Transylvanian Hound

Temperament:

Brave, Friendly, Protective
Size: Medium
Height: 55-58 cm
Weight: 25 kg
Lifespan: 10-12 years
Coat: Shorthair
Colors: Black, tan insignia
FCI Group: Scent hounds and related breeds

The Transylvanian Hound, also known as the Transylvanian Scent Hound or Hungarian Hound or Erdélyi Kopó, is a typical hunting dog. This old breed has always been valued and used as a hunting dog in its homeland. Its pleasant nature makes it an ideal family dog.

Transylvanian Hound
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Characteristics

The Transylvanian Hound is a hunting and running dog. Its appearance, character and temperament have developed over centuries of hunting. The conditions in their homeland, the Carpathian Mountains, were harsh. Cold, harsh winters alternated with hot, humid summers. The forests in the rugged mountains were dense and impenetrable.

The dogs adapted, they developed muscles and their short fur became thicker. In rough terrain, the Bracken trained dexterity, intelligence and orientation skills. Together with their exceptionally keen sense of smell and their great eagerness to work, the Transylvanian Hound is an excellent hunting dog.

As such, the Transylvanian Hound has a healthy self-confidence and is able to make decisions independently. It also has a hunting instinct, which you should take into account on your walks.

A daredevil outdoors, the Transylvanian Hound is sweet and affectionate in the home environment, in the family. It is always friendly, loves children and never becomes aggressive.

The Bracke is suspicious of strangers and reports any changes with a loud voice. This is why it is often used as a guard dog.

Train your young Transylvanian Hound lovingly but consistently. Ensure sufficient contact with other dogs of the same species. Then you will have a balanced, calm and relaxed family member. Your Transylvanian Hound gets on well with other dogs.

Transylvanian Hounds grow to a height of 55 to 58 cm and weigh at least 25 kg. They have a black coat with tan markings on their legs and muzzle.

Coat care:

Little
Medium
Intensive

Shedding:

Little
Medium
Intensive

Energy level:

Little
Medium
High

Trainability:

Little
Medium
Good

Children suitable:

Less
With supervision
Perfect

The right food

When choosing food, make sure that it contains high-quality ingredients, is balanced and meets your dog's requirements. Age, size or weight, activity and health status play an important role. You should follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the amount of food.

Treats should only be fed in moderation and deducted from the basic diet to avoid obesity.

Puppies can be fed 4-6 times a day. The number of meals should be gradually reduced to 2 per day until the dog is fully grown. A rest period should be observed after meals.

Fresh drinking water should be available at all times.

Health & Care

Your four-legged friend's robust coat is easy to care for. You should only brush it occasionally during the shedding period to remove loose hair. Allow coarse dirt to dry and then brush it out.

As a running dog, your Bracke needs plenty of exercise and activity. The ideal activity for these dogs is hunting, where they can develop their full potential.

To keep your Transylvanian Hound physically and mentally active, an alternative is a dog sport.

Tracking work, mantrailing or training as a search dog would be a possibility. Try out what you both enjoy. Take your dog for a walk or a bike ride every day.

Keeping your Bracke indoors only is out of the question. You can take her into the house or apartment, but she definitely needs plenty of exercise on a piece of land or in the yard.

Suitable accessories

A food bowl and several water bowls are a matter of course. Several water bowls so that your four-legged friend has water available everywhere.

To go outside with your dog, he needs a collar or harness and a sturdy lead. To be able to retreat, your Bracke needs an undisturbed place with a basket or bed. A cuddly blanket is a must.

If you want to take your four-legged friend with you in the car, he is in good hands in a transport box.

And very important: toys. Let your four-legged friend decide whether he prefers chasing balls or tugging toys.

Other accessories that should be part of every dog's basic equipment: tick tweezers, claw clippers, mild dog shampoo, brush and comb, toothbrush and toothpaste for dogs and a first aid kit. Ask your vet what belongs in the first aid kit.

Erdélyi Kopó Hungarian Bracke history picture

Origin & History

The ancestors of the Transylvanian Hound are Eastern European Bracken and Pannonian tracking dogs. Breeding was aimed at producing a dog suitable for hunting big game and predators.

Once widespread, the population declined sharply at the beginning of the 20th century and the Transylvanian Hound was threatened with extinction.

Until the early 1960s, enthusiasts began to breed the breed again. The few remaining animals formed the basis for the new breed.