The Transylvanian Hound is a medium sized, versatile hunting breed native to the region of Transylvania. Originally this was part of the Hungarian Empire but is now within the borders of Romania, and these dogs are therefore native to both countries. The breed’s lineage can be traced all the way back to the 9th century, when the Magyar tribes brought their hounds to the Carpathian Basin. Originally bred for hunting large game like boar and deer in the dense forests and mountainous terrain of Transylvania, this breed is known for its exceptional scenting ability and endurance.
Domestically, they are recognized by the Hungarian Kennel Club (Hungarian National Vizsla Club) in the Hound Group. Internationally, they are recognized by several kennel clubs, including the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), and the American Kennel Club (AKC) as part of their Foundation Stock Service.
History & Origins Of The Transylvanian Hound
The Transylvanian Hound originated in the Kingdom of Hungary, a monarchical kingdom that existed for around a thousand years until the mid 20th Century. Particularly the Transylvania region, where it was developed for hunting large game in the dense forests and rugged terrain. The breed’s ancestors include various scent hounds brought by the Magyar tribes who migrated to Transylvania as far back as the 9th Century, and crossed their hounds with local breeds.
These early hounds were a mix of Asian and local Celtic hounds, prized for their excellent hunting skills. Originally, there were two types: long-legged and short-legged, used for hunting different game. At the turn of the 20th Century, almost all of these hounds disappeared into oblivion. With significant efforts from breed enthusiasts after the 2nd World War, the long legged variety was brought back from the brink, but the short legged hound is now extinct. Today, the breed is recognized by several kennel clubs and remains a symbol of Hungary’s hunting heritage.
Quick Facts About The Transylvanian Hound
- Ancient Heritage – The Transylvanian Hound is a scent hound breed originally developed by the Magyar tribes in the Kingdom of Hungary in the historical region of Transylvania, now part of Romania. It is not classed as a primitive breed, but it is one of the oldest breeds of hounds, dating back to the 9th century.
- Remarkable Hunters – Known for their exceptional scenting abilities, they excel at tracking large game in diverse terrains.
- Energetic and Active – These hounds require significant daily exercise, including long walks, runs, and play sessions to stay fit and mentally stimulated.
- Family-Friendly – Loyal and good with children, they can be excellent family pets when properly socialized.
- Low Maintenance – With a short, dense coat, they require minimal grooming, just regular brushing and occasional baths.
Characteristics Of The Transylvanian Hound
The Transylvanian Hound is often compared to dog breeds like the Slovakian Hound and the Bavarian Mountain Hound due to its heritage and exceptional hunting skills. However, they are very much a seperate breed, with their own unique traits that distinguish it from other hound breeds.
In Hungary, the breed is commonly known as the Erdélyi kopó, which is simply the Hungarian translation of Transylvanian Hound. Internationally, it is more commonly recognized by the English translation as the Transylvanian Hound. Other variations of their formal name include the Hungarian Hound and the Transylvanian Scent Hound, both of which are recognized in the official FCI breed standard. The only other common name you may hear is ‘Copoi Ardelenesc’ which translates as ‘Transylvanian Dogs’.
Transylvanian Hound Puppies
Transylvanian Hound puppies typically come in litters of five to ten. As with all new puppies, it’s essential for them to stay with their mother and littermates for at least eight weeks to develop proper social behaviors and bonding. If they don’t get these early foundational skills, training is always much more difficult. Early socialization and training once in their new homes, should start as early as possible.
For potential owners, the cost of a Transylvanian Hound puppy can vary. In the United States, prices generally range from $1000 to $1500 but they are extremely rare on this side of the Atlantic. In Europe, prices typically range from €700 to €1200, and they are similarly priced also in the UK. Given their rarity and hunting capabilities, these dogs can be quite valuable, but they are very rare to find anywhere outside of Hungary or Romania.
Appearance
The Transylvanian Hound is a medium-sized, athletic dog with a strong build typical of a scent hound. The modern breed has long legs and a noble head with hanging ears that frame their face. Its body is slightly longer than its height, giving it a well balanced and proportionate, agile appearance.
Only the tall variety of the Transylvanian Hound is recognized by the FCI, the AKC and the Hungarian Kennel Club in their description of the breed dimensions. I will provide the dimensions for both in the table below, but be aware that only the tall variety remains today and meets the published breed standard. There is no difference in size between males and females mentioned in the standard, but males do tend to be slightly larger than females.
The FCI and AKC only describe the weight as having to be a minimum of 55 lbs (25 kg), but ‘The encyclopedia of the dog‘ written by Bruce Fogle and published in 2009, gives a greater explanation of the dimensions of the two varieties. While the short variety is now likely extinct, I have provided the dimensions for both below.
Male | Female | |
Height | Short Variety – 46 – 51 cm (18 – 20 in) Tall Variety- 55 – 65 cm (22 – 26 in) | Short Variety – 46 – 51 cm (18 – 20 in) Tall Variety- 55 – 65 cm (22 – 26 in) |
Weight | Short – Variety 22 – 25 kg (49 – 55 lb) Tall – Variety 30 – 35 kg (66 – 77 lb) | Short – Variety 22 – 25 kg (49 – 55 lb) Tall – Variety 30 – 35 kg (66 – 77 lb) |
Coat
The coat is short, dense and coarse across the entire body, including the belly. It’s a close lying coat giving the dog a sleek appearance. Despite the short hair, it is a double coat and does provide decent protection from the elements. The withers and underside of the upper thighs generally have longer hair than the rest of the body.
Color
The FCI advise that the primary color in the Transylvanian Hound is black and they always have a tan point on each eyebrow. The AKC are a little more specific in their description of color, specifying three different registered standard colors. These are:
- Red & White
- Black & Tan
- Black Tan & White
Tan markings on the muzzle, eyebrows, chest, and legs. A small white patch on the chest is acceptable. The AKC standard doesn’t mention these markings though but the FCI standard is quite clear on them. Also, to meet standard, the dog should have white on no more than a fifth of their entire body.
Temperament
Transylvanian Hounds are intelligent, courageous, and determined. They are loyal to their families and good with children when properly trained. In most cases they are quiet and even tempered, but they do make excellent watch dogs as they are determined and alert too. They have an active bark and plenty of confidence which suits them well in guarding and working roles. As a pack animal, they are also very good with other dogs, especially when socialized early.
Lifespan
Transylvanian Hounds typically live between 10 to 14 years, when kept in a good home with a healthy diet.
Known Health Issues
Though generally healthy, several health issues can affect the Transylvanian Hound. Some of the most notable are:
Hip Dysplasia – A genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit together perfectly, potentially leading to arthritis or lameness.
- Treatment: Managing dysplasia involves weight management, controlled exercise, and anti-inflammatory medications. Severe cases might require surgery.
Elbow Dysplasia – Similar to hip dysplasia, this condition affects the elbow joint and can lead to arthritis and lameness.
- Treatment: Treatment includes weight management, joint supplements, and in severe cases, surgery.
Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus) – A life-threatening condition where the stomach twists, trapping gas and cutting off blood supply.
- Treatment: Immediate veterinary intervention is required. Preventative measures include feeding smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding vigorous exercise after eating.
Eye Conditions – Such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, which can lead to vision loss.
- Treatment: Regular eye check-ups and, in some cases, surgical intervention can help manage these conditions.
Daily Life
Food and Diet
Transylvanian Hounds, being active and athletic dogs, require a balanced diet to maintain their energy levels and overall health. These medium to large-sized dogs typically need about 3½ to 4½ cups of high-quality dry dog food per day, divided into two meals, to help manage their metabolism and prevent overeating.
A diet rich in proteins and fats is the best way to go to support their active lifestyle. Look for premium dog food with meat as the first ingredient and minimal fillers. High protein helps maintain muscle mass, while healthy fats support skin and coat health.
For puppies, feeding three to four smaller meals per day is ideal to support their rapid growth and high energy needs. As they transition to adulthood, reduce the frequency to twice a day. Adjust the food quantity based on the dog’s age, activity level, and metabolism. Senior dogs may require a specialized diet to meet their changing nutritional needs.
Exercise
Transylvanian Hounds are high-energy dogs. They are used to spending lots of time outdoors and need plenty of exercise to stay healthy in body and mind. Daily physical activity is really important also to prevent boredom and destructive behavior, a typical hound trait if they are under stimulated. They thrive on long walks, jogs, and play sessions in a secure, open space where they can run freely. These hounds have a strong prey drive, so engaging them in activities like tracking, scent work and agility training can be very beneficial. Regular mental stimulation is also important, as their intelligence and independent nature need to be challenged.
For a Transylvanian Hound, a simple walk around the block won’t suffice. They need a minimum of one to two hours of exercise each day. They will love to join you on outdoor adventures such as hiking, running trails and they can also excel in canine sports. The breed are excellent candidates for advanced training and competitions. Ensuring they get enough physical and mental exercise will lead to a well-balanced, content companion.
Family Compatibility
Transylvanian Hounds make excellent family pets for active households, but are not suited to sedentary or apartment life. They are generally loving and affectionate with their family members, including children, and are generally good with other dogs. However, due to their high energy levels and strong prey drive, they may not be suitable for families with small pets. Proper socialization from a young age helps them adjust to living with other animals and ensures they become well-mannered adults.
Training & Socializing
Training a Transylvanian Hound can be both rewarding and challenging due to their intelligence and high energy levels. These dogs are quick learners but require consistent, positive reinforcement methods to keep them engaged. Training sessions should be short, varied, and fun to prevent boredom. They have very strong primal instincts and prey drive, so patience but persistence is needed to get the best out of them.
Early socialization and exposure to different environments, people, and animals are crucial for their development. Proper training helps them channel their energy positively and prevents destructive behaviors.
Grooming
The Transylivanian Hound, with it’s short, straight coat is not particularly hard to care for and groom. But despite the coat’s appearance, it is a double coat, and it does shed plenty during the molting season, so it’s not a hypoallergenic breed by any stretch of the imagination.
A good weekly brush will normally keep the coat in good order, supplemented with a rub down with a coat glove during heavy shedding periods. They might need their face wiped down from time to time to reduce dog pong, as they are droolers, but only regular bathing should be enough. Nails should be kept an eye on and clipped regularly, as they are fast growing.
Breed Traits
Positive Traits | Negative Traits |
Good hunting and guarding dog | Strong prey drive |
Family friendly | Can be independent and stubborn |
Good with other dogs | Needs plenty exercise |
Very trainable | Not suitable for first time owners |
Breed FAQs
Are Transylvanian hounds good family dogs?
These dogs are generally loving and affectionate to family, including other dogs and small children. They are even tempered and don’t take long to develop trust in friends of the family too. They do have a strong prey drive though, so be careful of them around small pets and strange animals.
How rare are Transylvanian hounds?
There used to be two types of Transylvanian Hound, the long legged and short legged variety. Now, only the long legged hound remains and both very nearly became extinct in the 20th Century. They remain a rare breed, especially so outside of their native range in Hungary and Romania.
Summary
The Transylvanian Hound is a historic and versatile breed known for its hunting prowess and loyalty. They are great hunters but also have a great, even temperament for the home too. Known to get on well with children and other dogs, these hounds love to be part of a pack, either human or canine. They are not for the novice owner though, with a high prey drive that needs competent training and respected leadership. Their rich history and distinctive appearance make them a unique addition to any household, but preferably they will not be kept in an apartment or urban setting, where boredom and little space can lead to destructive behaviors.