Transylvanian Hound

The Transylvanian Hound is a very old breed of hunting dog, dating back over 1,000 years. It’s believed that they were originally brought to the region by the Magyars, a nomadic people who settled west of the Transylvanian Mountains and founded the first Hungarian state. In the Middle Ages, back when Transylvania was still part of Hungary, this breed was highly prized by the Hungarian aristocracy for its hunting prowess and discipline. However, the combined effects of war and political turmoil in the 20th century nearly conspired to drive this breed toward extinction. Its fortunes were later revived thanks to the hard work of some Hungarian and Slovakian breeders, but this breed remains relatively rare and difficult to find outside of its native home.

The Transylvania Hound was specially adapted for the climate and terrain of Hungary. It is characterized by an athletic body, a long tail, a big muzzle, drooping ears, and a short coat with black and tan or a tri-color appearance. It also has a remarkable sense of smell and a nonstop motor. While it was primarily bred as a hunter, this pack dog also makes for a great companion in the home.

3 Pros And Cons Of Owning A Transylvanian Hound

Size And Weight

The Transylvania Hound is a medium-sized, athletic dog with balanced movement and (as some people have described it) a noble and elegant bearing. Historically, this breed has come in two different sizes, but it’s now believed that the short-legged version (which stands 18 to 20 inches) is extinct.

Types Of

While there is only one type of Transylvania Hound, there are two different types of size variants that they come in. The short-legged variety (which is believed to no longer be in existence) and the long-legged variety. The Fédération Cynologique International (FCI), or International Canine Federation, breed standard only describes the long-legged variety.

Common Health Issues

The Transylvania Hound is a very healthy breed; this is reflected in its average lifespan of 10 to 14 years. It is susceptible to both hip and elbow dysplasia, in which the joint will sometimes slip loose from its socket, causing pain and lameness, but any good, trusted breeder should screen their dogs for joint problems before they’re given a home. There is also a chance that this breed could develop cancer and heart problems, especially later in life. Regular appointments at the vet should help catch health problems early before they become serious.

Temperament

The Transylvania Hound has many appealing personality traits; it is fearless, determined, playful, intelligent, and super affectionate, and protective with the family, yet also highly open to strangers and unfamiliar faces. It has remarkable energy levels and mental stimulation needs, so be prepared to spend a lot of time with this dog, engaged in many of its activities. If it becomes bored, you may face a torrent of destruction and bad behavior.

How To Take Care Of The Transylvanian Hound

The Transylvanian Hound is not necessarily recommended for novice or casual owners. While it isn’t too difficult to care for, this breed does require plenty of companionship, playtime, exercise, and other activities. It can adapt fairly well to apartment living, assuming you have enough space nearby to satisfy its exercise needs.

The Best Dog Food For Transylvanian Hounds

The Transylvania Hound will need a few cups of high-quality dog food per day, based on its size, age, and activity level. Either commercially available or homemade food is okay for a dog of this type. Stay away from any dog food containing legumes, since legumes are linked with heart failure in dogs.

Maintenance And Grooming

The Transylvania Hound has a short coat that requires no special care. It should be sufficient to brush it once a week with a strong bristle brush and then remove loose fur with a rubber glove. The toenails do grow quickly, however, and need to be trimmed regularly to prevent them from cracking or clicking on the floor. This dog also requires frequent attention to its hygiene. If your dog begins to show signs of ear infections, then you should clean them out with a simple cotton swab and cleaning solution. Brush the teeth regularly as well to prevent disease and bad breath.

Training

The Transylvania Hound is eager to please and quick to grasp commands, but that does not necessarily mean it’s the easiest dog to train. As a hound, it has very strong hunting instincts and might have its own ideas about how it wants to do things. Patience, consistency, and clarity are required to get the most out of this breed. You should not push the dog too hard for too long, or it might reject your training altogether. You should let the dog learn at its own pace.

Exercise

The Transylvania Hound requires at least an hour of exercise every day. Long walks, fast-paced runs, fetching, and other forms of playtime should keep your dog healthy and occupied. This breed also excels at all forms of agility challenges and contests. Because of its strong prey drive, however, you might want to keep this dog on a leash when out in the open, even if it’s been well-trained.

Puppies

Your new Transylvanian puppy will need to undergo a rigorous process of socialization and training as soon as possible. Owners should not expect to train out their hunting instincts, but some bad behavior associated with their instincts might be minimized or curbed. While these are naturally friendly and affectionate dogs, the puppy still should be socialized early and often. Any place with lots of other people and dogs should work well, including parks, daycare, and playdates. This needs to be done in conjunction with teaching proper etiquette and manners. Crate training, while not mandatory, can help to solve housebreaking and behavioral issues.

The Transylvanian Hound And Children

The Transylvanian Hound is exceptionally affectionate and loyal toward children of all ages. Interactions between dogs and younger children should always be supervised by an adult, but a well-trained member of this breed is respectful and gentle around kids.

Dogs Similar To The Transylvanian Hound

The Transylvania Hound bears a strong resemblance to several other types of hunting dogs.

• Wirehaired Vizsla: This is a big Hungarian hunting dog with an even temperament and gentle demeanor. It is characterized by a dense, wiry coat and a harsh beard of golden sand-colored hair. It is a hard worker and an excellent companion.
• American Foxhound: Originally bred to track down foxes, this large hunting dog is easy-going, even-tempered, and independent-minded, although perhaps a little more reserved than the Transylvanian. It has a short but hard coat with black, tan, white, and even blue colored markings.
• Beagle: While it’s much smaller than the Transylvanian, the Beagle has a similar lovable, curious, and playful personality. It is one of the best-known scent hounds in the world.