Transylvanian Hound

Also known as: Hungarian hound

The Transylvanian Hound is a Hungarian-origin hunting breed, historically used in the Carpathian region to track large game, bear and boar included, through mountainous forest terrain. The breed nearly disappeared during the Second World War and was only rebuilt afterward through the efforts of dedicated breeders. The short, dense coat handles thick undergrowth well, and a frame up to 30 kilograms gives it the strength to work against large game. It remains rare outside Eastern Europe today and stays mainly a working dog rather than a companion breed. At home it does best with an experienced owner familiar with hunting work. Life expectancy runs 10 to 12 years.

Browse dog food sized right for this breed

Transylvanian Hound: how old in human years?

45–65 cmHeight
18–30 kgWeight
10–12 yrsLife expectancy

Weimaraner (Short-haired)

FCI group: Scenthounds and Related Breeds
FCI section: Section 1.2: Scenthounds, Medium sized
FCI: 241
Country of origin: Hungary

Energy level

5/5
Trainability

3/5
Family friendly

3/5
Grooming need

1/5

At a glance

Height

Males 50–65 cm

Females 45–60 cm

Weight

Males 20–30 kg

Females 18–28 kg

Life expectancy

10–12 yrs

Coat

short, dense (short)

Temperament & Family Life

Transylvanian Hound's average temperament and family-life score for this breed is moderate.

Family friendly 3/5
Good with children 3/5
Good with other dogs 4/5
Friendly with strangers 2/5
Intelligence 4/5
Trainability 3/5

Exercise, Energy & Space

Transylvanian Hound's energy and exercise needs are high.

Energy level 5/5
Exercise need 5/5
Apartment friendly 1/5
Prey drive 5/5
Hunting instinct 5/5

Guarding & Alertness

Transylvanian Hound's guarding and alertness traits are moderate.

Guarding instinct 1/5
Watchfulness 3/5
Barking level 4/5

Grooming & Care

Transylvanian Hound's grooming needs are low.

Shedding 2/5
Drooling 2/5
Grooming need 1/5

Living with the Transylvanian Hound

In the Carpathian forests this dog would follow game for hours over hills and through thickets, and that stamina hasn't gone anywhere, even if your route now ends at a park bench. The Transylvanian Hound is a Hungarian scenthound, full of energy, with very strong prey drive and hunting instinct, and a voice you will hear the moment it smells something interesting. A lead in unfamiliar places isn't a formality here, it's a necessity.

It needs a great deal of exercise every day: long hikes, running, tracking or scent work that occupies both its head and its nose. It is clever but independent, so train it patiently and consistently, with good motivation; dull repetition bores it fast. A flat and short walks round the block won't do, and boredom quickly turns into barking or digging.

At home, once it has had its share of work, it is calm and loyal, gets on with other dogs and with children who understand a dog isn't a toy. It is reserved with strangers and will announce visitors, but it is no guard dog. It suits a hunter or a hiker living near the woods best, with a fenced garden and time for a daily adventure.

Grooming and coat

Grooming a Transylvanian Hound takes less time than cleaning your boots after the same walk. The short, dense coat shrugs off sleet and branches, and dirt comes away with a damp towel. Once a week, go over it with a rubber mitt or a bristle brush to lift out dead hair; it sheds little, a bit more at the turn of the seasons. Baths can be rare, only when they are really needed.

After a day in the woods, the check-up matters most: run your hands over the whole body for ticks, scratches and burrs, and look at the paw pads. Lift the hanging ears every week and look inside; redness, discharge or a bad smell is a reason to see a vet. Trim the nails if the daily miles don't wear them down.

How to do it:

By age:

Health and possible conditions

We don't have reliable health information specific to this breed, so we don't list conditions here. Keep up regular vet check-ups, and if you are getting a puppy, ask the breeder about the parents' health testing.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.

Food for large breeds — cheapest per kg

This list is chosen by the breed's weight (30 kg) rather than the breed itself: shops label food by dog size, so every breed of the same size gets the same list. Prices are updated daily.

≈ 320 g of dry food a day, from €17,53 a month For a neutered, normally active 24 kg dog. Calculate for your dog