The Finnish Hound is the most popular working dog breed in the country of its origin, Finland, and also in Sweden. It is a medium size scent hound with athletic and rectangular body. It is a relentless and persistent hunter with temperament and qualities to be a great family pet. This dual characteristic is one of the many reasons for this breed's enormous popularity among hunting and non-hunting community of Finland and Sweden. It stands between 20-24 inches and weighs between 45-55 lbs.
The dog has a sturdy body with a doomed skull and slightly convex forehead. Moderately deep muzzle is slightly tapering and comes with a straight nose bridge. Large black nose has wide and mobile nostrils. Medium size slightly oval eyes are dark brown with an expression of calmness. Flat and moderately long ears hang down the head. The neck is medium length, muscular and clean. The slightly longer than tall body has a straight muscular back, a short and powerful loin and a strong slightly oblique well developed beautifully arched croup. Chest is long and deep with well sprung ribs. Tail is strong at the base, slightly arched and set low. At rest, the tail hangs close to the hindquarters. When the dog is alert or on the move, the tail is raised but not higher than the level of the topline. The double coat is medium length, straight and harsh with soft and dense undercoat. The coat pattern is tricolor with tan, a black saddle and small white markings on head, feet, chest and tail tip.
This breed came into existence in the last quarter of the 19th century when Finnish breeders undertook a program to develop a hunting dog that could hunt in difficult hilly terrain and deep snow. In the breeding process, French Hounds were crossed with both German and Swedish Hounds. The resulting dog was able to work under harsh conditions and on difficult terrain.
Although very popular in Finland and Sweden, the Finnish Hound is surprisingly unknown elsewhere in the world and may be hard to find outside its country of origin, Finland and neighboring Sweden.
This breed is NOT recognized by AKC however it is recognized by FCI and UKC.