Finnish Hound
Summary
The Finnish Hound (Suomenajokoira) is by far the most popular hunting dog in Finland, with more than 30,000 specimens registered annually — an extraordinary percentage for a country of only 5 million inhabitants. Developed in the late 19th century by Finnish breeders from European scent hounds, it was specifically selected to hunt hare and fox in the snowy and forested terrains of Finland.
Physical Characteristics
- Size
- Medium
- Height (male)
- 55–61 cm
- Height (female)
- 52–58 cm
- Weight (male)
- 20–25 kg
- Weight (female)
- 18–23 kg
- Life Expectancy
- 12–15 years
- Coat
- Double — soft and dense undercoat; short and rigid outer coat
- Common Colors
- Tricolor — black mantle, tan markings, and white
Temperament & Personality
The Finnish Hound is a balanced, friendly dog with a gentle temperament outside the field. It is known for being one of the calmest and most controllable scent hounds, very affectionate with the family and extraordinarily patient with children. Its hunting bay is melodious and frequent during work, but it is quieter than many other scent hounds at home.
Activity & Exercise
- Energy Level
- High
- Recommended Daily Exercise
- 60–90 minutes
- Suitable for Apartment
- Not recommended
Grooming & Care
- Grooming Needs
- Low
- Shedding
- Moderate
- Bathing Frequency
- Every 4 weeks
Health
- Common Health Issues
- Epilepsy
- Hip dysplasia
- Otitis
- Recommended Health Tests
- Orthopedic evaluation
Compatibility
- With Children
- Excellent
- With Other Dogs
- Excellent
- With Cats
- Moderate
- For First-Time Owners
- Acceptable
Is a Finnish Hound right for you?
A Finnish Hound may suit you if:
- You are prepared to provide 60 to 90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise, including engaging scent work.
- You enjoy long hikes and outdoor adventures, especially in varied terrain where their keen nose can lead the way.
- You appreciate a friendly, gentle, and affectionate companion who loves being a part of family life.
- You are committed to consistent, positive reinforcement training to channel their intelligent scent hound instincts.
- You are willing to provide regular brushing to manage their moderate shedding and maintain their double coat.
- You understand and appreciate their natural inclination to follow scents, even if it means a melodious bay when focused.
Think twice if:
- You expect instant, robot-like obedience, as their strong scent drive can make them wonderfully independent thinkers.
- You frequently leave your dog alone for long hours, as they thrive on companionship and can become lonely.
- You have small, chaseable pets like cats and are not prepared for careful, consistent introductions and supervision.
- You are unable to commit to at least an hour of active exercise daily, which is essential for their well-being.
- You live in an apartment or do not have a securely fenced yard to safely contain their adventurous spirit.
- You are not prepared for a strong, energetic medium-sized dog who needs consistent guidance through their adolescent phase.
The Finnish Hound offers a unique blend of affectionate companionship and independent spirit. While wonderfully gentle and calm within the family, their strong scent drive and high energy demand a lifestyle that embraces outdoor adventure and consistent engagement. They are a devoted partner for those ready to channel their natural instincts into a fulfilling life together, promising joy and a melodious bay along the way.
Training a Finnish Hound
Finnish Hounds are intelligent, affectionate dogs who thrive on positive reinforcement and clear, consistent guidance. As one of the calmer scent hounds, they respond beautifully to short, engaging training sessions filled with praise, treats, and play. Their gentle nature means harsh corrections or impatience will quickly undermine their trust and willingness to cooperate, making them shut down or become less responsive. Keep training fun and rewarding to tap into their desire to please their beloved family, while also acknowledging their keen nose and high energy level.
Begin with:
- Attention and name response around distractions
- Recall on a long line
- Loose-leash walking
- Leave it and drop it
- Calm greetings without jumping
- Settling on a mat or bed
- Cooperative handling for grooming, ears, feet and teeth
- Waiting at doors and gates
Prey Drive and Recall
The Finnish Hound was specifically bred to hunt hare and fox, giving them an incredibly strong prey drive and an exceptional nose. This means that once a captivating scent is picked up, their focus can shift entirely from you to the trail. Mastering recall is essential for their safety and your peace of mind.
Start recall training in a quiet, enclosed area with high-value treats, gradually introducing distractions. Always practice recall on a long line in unfenced areas until their response is rock-solid, and consider providing outlets for their natural scenting abilities through games or dog sports. For more in-depth guidance, check out our article on how to teach a dog to come when called.
Leash Pulling
With their medium size and high energy, Finnish Hounds can be strong pullers, especially when their nose leads the way. Their desire to explore the world through scent can make loose-leash walking a challenge if not addressed consistently from puppyhood. It's not about dominance; it's about their natural drive.
Focus on positive reinforcement techniques, rewarding every moment your Finnish Hound walks with a loose leash. Avoid pulling back or yanking, as this can make them pull harder. A front-clip harness can be a helpful tool for managing pulling while you work on training. Our guide on how to stop a puppy pulling on the leash offers a great plan to follow.
Boredom Behaviors
Finnish Hounds have a high energy level and require 60-90 minutes of exercise daily. They are not recommended for apartment living, as they need space to move and explore. If their physical and mental needs aren't met, this intelligent and active breed can quickly become bored, leading to undesirable behaviors.
When under-exercised or under-stimulated, a Finnish Hound might resort to destructive chewing, excessive barking (even though they are generally quieter at home than other scent hounds, boredom can change this), or digging. Ensure they receive adequate daily exercise, mental stimulation through training and scent games, and plenty of companionship. Watch for signs of stress if they are left alone too long; our article How to Tell If Your Dog Is Stressed When You Leave can help you identify them.
Finnish Hound — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Suomenajokoira (Finnish Hound)?
The Suomenajokoira, or Finnish Hound, is a beloved medium-sized breed hailing from Finland, where it's incredibly popular as a hunting companion. Developed in the late 19th century, it belongs to FCI Group 6, which includes medium-sized hounds. These wonderful dogs are known for their balanced, friendly, and gentle temperament, making them one of the calmest and most controllable scent hounds. They are affectionate with their families and possess an extraordinary patience with children, embodying a truly delightful presence in any home.
What was the Suomenajokoira (Finnish Hound) originally bred for?
The Suomenajokoira was specifically developed by Finnish breeders in the late 19th century from various European scent hounds with a very clear purpose in mind: to excel at hunting. These dogs were meticulously selected to track and pursue hare and fox across Finland's challenging snowy and forested terrains. Their exceptional scenting abilities, combined with their endurance and distinctive melodious bay, made them perfectly suited for these tasks, establishing them as the premier hunting dog in their homeland, a role they continue to fulfill with great distinction today.
How much exercise does a Suomenajokoira (Finnish Hound) need?
Being a high-energy scent hound, the Suomenajokoira thrives on regular activity and needs a good amount of exercise to stay happy and healthy. We recommend providing your Finnish Hound with 60 to 90 minutes of vigorous exercise daily. This isn't just a casual stroll; they truly benefit from activities like long walks, jogging, or secure off-leash play where they can stretch their legs and engage their keen sense of smell. Consistent exercise helps manage their energy levels and keeps their minds stimulated, preventing boredom.
Is the Suomenajokoira (Finnish Hound) a good family dog?
Absolutely! The Suomenajokoira makes a truly wonderful family companion. They are renowned for their balanced, friendly, and gentle temperament, being incredibly affectionate with their families. What truly sets them apart is their extraordinary patience with children, making them an ideal choice for households with little ones. While they have a melodious bay when working, they are generally quieter than many other scent hounds at home. Their calm and controllable nature outside the field ensures they integrate beautifully into family life, bringing much joy and companionship.
Is the Suomenajokoira (Finnish Hound) easy to train?
The Suomenajokoira is known for being one of the calmest and most controllable scent hounds, which certainly aids in their trainability! They are intelligent dogs with a desire to please, but like many hounds, they can have an independent streak, especially when a captivating scent is involved. Consistent, positive reinforcement training from a young age is key. Their balanced and friendly temperament means they respond well to gentle guidance. Early socialization and continued training will help harness their natural abilities and ensure they grow into well-behaved, responsive companions.
What health issues are common in the Suomenajokoira (Finnish Hound)?
Like all breeds, the Suomenajokoira can be prone to certain health conditions, though they are generally a robust breed. Documented health concerns for the Finnish Hound include Epilepsy, Hip dysplasia, and Otitis (ear infections). Responsible breeding practices are crucial in minimizing the incidence of these issues. Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and appropriate care can help detect and manage any potential health problems early, ensuring your beloved Finnish Hound lives the healthiest and happiest life possible with you.
What is the Suomenajokoira (Finnish Hound)'s coat like and how much grooming does it need?
While the Suomenajokoira is a sturdy working dog, its coat is relatively low maintenance, which is great news for busy owners! They typically have a short, dense, and weather-resistant coat that offers protection in various climates. Regular brushing, perhaps once or twice a week, is usually sufficient to remove loose hair and keep their coat healthy and shiny. During shedding seasons, you might want to brush a bit more frequently. Occasional baths, as needed, will keep them smelling fresh, but overall, their grooming needs are quite modest, allowing more time for adventures together!
What is the typical lifespan of a Suomenajokoira (Finnish Hound)?
With proper care, a loving home, and a healthy lifestyle, the Suomenajokoira typically enjoys a good, long life. You can generally expect your Finnish Hound companion to be with you for 12 to 15 years. Providing them with a high-quality diet, consistent exercise as recommended, regular veterinary check-ups, and plenty of affection will contribute significantly to their longevity and overall well-being. These years will be filled with loyalty, joy, and the wonderful companionship that only a Finnish Hound can provide!
