trails.

A Healthy, Robust Hound

These hounds are considered to be robust and healthy dogs that don't typically suffer from other hereditary and/or congenital disorders that other hounds often suffer from. However, as with many other larger dogs, they can develop two painful conditions which are elbow and hip dysplasia. With this said, when well cared for and fed an appropriate, nutritious diet to suit the different stages of their lives, the Transylvanian Hound can live anything from 10 to 12+ years.

Conclusion

Hounds are particularly lovely looking dogs that generally boast laid back natures and one in particular is the Transylvanian Hound, a dog that hails from Hungary where they are highly prized. They are very handsome with their sleek frames and beautiful heads and floppy ears. They have very striking coats with fawn coloured muzzles and darker masks with the same fawn colour on their chests and lower legs which means they stand out against other hounds. Although not as well known outside of their native Hungary, more breeders in other parts of the world, including here in the UK are now producing some very good examples of these dogs, although if you want to share your home with a Transylvanian Hound, you may have to accept being put on a waiting list!