Finnish Hound Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The Finnish Hound, called Suomenajokoira in Finnish, is the national hound of Finland. It is a tricolor scent hound with a good nose, a ringing voice and plenty of stamina, and it is a familiar sight in Finnish forests during hunting season.

Origins and appearance

The breed developed in the nineteenth century from local hounds crossed with imported German, Swiss and English dogs. Finnish Hounds are medium-large and athletic, with a long head, drop ears, a short, dense coat in black and tan with white markings and a long tail.

Temperament

They are friendly, gentle and energetic. They are usually good with children and other dogs. They are independent on a scent. They can be vocal. They dislike being left alone.

Exercise

They need extensive daily exercise, with running, hiking and sniffing. They have great stamina. Secure fencing is essential, since they follow scents. Mental work matters.

Training

They are intelligent but independent. Use positive methods, patience and food rewards. Do not expect a reliable off-lead recall. Early socialization helps. See recall training guide.

Coat and grooming

The short, dense coat needs weekly brushing. Clean the ears, trim nails and brush teeth.

Health considerations

Topics include:

• Ear infections. See dog ear infections
• Hip dysplasia. See hip dysplasia in dogs
• Hereditary conditions, which breeders may screen for
• Bloat. See bloat and GDV in dogs
• Obesity. See obesity risks in dogs

Living with a Finnish Hound

They suit active families with a secure yard, ideally in the country. They do best with company. They are poorly suited to apartments or long hours alone.

A typical day

A Finnish Hound wants a long morning outing, a long rest, play and an evening sniffing walk. Many are calm indoors once exercised.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are bouncy and curious. Begin socialization, handling and training. Provide chew toys, and avoid heavy exercise while growing. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Plan for food, vet care and secure fencing. See dog vet cost guide.

Seasons and travel

They tolerate cold well, thanks to a dense coat, but need shade and water in heat. They travel well with a sturdy crate or harness.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include trusting the dog off lead, underexercising, leaving the dog alone and neglecting the ears.

Choosing a puppy or adult

Ask about hip tests and the parents' temperaments and working lines. The breed is uncommon outside Finland, so expect a wait.

A national hound

Finnish hunters hold the breed in high regard, and field trials test the hounds' pace, voice and ability to follow a cold trail. Most puppies come from working lines, and breeders often prefer homes with outdoor activity.

Lines and expectations

Working-line Finnish Hounds can have very high drive. If you want a pet, tell the breeder how the dog will live, and ask to meet adults from related litters so you see how they behave outside the field.

Daily care checklist

• A long outing with room to run in a secure area.
• Scent games or tracking.
• Ear checks and brushing.
• Measured meals.
• Company and a soft bed.

Is it the right breed for you?

A Finnish Hound suits active, outdoor owners who want a friendly scent hound and can provide exercise and secure fencing. It may not suit apartments or quiet homes. For a similar Scandinavian hound, see the Hamiltonstovare.

The takeaway

Finnish Hounds are friendly, vocal and tireless, and they need exercise, secure fencing and patience.