Transylvanian Hound Breed Guide

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.

Who are Transylvanian Hound dogs 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.

How much grooming does a Transylvanian Hound need?

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 Hound bark much?

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.

Do Transylvanian Hound bite?

A Transylvanian Hound is an even-tempered dog and does not have a tendency to bite; that said, it is still a dog, and some biting can be expected. If you carry out proper dog training with your scent hound, you shouldn't have any biting issues, and they will be well trained for outside.

These dogs are friendly, but they are also especially loyal, which has advantages and disadvantages. On the upside, your dog will be enjoyable to be around and make the ideal life companion; on the downside, its protective instincts and playfulness might not gel with kids.

What is the temperament & personality of a Transylvanian Hound?

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.

What is the weight & size 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.

How much training does a Transylvanian Hound need?

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.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Transylvanian Hound?

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 and Elbow Dysplasia. 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 ten and twelve years. Thanks to strong breeding, these hounds generally stay healthy throughout their lifetime.

How much should you feed a Transylvanian Hound?

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.

What is the price of 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.