The Transylvanian hound is a medium-sized black-and-tan hunting canine that originated in Hungary's former Transylvania (today, it is part of Romania). Both in its native country and in the United States, the Transylvanian dog, also known as the Erdelyi Kopó, is exceedingly rare. You will be rewarded with a lively, sociable, and devoted companion if you are fortunate enough to locate this breed and bring it into your house.
Breed Overview
GROUP:
HEIGHT: About 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder
WEIGHT: At least 55 pounds
COAT: Short, straight, dense, flat double coat
COAT COLOR: Black with tan markings
LIFE SPAN: 10 to 14 years
TEMPERAMENT: Courageous, good-natured, determined, loyal, protective
HYPOALLERGENIC: No
ORIGIN: Transylvania (formerly Hungary, now part of Romania)
Characteristics of the Transylvanian Hound
Transylvanian dogs are kind, calm, and energetic. Despite its friendliness, the breed might be wary of until they get to know them. Transylvanian hounds are kind and devoted with their own owners and make excellent playmates for children. They form strong bonds with their owners.
| Affection Level | High |
| Friendliness | Medium |
| Kid-Friendly | High |
| Pet-Friendly | High |
| Exercise Needs | High |
| Playfulness | Medium |
| Energy Level | High |
| Trainability | High |
| Intelligence | High |
| Tendency to Bark | Medium |
| Amount of Shedding | Low |
History of the Transylvanian Hound
This old breed is considered to date back to 500 AD and was a favourite hunting dog for Hungarian nobility throughout the Middle Ages. The Viszla, a more widespread Hungarian hunting dog, may be linked to the Transylvanian hound. The Transylvanian hound's numbers fell throughout time, and by the turn of the twentieth century, the breed was on the verge of extinction. In the late 1960s, a group of breed enthusiasts saved the Transylvanian hound from extinction. There were two types at first: long-legged and short-legged. Only the Transylvanian hound with long legs has survived.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) Foundation Stock Service (FSS) documented the Transylvanian hound in 2015, a step toward full recognition. When the AKC grants full recognition to the breed, it will be allocated to the Hound Group. The United Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 2006. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognizes the breed internationally (FCI).
Transylvanian Hound Care
Transylvanian dogs are more clever than other hound breeds and less obstinate. They're also renowned for being quite active and lively, so make sure your dog gets enough and every day. Fortunately, the breed has a short double coat that sheds less and only requires simple brushing.
Exercise
Transylvanian hounds are known for their endurance, having been known to travel up to 100 kilometres when hunting. Two brisk walks of 30 to 60 minutes each each day should enough. Getting your Transylvanian dog enough of daily activity and mental stimulation will help it relax for the rest of the day. They like unstructured activities such as hiking, running, and swimming, as well as training for competitive canine sports such as agility, tracking, and obedience, in addition to walks.
Grooming
The black-and-tan of this dog is lustrous and slightly coarse to the touch. Brush the with a soft bristle brush a few times a week and bathe when necessary. Every other week, trim your (less often if the dog wears them down naturally when running around outside). Every week, inspect into your Transylvanian hound's ears and, if they appear unclean, using a pet-safe ear cleaner. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian if you notice redness, irritation, or a bad odor emanating from your ears.
Training
When you utilize positive, reward-based training strategies and the correct motivation, they learn rapidly (extra tasty treats work best). Keep training sessions brief and always conclude on a positive note when your dog succeeds. Strangers can make Transylvanian hounds nervous, but early socialization during puppyhood can prevent this from becoming an issue.
Common Health Problems
While the Transylvanian hound is typically robust and resilient, it is occasionally affected with and elbow dysplasia. Responsible breeders do health examinations on their adult dogs before breeding them to guarantee that their puppies do not inherit any genetic problems.
Diet and Nutrition
This active and athletic breed will thrive on a high-quality, calorie-dense food, although less active Transylvanian hounds may require a lower-calorie diet to avoid weight gain. Excess weight can exacerbate joint abnormalities such as hip and elbow dysplasia and contribute to other health problems such as diabetes. Consult your breeder or veterinarian if you're not sure what food or amount to feed your Transylvanian hound. Rather than free feeding, always serve measured portions twice a day (leaving food out all day).
Where to Adopt or Buy a Transylvanian Hound
You may have to wait a long if you have your heart set on a Transylvanian hound puppy. In the United States, there are just a few Transylvanian hound breeders. An adult Transylvanian dog may come into rescue on rare occasions.
Connect with others who care about and support the revival of this breed by going to the Transylvanian Hound Club on Facebook or the Erdélyi Kopó Club of Hungary. Because the breed is not yet completely approved by the AKC, the cost of a puppy ranges from $600 to $800, which is pretty reasonable for such an unique dog.
Transylvanian Hound Overview
Good family dogs
Friendly and adventurous
Good with dogs and other pets
Very rare and hard to find
Requires lots of exercise
Standoffish with strangers
More Dog Breeds and Further Research
Transylvanian hounds can be amazing dogs, but tough to find. If you like this dog, you might also like these breeds:
Otherwise, check out all of our other to help you find the perfect dog for you and your family.
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Are Transylvanian hounds a good fit in a multi-pet household?
Because they are used to hunting with other Transylvanian hounds in tiny packs of two or three, most dogs of this breed get along swimmingly with other dogs. When reared together, they normally get along with other family pets, including cats.
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What were Transylvanian hounds bred for?
The Transylvanian hound is a scent hound, which means it was trained to track and trail huge game like bear, bison, deer, lynx, and wild boar, as well as small game like fox and rabbits, using its keen sense of smell. They never kill anything despite having the propensity to hunt and chase, although they can retrieve downed wildlife. Transylvanian dogs, also known as driving hounds, use high-pitched, ringing barks and other vocalizations to aim and flush game (scare it from its hiding location), then drive it toward the hunter.
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Why are Transylvanian hounds so rare?
The breed became endangered in the mid-nineteenth century as its primary purpose—hunting big game—lost favor among Europe's aristocracy. In Transylvania, though, the breed continues to hunt wild boar. Dedicated breeders here and abroad continue to fight to conserve this old gem, despite the breed's limited numbers.
