Finnish Hound
A popular Finnish scenthound bred to track hare and fox over snow and forest. Friendly and calm at home but a determined, energetic worker with a strong nose and a loud, melodious bay.
Finnish Hound scorecard
Overview
The Finnish Hound is a handsome, tricolour scenthound bred in Finland to track hare and fox across snow and forest. A medium-to-large dog standing 52–61 cm at the shoulder and weighing around 20–25 kg, it has the athletic build, long ears and deep voice typical of a working hound. At home it is friendly and calm-natured, but in the field it is a determined, energetic worker driven by an exceptional nose.
The Finnish Hound is one of the most popular breeds in its native Finland, though it remains very rare in the United Kingdom. It is best understood as a true working scenthound rather than a household pet, with strong exercise needs, a powerful scenting drive and a loud, melodious bay that owners must be prepared for. With a typical lifespan of 12–14 years, it rewards active owners who can channel its energy and instincts.
Good to know — a Finnish Hound needs plenty of space and manageable for committed beginners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
The Finnish Hound, known in Finland as the Suomenajokoira, was developed from the eighteenth century onwards by crossing various European scenthounds — including German, Swiss and French hound types — to produce a dog suited to hunting in Finland's cold climate and rugged terrain. The breed was refined through the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, with a formal standard established in the 1930s.
It was bred specifically to track hare and fox and to bay on the trail so hunters could follow on foot. The breed remains hugely popular in Finland as a hunting dog but has spread little beyond the Nordic region, so it is seldom seen in Britain.
Temperament & family fit
Finnish Hounds are friendly, calm and sociable, and they generally get on well both with people and with other dogs — a legacy of being worked in company. At home they tend to be gentle and good-natured, often patient and easygoing with children. This affable temperament makes them pleasant companions when their considerable working needs are met.
That said, the breed is first and foremost a hunting hound. It is single-minded once on a scent, can be independent when working at distance from its handler, and is naturally vocal, with a loud, carrying bay. These are deeply ingrained traits that prospective owners should understand rather than expect to suppress.
- Families with children of all ages
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Active homes with plenty of space
Training & intelligence
As an independent working scenthound, the Finnish Hound can be a challenge to train for strict obedience, particularly recall, because a strong scent will often override commands. Patient, consistent, reward-based methods work best, and training should begin early. Even so, owners should expect the breed's nose to lead it, and a secure environment is essential when it cannot be supervised off-lead.
Early socialisation reinforces the breed's naturally friendly disposition. Channelling its instincts through scent games, tracking and appropriate working activities is far more productive than fighting against them, and gives the dog a satisfying outlet for its drive.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Channel energy into training games & enrichment
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Finnish Hound typically needs 90 minutes to 2 hours a day (roughly 90–120 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, training games and puzzle feeding go a long way. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
The Finnish Hound has a short, dense coat that is very easy to care for, needing only occasional brushing to remove loose hair and keep it in good condition. The long, drop ears should be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent infection, and routine attention to nails and teeth completes a simple grooming routine.
- Brush occasionally to remove loose hair
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding a Finnish Hound
Feed a complete, balanced diet suited to the dog's age, size and high activity level, divided into measured daily meals. An active working hound needs sufficient nutrition to fuel its exercise, but pet individuals should have portions monitored to avoid excess weight. Provide constant access to fresh water and make any dietary changes gradually.
A medium breed
An adult Finnish Hound typically weighs 20–25 kg, so a healthy Finnish Hound eats a moderate amount compared with other breeds. Every feeding guide on a bag is written per kilo of body weight, not per breed — start there, then adjust to the dog in front of you.
Life stage
A medium breed is usually done growing at ~12 months, which is roughly when a puppy food has finished its job. With a typical lifespan of 12–14 years, there is a long adult stretch in the middle; switch to a senior food when your vet thinks it is worth it rather than on a birthday.
A high-energy dog eats like one
Finnish Hounds sit at the top end for energy, and a dog working through an hour and a half of real exercise a day burns through the feeding guide faster than a dog on a short stroll. Feed to the dog's condition, not to the middle of the range on the bag.
How much should a Finnish Hound weigh?
Adult 20–25 kgfully grown at ~12 months
| Age | Stage | Typical weight | Of adult size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 weeks | Just home | 3.1–3.8 kg | 15% |
| 3 months | Young puppy | 5–6.3 kg | 25% |
| 6 months | Growing fast | 10–12.5 kg | 50% |
| ~12 months | Fully grown | 20–25 kg | 100% |
A guide, from the same rule of thumb our puppy growth predictor uses — each age is that share of the way to maturity for a medium breed. Puppies grow fastest early, so a real puppy usually sits a little above the middle rows. Weigh yours and ask your vet if the number worries you.
Complete dog foods that suit a Finnish Hound
Complete foods from our range, matched to a Finnish Hound's size band and what the breed typically needs. Stock levels and delivery dates are live on each product.
Simpsons Dog Sensitive Lamb Potato
A grain-free lamb and potato dry food for dogs with sensitive skin or digestion
From£17.05
Forthglade Cold Pressed Natural Turkey
Cold-pressed turkey kibble for dogs from 2 months, soft enough to mix with water for young pups
£45.99
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Salmon
Cold-pressed grain-free dry food for dogs, built on fresh and dried salmon
From£16.99
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Duck
Cold-pressed grain-free duck food with fruit and botanicals, in two bag sizes
From£16.99
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Chicken
Cold-pressed grain-free chicken food with fruit and botanicals, in three bag sizes
From£16.99
Forthglade Complete Meal Lightly Baked Turkey
A lightly baked complete dry food, 50% turkey, for adult dogs of any breed
From£12.49
Forthglade Complete Meal Lightly Baked Chicken
A grain-free complete dry food for adult dogs, lightly baked and built on 50% chicken
From£12.49
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Turkey
Grain-free cold-pressed turkey kibble for dogs, gentle on sensitive stomachs
£69.69
Forthglade British Classics Chicken Family Lunch
Complete Forthglade wet dog food with 75% chicken in a 395G tray
£2.45
Harringtons Puppy Turkey & Rice
Complete turkey puppy food with 30% protein and feeding bands by adult weight
£6.49
Harringtons Just 6 Dry Dog Food Lamb
Grain-free lamb dry dog food in 2KG and 12KG sizes, with size-specific formulas
From£13.99
Burns Puppy Original Lamb & Rice
Complete Burns lamb and rice puppy food in a 2KG bag for up to 12 months
£14.99
Finnish Hound health & costs
Before bringing a Finnish Hound home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£400–600 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£25–45 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£0–60 / year
Mostly DIY at home
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
The Finnish Hound is generally considered a healthy, hardy breed, reflecting its origins as a robust working dog. As with many hounds, its long, pendulous ears make it prone to ear infections, so regular checking and cleaning are important. Detailed breed-specific health data is relatively limited outside Finland, so general scenthound and large-breed guidance applies.
Prospective owners should seek puppies from responsible breeders who health-test their stock and prioritise sound temperament and structure. Joint health — particularly the hips — is worth attention in any active medium-to-large breed, and routine veterinary care supports a long working life.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Ear infections — long drop ears trap moisture and debris and need regular cleaning
- Hip dysplasia — joint malformation that can cause pain and arthritis in active dogs
- Cerebellar ataxia — a hereditary neurological condition reported in the breed in Finland, affecting coordination
- Obesity — pet hounds can gain weight without enough exercise; portion control is important
- Injuries from working — active hounds risk cuts, strains and foot injuries when working in rough terrain
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Finnish Hound; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Finnish Hound puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Finnish Hound
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Friendly, calm-natured and easy to groom
- Sociable with people and other dogs
Things to consider
- High exercise needs and strong scent drive
- Vocal, with a loud hound bay
Compare the Finnish Hound
See how the Finnish Hound measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
More breeds like the Finnish Hound
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Whippet
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Greyhound
The ultimate couch potato — despite their racing reputation, retired greyhounds need surprisingly little exercise.
Similar temperament
Black and Tan Coonhound
An American scenthound bred to trail raccoon by night. Easygoing, gentle and sociable at home, but a powerful tracker with a deep, carrying bay and a strong nose that demands secure exercise.
Brazilian Terrier
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Drever
A short-legged Swedish scenthound bred to drive deer and other game. Friendly, even-tempered and sociable, with a strong nose and the characteristic hound voice.
Dunker
A Norwegian scenthound (Norwegian Hound) bred to track hare by scent in cold terrain. Friendly, calm and even-tempered at home, but a hardy worker with a keen nose and good stamina.
Similar size, different type
Border Collie
The ultimate working brain — astonishingly clever and trainable, but needs hours of exercise and a job to do.
Cocker Spaniel
A merry, affectionate gundog that loves people and activity — happiest with a job and regular grooming.
English Springer Spaniel
A tireless, enthusiastic working gundog that needs serious daily exercise and mental stimulation.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Affectionately known as the "nanny dog" — devoted, people-loving and famously gentle with children.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Finnish Hound?
The Finnish Hound is a handsome, tricolour scenthound bred in Finland to track hare and fox across snow and forest. A medium-to-large dog with the athletic build, long ears and deep voice typical of a working hound, it is one of the most popular breeds in its native Finland, though it remains very rare in the United Kingdom.
How big is a Finnish Hound and how long does it live?
It is a medium-to-large hound, standing 52 to 61 cm at the shoulder and weighing around 20 to 25 kg, with an athletic, stamina-built frame. The typical lifespan is 12 to 14 years. As a robust working breed it is generally healthy, and routine veterinary care supports a long working life.
What is the Finnish Hound's temperament like?
At home the Finnish Hound is friendly, calm and sociable, generally getting on well both with people and with other dogs, and often patient and easygoing with children. In the field, however, it is first and foremost a hunting hound — single-minded on a scent, independent when working at distance, and naturally vocal with a loud, carrying bay.
Are Finnish Hounds loud?
Yes. The Finnish Hound has a loud, melodious, carrying bay that is deeply ingrained in the breed, particularly when it picks up a scent. This makes it less suited to close-quarters living where noise is a concern. Owners should be prepared for its voice rather than expecting to suppress it.
How much exercise does a Finnish Hound need?
A lot. The Finnish Hound is built for stamina over long distances and needs well over an hour of vigorous daily exercise plus opportunities to use its nose. Because its scent drive makes off-lead recall unreliable, secure areas or long-lines are often necessary. Without enough physical and mental work it can become frustrated and noisy.
How much grooming does a Finnish Hound need?
Very little. The short, dense coat is easy to care for, needing only occasional brushing to remove loose hair and keep it in good condition. The long, drop ears should be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent infection, and routine attention to nails and teeth completes a simple grooming routine.
Are Finnish Hounds easy to train?
As an independent working scenthound, the Finnish Hound can be challenging to train for strict obedience, particularly recall, because a strong scent will often override commands. Patient, consistent, reward-based training started early works best, and channelling its instincts through scent games and tracking is far more productive than fighting them.
What health issues affect the Finnish Hound?
It is generally considered a healthy, hardy breed. As with many hounds, its long, pendulous ears make it prone to ear infections, so regular checking and cleaning matter. Joint health, particularly the hips, is worth attention in any active medium-to-large breed. Seek puppies from responsible breeders who health-test their stock.
Are Finnish Hounds good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Finnish Hounds tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Finnish Hound need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Finnish Hound needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Finnish Hounds shed a lot?
Moderate shedding. Coat upkeep is wash-and-go — a quick brush now and then is usually enough.
Are Finnish Hounds easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Manageable for committed beginners. Finnish Hounds are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Finnish Hounds bark a lot?
Vocal / alert barker. They can be quite vocal, so early training and enough exercise and stimulation help keep barking in check.
Are Finnish Hounds good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Finnish Hounds suit flats or smaller homes?
Needs plenty of space. A Finnish Hound really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.
Sources
- Suomen Kennelliitto (Finnish Kennel Club) — Suomenajokoira / Finnish Hound: https://www.kennelliitto.fi/en
- Fédération Cynologique Internationale — Finnish Hound breed standard: https://www.fci.de/en/nomenclature/FINNISH-HOUND-51.html
- PDSA — Looking after your dog: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/dogs
- Blue Cross — Dog health and welfare advice: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog
Recommended for your Finnish Hound
Matched to a Finnish Hound's size and their typical need for enrichment & mental stimulation.
Self-Moving Chew-Resistant Dog Ball
A USB-C rechargeable ball that moves on its own to keep dogs busy and active. Tough E-TPU construction stands up to chewing during supervised play, and the splash-resistant build suits indoor or outdoor use.
£15.99
Plush Strawberry Snuffle Mat
An interactive foraging mat with removable plush strawberries that hide treats and kibble. Encourages natural snuffling and slows feeding, providing mental enrichment for dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs alike.
From£13.99
Chase Buddy Boredom Busting Dog Toy
A sturdy chase toy for dogs left alone for short spells, redirecting the energy that turns into barking, pacing and chewed skirting boards into active play.
£23.99
Plush Snuffle Foraging Mat
A roll-up plush snuffle mat with cute animal designs. Hide treats in the folds and let your pet sniff and forage to find them - a rewarding enrichment game that beats boredom and slows feeding.
£13.99
Tarhong Concentric Circle Slow Feeder Bowl for Dogs & Cats
A stylish slow-feeder bowl that encourages healthier, calmer mealtimes — available in blue, grey, or white.
£14.99
Self-Moving Interactive Dog Ball
A rechargeable self-moving ball that rolls and changes direction to keep dogs engaged. Ultra-quiet (around 35dB) for indoor and apartment use, helping ease boredom and separation anxiety.
£20.99
Duck Treat-Dispensing Puzzle Toy
A duck-shaped puzzle toy that dispenses treats when your pet presses the paddle.
£36.99
Spherical Slow Feeder Licking Bowl
A spherical non-slip slow feeder that paces fast eaters and turns mealtimes into a calming licking ritual. The ridged surface slows gulping, aiding digestion and easing boredom for dogs and cats alike.
From£13.99
Suggestions based on breed traits — always check sizing and suitability for your individual dog.
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.