Transylvanian Hound Dog Breed Information

Group

Foundation Stock Service

Weight

30-35 kg

Height

46-54 cm

Lifespan

10-12 years

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About the Transylvanian Hound

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

Transylvania might be best known for its spooky castles and folklore, but if you love dogs, you might also think of the Transylvanian Hound. It might sound like one of Dracula’s alter egos, but that was a Doberman; so don’t confuse them, let the Transylvanian hound off the leash.

The Transylvanian Hound is also legendary in the region because of its popularity with hunters and royalty throughout the ages. However, popularity couldn’t save it from almost going extinct. Thankfully, some thoughtful breeders stepped in to keep the breed alive for pet owners.

What is the history & origin of the Transylvanian Hound?

The Transylvanian Hound is thought to be over a thousand years old. It probably originated by cross-breeding the hounds brought to the area by the Magyars, Hungarian tribes that created political and social frameworks across Hungary. These hounds were crossed with a Hungarian dog.

For centuries, the Transylvanian Hound was used for hunting and was popular with Hungarian royalty; look at art from the region in the last millennium, and you are sure to catch sight of these hounds. But, the dog had to be brought back from the brink of extinction in 1968.

What is a Transylvanian Hound breed?

The Transylvanian Hound is a Hungarian dog that is thought to be over a thousand years old, but while it was popular in the past, its numbers declined until it was all but extinct in the twentieth century. But that wasn’t going to happen with so many fans and breeders around to save it.

A Transylvanian Hound is a working dog, so it has a lot of energy and physical strength, but it has a friendly and even temperament making it a suitable family dog as well. A Transylvanian Hound is also loyal and easy to train, but you need to have an active life to keep one of these.

Who is a Transylvanian Hound best for?

A Transylvanian Hound is suitable for families and individuals, but there are a few factors you should keep in mind when considering this dog. Firstly, it is a working dog bred for hunting, so it has a lot of physical strength and needs plenty of exercise; make sure you have a field nearby.

If you have that base covered, you might be wondering if a Transylvanian Hound is suitable for your family or if it can be kept in an urban apartment. The answer is a resounding yes on both fronts; Transylvanian Hounds are even-tempered and good with kids; they are also adaptable.

Transylvanian Hound Grooming & Shedding

When it comes to shedding, this Hungarian Hound is pretty average; although it has a double coat, it doesn’t shed excessively, meaning you can keep the hair loss under control with some regular brushing and grooming. This dog breed responds well to brushing and regular baths.

The region of Europe where this dog originates is known for extreme temperatures; it can get cold in the winter, which is why the Transylvanian Hound has two coats. The top coat is short and sleek, and the undercoat is dense and soft, so expect the coats to shed more in warm weather.

Do Transylvanian Hounds bark a lot?

Since a Transylvanian Hound is a hunting dog, you might expect it to bark frequently; how else would such a dog indicate to its human owners what it has found in the field? Mixed hound dogs like the Transylvanian Hound can bark, but their barking is fairly average.

Hound dogs like this one tend to bark or bay, which is a kind of moaning, but they only tend to be vocal when they have a purpose or when they are bored. That said, these hounds are the active type so they can become bored easily. Make sure you have plenty of activities for them.

What is the average weight & height of a Transylvanian Hound?

A Transylvanian Scent Hound is a medium-sized dog with long legs. In the past, there was a short-legged version of this dog, but it has since become extinct; it seems the long legs were more suitable for the task of hunting and the physical demands of the area where it lived in Hungary.

These dogs tend to weigh between 30 and 35 kilograms and stand at a height of 46 to 54 centimetres. In general, male dogs tend to be larger than females, but the height and weight of any Transylvanian Hound puppies depend on the breeder; there will always be some variation.

Are Transylvanian Hounds easy to train?

A Transylvanian dog requires more training than other dogs, partly because of their hunting nature and partly because of their personalities. These dogs are highly independent and have a strong sense of smell, so they can be easily distracted and run off like a good scent hound.

Unfortunately, this makes them a little trickier to train, which means they aren’t always suited to a first-time dog owner. On the other hand, they are more intelligent than other dogs and learn fast; they are also very loyal, which can be a useful training tool regardless of your training skill.

How do Transylvanian Hounds behave? A look at their temperament and personality

This is a rare breed of dog, and it has some amazing qualities; these dogs have lived and worked with humans for generations, so they have a strong bond with their owners and more loyalty than other dogs. They are also protective and intelligent, making them good family pets.

Another reason these purebred dogs make suitable family pets are down to their suitability with children; they tend to view children as young pack members and protect them. However, these dogs are also playful and physical, so they might not be the best choice for younger kids.

Does the Transylvanian Hound have any common health issues?

In general, these popular hounds are very healthy, and you shouldn’t need too many unscheduled trips to the vet; however, like all dogs, Transylvanian ones are predisposed to some health conditions that it’s useful to look out for, these include:

Hip Dysplasia: A genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit properly, potentially leading to arthritis and mobility issues.
Elbow Dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia, this affects the elbow joint and can cause pain and lameness.

To keep your dog healthy, make sure you visit the vet regularly for some checkups.

What is the lifespan of a Transylvanian Hound?

Larger dogs tend to live shorter lives than smaller ones, but the scent hound group mostly contains medium-sized dogs. A medium-sized dog is usually active and better for dog sports; they make an excellent family pet and can be expected to live for between 10 and 12 years. Thanks to strong breeding, these hounds generally stay healthy throughout their lifetime.

How much does a Transylvanian Hound need to be fed?

A Transylvanian dog is a high-energy dog that needs a lot of activity and to support this lifestyle, it needs some quality dog food. It’s best to source quality dog food from a local pet shop or the internet and consider feeding them some meat now and again. Since these dogs are prone to overeating, it’s best to stick to a consistent feeding schedule and avoid leaving food out.

How much can you expect to pay for a Transylvanian Hound in Australia?

Transylvanian dogs are not yet recognised by the Australian Kennel Club, so prices often depend on specific breeders; however, these dogs are beginning to win back their popularity which helps to push prices down. In Australia, you can expect to pay between $500 and $1000 for these good-natured dogs, and they can be even cheaper if you choose to buy a rescue dog.

Transylvanian Hound FAQs

Are Transylvanian Hounds rare?

Yes, but this wasn’t always the case! In the middle ages, these long-legged hound dogs were very popular – especially in central Europe, where they were used for hunting games. As agricultural societies developed, however, these dogs fell out of favour and almost became extinct in the twentieth century. That’s when the breeder stepped in to save this rare and lovely dog.

Are Transylvanian Hounds hypoallergenic?

While some dogs are more hypoallergenic than others, no dog is completely safe for allergy sufferers. In the case of Transylvanian Hounds, it doesn’t shed very often, but it does have a double coat that requires regular brushing. In general, these dogs are not considered hypoallergenic, but they are more suitable than some other dogs, and shedding depends on the season.

Are Transylvanian Hound dogs aggressive?

When you hear about a Transylvanian hunting dog, you might think that it’s an aggressive barking kind of dog – but that’s not the case. These dogs are not aggressive; they are friendly and playful. Although they tend to bark, they only do so when they are bored rather than as an aggressive gesture. This breed is also intelligent and can be trained.