Transylvanian Hound

The Transylvanian Hound isn’t a vampire, but it is a dog breed as ancient as the myth of blood-hungry monsters. The breed was popular among Hungarian royalty and hunters alike but almost went extinct in the early 20th century. However, enthusiasts revived the breed and made these dogs into the adaptable and loyal companions they are today.
This rare scent hound is sometimes referred to as the Hungarian Hound or the Transylvanian Scent Hound. In Hungary, the dog’s native land, the breed is known as Erdélyi kopó. Although these are purebred dogs, you may still find them in shelters and rescues. Remember to adopt! Don’t shop if this is the breed for you.
Transylvanian Hounds may not be the best option for first-time pet parents or families with small children, as the energetic breed needs a consistent and firm hand when it comes to training. The good news is for experienced dog lovers, these hounds can do well in most settings, be it an apartment downtown or a family home. If you can handle this breed’s high energy and keep training steady, these dogs can make an incredible, loyal, and active companions.
See below for complete list of dog breed traits and facts about Transylvanian Hounds!
Transylvanian Hound Dog Breed Pictures
Breed Characteristics:
Adaptability
Adapts Well To Apartment Living
3
Contrary to popular belief, small size doesn't necessarily an apartment dog make. Plenty of small dogs are too high-energy and yappy for life in a high-rise. Being quiet, low energy, fairly calm indoors, and polite with the other residents are all good qualities in an apartment dog. And you can find an awesome crate for your dog here to give them a little more personal space in your apartment.

Good For Novice Owners
2
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Dogs who are highly sensitive, independent thinking, or assertive may be harder for a first-time dog parent to manage. You'll get your best match if you take your dog-owning experience into account as you choose your new pooch.
If you're new to dog parenting, take a look at 101 Dog Tricks and read up on how to train your dog!
You may also want to consider adopting a senior dog, as they tend to be less demanding of your time and energy. You can keep your senior dog active well into old age by providing them with joint supplements to fight the symptoms of arthritis. Adding Glyde Mobility Chews to their routine can help their joints stay healthy.
Sensitivity Level
2
Some dogs will let a stern reprimand roll off their backs, while others take even a dirty look to heart. Low-sensitivity dogs, also called "easygoing," "tolerant," "resilient," and even "thick-skinned," can better handle a noisy, chaotic household, a louder or more assertive owner, and an inconsistent or variable routine. Do you have young kids, throw lots of dinner parties, play in a garage band, or lead a hectic life? Go with a low-sensitivity dog.
Tolerates Being Alone
3
Some breeds bond very closely with their family and are more prone to worry or even panic when left alone by their owner. An anxious dog can be very destructive--barking, whining, chewing, and otherwise causing mayhem. These breeds do best when a family member is home during the day or if you can take the dog to work.
Tolerates Cold Weather
3
Breeds with very short coats and little or no undercoat or body fat, such as Greyhounds, are vulnerable to the cold. Dogs with a low cold tolerance need to live inside in cool climates and should have a jacket or sweater for chilly walks. You can find a great jacket for your dog here!
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Tolerates Hot Weather
3
Dogs with thick, double coats are more vulnerable to overheating. So are breeds with short noses, like Bulldogs or Pugs, since they can't pant as well to cool themselves off. If you want a heat-sensitive breed, your dog will need to stay indoors with you on warm or humid days, and you'll need to be extra cautious about exercising your dog in the heat.
All Around Friendliness
Affectionate With Family
4
Some breeds are independent and aloof, even if they've been raised by the same person since puppyhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Breed isn't the only factor that goes into affection levels; dogs who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily.
Treats can help the bonding process go more smoothly. Try giving your dog Glyde Mobility Chews to help them see you as a provider and to keep their joints healthy!
Kid-Friendly
3
Being gentle with children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a blasé attitude toward running, screaming children are all traits that make a kid-friendly dog. You may be surprised by who's on that list: Fierce-looking Boxers are considered good with children, as are American Staffordshire Terriers (which are considered Pit Bulls). Small, delicate, and potentially snappy dogs such as Chihuahuas aren't always so family-friendly.
**All dogs are individuals. Our ratings are generalizations, and they're not a guarantee of how any breed or individual dog will behave. Dogs from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences, training on how to get along with kids, and personality. No matter what the breed or breed type, all dogs have strong jaws, sharp pointy teeth, and may bite in stressful circumstances. Young children and dogs of any breed should always be supervised by an adult and never left alone together, period.
Dog Friendly
3
Friendliness toward dogs and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some dogs may attack or try to dominate other dogs, even if they're love-bugs with people; others would rather play than fight; and some will turn tail and run. Breed isn't the only factor. Dogs who lived with their littermates and mother until at least six to eight weeks of age and who spent lots of time playing with other dogs during puppyhood, are more likely to have good canine social skills.
Friendly Toward Strangers
2
Stranger-friendly dogs will greet guests with wagging tails and nuzzles; others are shy, indifferent, or even aggressive. However, no matter what the breed, a dog who was socialized and exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a puppy will respond better to strangers as an adult. Remember that even friendly dogs should stay on a good, strong leash like this one in public!
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Health And Grooming Needs
Amount Of Shedding
3
If you're going to share your home with a dog, you'll need to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary greatly among the breeds. Some dogs shed year-round, some "blow" seasonally, some do both, and some shed hardly at all. If you're a neatnik, you'll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. To help keep your home a little cleaner, you can find a great de-shedding tool here!
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Drooling Potential
3
Drool-prone dogs may drape ropes of slobber on your arm and leave big, wet spots on your clothes when they come over to say hello. If you've got a laid-back attitude toward slobber, fine; but if you're a neatnik, you may want to choose a dog who rates low in the drool department.
Easy To Groom
4
Some breeds are brush-and-go dogs; others require regular bathing, clipping, and other grooming just to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a dog who needs a lot of grooming, or the money to pay someone else to do it.
General Health
4
Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, such as hip dysplasia. This doesn't mean that every dog of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they're at an increased risk.
If you're adopting a puppy, it's a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you're interested in. You may also want to ask if your shelter or rescue has information about the physical health of your potential pup's parents and other relatives.
Many health problems are related to digestion and issues in the gut. Adding Bernie's Perfect Poop digestion support treats to your dog's routine can help your pet feel better and improve their overall health!
Potential For Weight Gain
3
Some breeds have hearty appetites and tend to put on weight easily. As in humans, being overweight can cause health problems in dogs. If you pick a breed that's prone to packing on pounds, you'll need to limit treats, make sure they get enough exercise, and measure out their daily food servings into regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time.
Ask your vet about your dog's diet and what they recommend for feeding your pooch to keep them at a healthy weight. If your dog has tummy troubles, adding Bernie's Perfect Poop digestion support treats to their diet can help your dog feel better and improve their overall health!
Size
3
Dogs come in all sizes, from the world's smallest pooch, the Chihuahua, to the towering Great Dane, how much space a dog takes up is a key factor in deciding if they're compatible with you and your living space. Large dog breeds might seem overpowering and intimidating, but some of them are incredibly sweet! Take a look and find the right sized dog for you!
Many larger dogs are prone to joint issues. Adding Glyde Mobility Chews to their routine can help their joints stay healthy.
Trainability
Easy To Train
2
Easy-to-train dogs are more adept at forming an association between a prompt (such as the word "sit"), an action (sitting), and a consequence (getting a treat) very quickly. Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training.
Many breeds are intelligent but approach training with a "What's in it for me?" attitude, in which case you'll need to use rewards and games to teach them to want to comply with your requests. Here are some great treats that can actually improve your dog's digestion to get you started!
Intelligence
4
Dogs who were bred for jobs that require decision making, intelligence, and concentration, such as herding livestock, need to exercise their brains, just as dogs who were bred to run all day need to exercise their bodies. If they don't get the mental stimulation they need, they'll make their own work--usually with projects you won't like, such as digging and chewing. Obedience training and interactive dog toys are good ways to give a dog a brain workout, as are dog sports and careers, such as agility and search and rescue.
Potential For Mouthiness
3
Common in most breeds during puppyhood and in Retriever breeds at all ages, mouthiness means a tendency to nip, chew, and play-bite (a soft, fairly painless bite that doesn't puncture the skin). Mouthy dogs are more likely to use their mouths to hold or "herd" their human family members, and they need training to learn that it's fine to gnaw on chew toys, but not on people. Mouthy breeds tend to really enjoy a game of fetch, as well as a good chew on a toy that's been stuffed with kibble and treats.
Prey Drive
4
- (Picture Credit: Haydn West - PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images)
Dogs who were bred to hunt, such as Terriers, have an inborn desire to chase--and sometimes kill--other animals. Anything whizzing by, such as cats, squirrels, and perhaps even cars, can trigger that instinct. Dogs who like to chase need to be leashed or kept in a fenced area when outdoors, and you'll need a high, secure fence in your yard. These breeds generally aren't a good fit for homes with smaller pets that can look like prey, such as cats, hamsters, or small dogs. Breeds that were originally used for bird hunting, on the other hand, generally won't chase, but you'll probably have a hard time getting their attention when there are birds flying by.
Tendency To Bark Or Howl
3
Some breeds sound off more often than others. When choosing a breed, think about how often the dog vocalizes with barks or howls. If you're considering a hound, would you find their trademark howls musical or maddening? If you're considering a watchdog, will a city full of suspicious "strangers" put your pup on permanent alert? Will the local wildlife literally drive your dog wild? Do you live in housing with noise restrictions? Do you have neighbors nearby? Then you may wish to choose a quieter dog.
Wanderlust Potential
4
Some breeds are more free-spirited than others. Nordic dogs such as Siberian Huskies were bred to range long distances, and given the chance, they'll take off after anything that catches their interest. And many hounds simply must follow their noses--or that bunny that just ran across the path--even if it means leaving you behind.
Physical Needs
Energy Level
4
High-energy dogs are always ready and waiting for action. Originally bred to perform a canine job of some sort, such as retrieving game for hunters or herding livestock, they have the stamina to put in a full workday. They need a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation, and they're more likely to spend time jumping, playing, and investigating any new sights and smells.
Low-energy dogs are the canine equivalent of a couch potato, content to doze the day away. When picking a breed, consider your own activity level and lifestyle, and think about whether you'll find a frisky, energetic dog invigorating or annoying.
Your dog's energy level can also be affected by health issues. Adding Bernie's Perfect Poop digestion support treats to your pet's diet can help them feel better and improve their overall health!
Intensity
4
A vigorous dog may or may not have high energy, but everything they do, they do with vigor: they strain on the leash (until you train them not to), try to plow through obstacles, and even eats and drinks with great big gulps. These dynamos need lots of training to learn good manners, and may not be the best fit for a home with young kids or someone who's elderly or frail. A low-vigor dog, on the other hand, has a more subdued approach to life.
Exercise Needs
5
Some breeds do fine with a slow evening stroll around the block. Others need daily, vigorous exercise, especially those that were originally bred for physically demanding jobs, like herding or hunting.
Without enough exercise, these breeds may put on weight and vent their pent-up energy in ways you don't like, such as barking, chewing, and digging. Breeds that need a lot of exercise are good for outdoorsy, active people, or those interested in training their dog to compete in a high-energy dog sport, such as agility.
Even older dogs need exercise, and it can help fight symptoms of arthritis and other age-related conditions. Adding Glyde Mobility Chews to your dog's routine can give your dog the joint supplements they need to stay active well into old age.
Potential For Playfulness
4
Some dogs are perpetual puppies -- always begging for a game -- while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog.
You may want to consider adopting an older dog. Seniors can remain playful well into old age and have fewer demands than young dogs. Adding Glyde Mobility Chews to your senior's routine can help fight the symptoms of arthritis and keep your old dog active and playful.
Vital Stats:
Dog Breed Group:
Hound DogsHeight:
18 to 25 inchesWeight:
55 to 77 poundsLife Span:
10 to 12 yearsMore About This Breed
Highlights
- Generally, the Transylvanian Hound has a black coat with tan spots, often with points about the eyes, giving them the "eyebrow look."
- They do shed, which means they may not be the best choice for allergy sufferers. A weekly brushing, along with regular bathing, should keep their coat in good shape.
- Transylvanian Hounds have high energy. Make sure your dog gets at least two good half-hour- to hour-long walk per day with a few good, active play sessions and shorter walks mixed in.
- The breed is suitable for families with older children, but they can be too big and eager to play to spend much time around toddlers.
- The breed tends to get along with other dogs, as long as they have space to run in and claim as their own. As for cats and smaller animals, the breed's hunting instincts are likely to kick in. Early socialization can help.
- While the Transylvanian Hound can make an excellent companion dog, they do require a human who has dog training and caretaking experience.
History
The Transylvanian Hound's ancestry starts around the 9th century when Hungarian Magnar tribes brought Asian hounds with them to Transylvania, where they were then crossbred with Celtic hounds. The result was the Transylvanian Hound, which was bred into both long-legged and short-legged varieties. The longer-legged Transylvanian Hounds were favored by large game hunters, while the shorter-legged Transylvanian Hounds were used to hunt down smaller game like foxes and rabbits.
The breed declined throughout the centuries as agricultural societies developed, and it was nearly extinct by the 20th century. Fortunately, enthusiasts of the breed worked hard to preserve it. The breed is still incredibly rare, and many researchers believe that the short-legged variety of Transylvanian Hound is extinct.
In 1968, an active effort to maintain and increase breeding began for the remaining long-legged Transylvanian Hounds. Hungarian veterinarian Dr. Lajos Györffy searched for purebred puppies everywhere in Hungary, but could only find a contact in Romania. He had to sneak two puppies over the border, and then he and his partners began to build up the breed in earnest at the Budapest Zoo.
By 2000, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) had accepted the breed into their Scent Hound group. In 2006, the UKC recognized the Transylvanian Hound, placing the rare purebred in their scent hound group. In 2015, the AKC accepted the breed into their Foundation Stock Service.
Size
The Transylvanian Hound stands between 18 to 25 inches tall, measuring from the shoulder. Most weigh in between 55 to 77 pounds. The males tend to be slightly bigger than the females; although, the difference is slight.
Some Transylvanian Hounds may be smaller or larger than average for their breed.
Personality
Although they are a rare breed, the Transylvanian Hound is becoming more and more popular as a companion for both families and active singles thanks to their winning personality. This breed has spent centuries working with humans in a variety of climates and terrains in Hungary, making them highly adaptable. This also means that Transylvanian Hounds have a lot of energy, as they were bred to travel and hunt with their humans far and wide.
Since this is a breed that's used to working closely with humans, this means that these dogs are also eager to please and protect their humans. The spirited breed is just as likely to snuggle up with you on the couch after a long day as they are to alert you and guard you from perceived threats.
In order to curb any unwanted guarding or overly aggressive behavior, a consistent and firm hand is needed. This is why, while the Transylvanian Hound can make an excellent companion dog, they do require a human who has dog training and caretaking experience.
Health
Transylvanian Hounds are generally considered an incredibly healthy breed with few predispositions for disease. Still, this does not mean the Transylvanian Hound is impervious to health ailments. Not all Transylvanian Hounds will get any or all of these diseases or health issues, but it's important to be aware of them if you're considering this breed.
Some of the more common health problems Transylvanian Hounds suffer from include:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
Care
As with all dogs, you should keep up with your Transylvanian Hound's regular veterinary checkups to detect any health concerns early. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy.
If Transylvanian Hounds do not have space to roam or lots of activity, they can be prone to weight gain. Make sure your dog gets at least two good half-hour- to hour-long walk per day with a few good, active play sessions and shorter walks mixed in. If you have an outdoor space like a backyard or park, play some active games with your dog to burn off some of their high energy as well.
Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. Trim your dog's nails before they get too long -- usually once or twice per month. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this.
Be sure to maintain your Transylvanian Hound's oral health. You should brush their teeth daily, and your vet can instruct you on how to brush your dog's teeth properly.
Feeding
An ideal Transylvanian Hound diet should be formulated for a medium- to large-sized breed with high energy levels. If they don't get the proper amount of exercise, the Transylvanian Hound has a tendency to gain weight. Keep your Hungarian Hound in good shape by measuring their food and feeding them twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time.
As with all dogs, the Transylvanian Hounds's dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to change into their senior years. You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Transylvanian Hound's diet, as there is far too much variation among individual dogs -- including weight, energy, and health -- to make a specific recommendation.
Coat Color And Grooming
The Transylvanian Hound is sometimes mistaken for a lanky Rottweiler, as the breeds have similar coloring and markings. Generally, the Transylvanian Hound has a black coat with tan spots, often with points about the eyes, giving them the same "eyebrow look" as Rottweilers. They do shed, which means they may not be the best choice for allergy sufferers.
The Transylvanian Hound has a short, dense coat. The topcoat is sleek and short, while the undercoat is soft and dense, which protects them from more extreme weather conditions. Still, you should not leave your Transylvanian Hound (or any dog) out in extreme or dangerous weather conditions.
As for grooming, a weekly brushing, along with regular bathing, should do to keep your Transylvanian Hound's coat in tip-top shape.
Children And Other Pets
With proper training and knowledge, the Transylvanian Hound makes an excellent family pet. The breed is suitable for families with older children, but they can be too big and eager to play to spend much time around toddlers. While they'll never intentionally hurt them, this dog can easily knock them over by jumping on them or trampling them during an intense round of fetch with an older child or adult.
They may also feel the need to protect "their" children from other kids, especially if they're wrestling or otherwise appear to be fighting. Always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party.
When it comes to other pets, Transylvanian Hounds can generally get along, as long as they are introduced slowly. The breed tends to get along with other dogs, as long as the Transylvanian Hound has space to run around and claim as their own. As for cats and smaller animals, the Transylvanian Hound's hunting instincts are likely to kick in, which may make them a terror to your feline friend.
Still, like any dog, how a Transylvanian Hound gets along with kids and other pets comes down to consistent training, socialization, and luck of the draw.
Rescue Groups
Rescues specifically for Transylvanian Hound dogs might be hard to come by. However, you can always check with your local shelter, and you may want to try a rescue that caters to all kinds of dogs. You can take a look at the following:
You can also check out DogTime's adoption page that lets you search for adoptable dogs by breed and zip code!