Transylvanian Hound

66-77 lbs
18-21"
Hungary
Erdélyi kopó, Hungarian Hound, Transylvanian Scent Hound

The Transylvanian Hound is a black and tan scent hound and is considered to be a rare breed that originated in Hungary. He is a tenacious and successful hunter that can easily hunt on different terrains. He is also an excellent family companion when he has had proper training. Because of his exuberance, he may be too much dog for first time dog owners and he may also not be suitable for young children. He loves to play and may be too rambunctious for small children. With the proper training and enough daily exercise, he can become a fantastic pet that understands his role within the family.  

purpose Purpose
Hunt Large Game
history Date of Origin
9th Century
ancestry Ancestry
Scent Hound

Transylvanian Hound Health

Average Size
Male Transylvanian Hound size stats
Height: 18-21 inches Weight: 66-77 lbs
Female Transylvanian Hound size stats
Height: 18-21 inches Weight: 66-77 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Usually A Very Healthy Breed
Minor Concerns
  • Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Occasional Diagnoses
  • None
Occasional Tests
  • OFA on hips and elbows

Transylvanian Hound Breed History

It is widely accepted that the Transylvanian Hound developed during the time period when Asian hounds of unknown origin were noted accompanying the Hungarian Magyar tribes that migrated into Transylvania in the 9th century. These Asian hounds were then crossed with local Celtic hounds. Both types of hound were thought to be scent hounds. The offspring from these crosses became popular during the Middle Ages and were used for hunting in the forests of the Carpathian Mountains. Originally, there were two breed varieties: long-legged and short legged. The long-legged variety was mainly used for hunting large game such as bear, European bison, boar or lynx. The short-legged variety was mainly used for smaller game such as hare, fox or chamois. The Transylvanian Hound was mostly owned by the nobility and used for sports hunting. The middle and lower classes did not have access to these fantastic scent hounds until much later. When the region began focusing more on agriculture rather than hunting, the Transylvanian Hound teetered on the edge of extinction at the beginning of the 12th century. Breed enthusiasts took an interest in preserving the breed and worked diligently to keep the Transylvanian Hound’s bloodlines pure. This ancient breed was finally recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale in 1963. Strong efforts to preserve the breed and grow the number of registered Transylvanian Hounds began in earnest in 1968. Only the long-legged Transylvanian Hound can be found in Hungary and Romania. The short-legged variety is very difficult to locate and some even say that the original short-legged Transylvanian Hound is now extinct. In 2006, the United Kennel Club officially recognized the Transylvanian Hound. The American Kennel Club has allowed the Transylvanian Hound to be registered in its Foundation Stock Service in 2015, which is the first step towards becoming fully recognized by the AKC.

Transylvanian Hound Breed Appearance

Many say the Transylvanian Hound looks like a skinny Rottweiler because of his rather distinctive black and tan coloring which is very similar to that of a Rottweiler. He has short, dense coat and his tan markings can be found along his muzzle, chest, eye brows, and feet. He may have a small patch of white on his chest.  His topcoat is straight and short, fitting close to his body. The topcoat is coarse and shiny; there may be a few cowlicks within the coat. His undercoat is dense. His nose is black and wide with open nostrils. He has almond shaped eyes of medium size that are dark brown in color. His eye lids should fit closely to his eye. The Transylvanian Hound’s ears hang close to his cheek and do not fold. The ear itself is wide at the base and then slowly tapers to a rounded tip. The length should never be excessive, when his ears are pulled forward, they should just cover his eyes. 

Eye Color Possibilities
brown Transylvanian Hound eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Transylvanian Hound nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
black Transylvanian Hound coat
Black
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Transylvanian Hound straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Transylvanian Hound Breed Maintenance

The Transylvanian Hound does not require a lot of maintenance unless he is being shown in conformation shows, then he does require a more intensive grooming regime. Even though the Transylvanian Hound has a double coat, he does not shed much except twice a year. Brush him weekly with a natural bristle brush or a soft slicker brush to remove any dead hairs. When he is shedding, bathe him using a mild shampoo to hasten the shedding process. It is best to over-bathe or the natural coarseness of his coat could be compromised. If you notice a strong doggy smell, a dry shampoo may be used and then rub him down with a soft cloth. He will smell better and his coat will shine. Because he has hanging ears, check them weekly for dirt or moisture and clean them as needed. His toenails should naturally wear if he is being used for hunting over rough terrain, otherwise check them every few weeks and trim as needed. 

Brushes for Transylvanian Hound
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Transylvanian Hound requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Transylvanian Hound Temperament

As with most scent hounds, the Transylvanian Hound can make a fantastic family companion when properly trained. He is happy, smart and very loyal, all wonderful characteristics for a companion. He is curious and may find himself in trouble when he picks up a scent and follows it, he can follow a scent for miles. It is important to keep him contained behind a fence or on a long leash when walking to ensure he is safe and cannot track a scent without you being there to keep him safe. Even though he is a loyal dog to his family, he can be independent in nature and expect to have time alone to discover new things. He loves games and puzzles and will play for hours with the kids. He also is a social dog and likes to play with other dogs. To keep him from developing bad habits and behavioral problems, be sure to provide plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
10 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes
activity minutes

Transylvanian Hound Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
2.6 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.20 - $1.40
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$34.00 - $45.00
food bag monthly cost

Transylvanian Hound Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Transylvanian Hound size stats at six months
Height: 16.0 inches Weight: 31.5 lbs
Female Transylvanian Hound size stats at six months
Height: 16.0 inches Weight: 31.5 lbs
12 Months
Male Transylvanian Hound size stats at 12 months
Height: 19.5 inches Weight: 60.0 lbs
Female Transylvanian Hound size stats at 12 months
Height: 19.5 inches Weight: 60.0 lbs
18 Months
Male Transylvanian Hound size stats at 18 months
Height: 19.5 inches Weight: 71.5 lbs
Female Transylvanian Hound size stats at 18 months
Height: 19.5 inches Weight: 71.5 lbs

Transylvanian Hound Owner Experiences

Salem
5 Months
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We adopted Salem at the age of 16 weeks old from a rescue in Romania. He’s a big boy and it was love at first sight for me. He loves his daily walks and runs. He is very sociable and adores children. One time he ran off after a cat, so just be careful if you ever decide to get one off the lead as they WILL follow a scent. His recall is second to none though. Such a perfect breed for us as a family ❤️
2 years, 9 months ago
Laszlo and Elliott
4 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Run
Scent Games
Fetch
Agility
Cuddling
Walks
These are the best dogs you could ever ask for. Loyal, friendly, best hiking buddies, great with kids and other dogs, smart, loving, total goof balls, fun and just amazing all around! As long as they have plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation, they are couch potatoes, enjoying cuddling with you on the couch. Best dog breed ever!
5 years, 11 months ago
Ferguson
2 Years
5 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
chasing
Running
Tag game
Well natured, friendly but protective. Happy.
5 years, 8 months ago
Huckleberry
6 Months
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Great and you must be consistent or he will try you.
5 years, 6 months ago
Gamble
9 Years
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Gamble is the best dog I have ever had. I always believed him to be a Rottie/Dobie mix until a chance encounter with another dog that I mistook for him today! He has always been a blessing, easily trained since I got him at only 2 weeks old. Never messed in the house even when he was young. Healthy, excellent appetite but never ravenous. A picky eater admittedly, but loves bacon. Once he was hit by a car and I have a special whistle I use to call him. Unbeknownst to me, I whistled for him and with a broken leg he still came running. He is super quiet, never barks unless he heard a knock. He has been my best friend for nine wonderful years and now that I am married, my wife and I have a kitten and a ferret which he plays with all the time. They bite at his ears of his tail, and he just wags his tail, happy they are playing. He sleeps on his own bed and knows to not jump on furniture unless there is a blanket. He will identify specific toys by name, and will always bring me a tribute when I come home in the form of a toy he wants to play with. He always sleeps upside down with one paw in the air, I like to pretend he saves people in his sleep lol. This breed is phenominal and anyone interested in the best pet ever, need look no further.
5 years, 5 months ago
Chloe
1 Year
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Hide and Seek with treats
Sleeping
Run
Fetch
Best dog anyone could ever ask for. Most loyal dog I’ve ever owned Extremely Smart learns very quickly and enjoys learning new things. Constantly smells everything and even alerted me when my fathers blood sugar got too low. (Don’t ask me how she knew cause I don’t have a clue) Loves other dogs and people. Hates car rides. Has bad separation anxiety All in all best dog I have ever had and probably ever will have. She’s my best friend in the whole world and I’m her’s.
3 years, 7 months ago
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