Estonian Hound

The Estonian Hound is Estonia's only native breed — a small scent hound created to a legal specification rather than a hunting fashion.

History

In the 1940s Soviet authorities restricted hunting dogs in Estonia to a maximum height, to protect roe deer from being run down by larger hounds. Estonian breeders responded by crossing local hounds with Beagles and Swiss hounds to produce a dog that fitted the limit and could still work hare and fox. It was recognised in 1954 and named a national symbol in 2005.

Temperament

The breed is known for being friendly, even-tempered and sociable with people and other dogs, and thoroughly persistent once it is on a line.

Care and training

It needs substantial exercise and secure ground. The short coat is easy; the drop ears want routine cleaning. Recall is the standing difficulty of any scent hound.

Health

Generally robust, with ear infections the common complaint. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.