Pet Wiki

Finnish Hound

Also called Suomenajokoira, Finsk stövare

Recognised breedFCI group 6Short profile

From Finland.12

At a glance the quick version

Weight20 to 25 kg2
Height, male55 to 61 cm12
Height, female52 to 58 cm12
Sizemedium
Calm and friendly
Tireless, independent tracker
Never aggressive
1

Coat and looks how to spot one

short double coat

A soft, dense undercoat under a medium-length, straight and fairly harsh outer coat that lies close to the body.1

Colourstricolour: black saddle with tan and white markings1

Personality what they are like

Easygoing and friendly at home, full of drive when out hunting. It works on its own initiative and announces the chase with a ringing bark.12

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A hunting hound bred to follow hare and fox through forest and deep snow, so it needs long daily walks and chances to use its nose.12

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The close, weather-resistant coat needs only regular brushing.1

The story where it all began

The Finnish Hound was created in the 1800s by combining French, German and Swedish hounds to suit hunting in the Finnish landscape. Its first breed standard was written in 1932.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    In 2013 it was the second most popular breed in Finland by registrations.2

  2. 2

    It is expected to keep hunting even in hard conditions such as deep snow.1

  3. 3

    It chases game with a loud, resonant bark so hunters can follow the pursuit.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed's Finnish name is 'suomenajokoira', which translates to 'Finnish hound' or 'Finnish hunting dog', reflecting its origin and purpose as a hound for hunting hare and fox in Finland.2

Name ideas for your new friend

LumiMetsäAinoTähtiUkkoSisuKukkaViljoPihkaNooraOtsoKallio

A day in the life told by a Finnish Hound

The moment my human opens the door, I'm off, nose to the ground. I follow a trail through the snowy woods, my bark echoing. I pause, listening, then plunge deeper. My human calls, and I race back, tongue lolling. We walk together, and I point at a hare's track, tail high. At home, I flop on the cool floor, dreaming of the chase. A scratch behind the ear, and I sigh, ready for tomorrow's adventure.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard No. 51, Group 6 Scenthounds, Section 1.2 Medium-sized hounds.1
Finnish Kennel Club (Suomen Kennelliitto)
Home-country kennel club of the breed.2

Popularity 2nd most registered breed in Finland2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Finnish Hound. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Finnish Hound, and at what times?

Adult Finnish Hounds do best with at least two meals a day, as their stomachs empty within a few hours. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Furry Diary's starting plan is to feed twice daily, but check the food label and ask your vet for the right amount and schedule.3 Pet Wiki plan

What should a Finnish Hound eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always avoid giving human treats like these, and consult your vet for a safe diet plan.4

How often should I bathe a Finnish Hound?

Bathe your Finnish Hound at least once every three months, or more often if they get very dirty. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks. Use a dog-safe shampoo and avoid over-bathing to protect their coat.5 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Finnish Hound need brushing?

Brush your Finnish Hound weekly to keep their short double coat healthy and remove loose hair. Furry Diary's starting plan recommends brushing every seven days. This helps maintain their weather-resistant coat and reduces shedding.5 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Finnish Hound's nails, and how often?

Trim nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, about every four weeks according to Furry Diary's plan. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for guidance.5 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Finnish Hound need?

This breed needs long daily walks and chances to use its nose, as it was bred to hunt in forests and snow. Furry Diary's starting plan includes daily walks and play. They have high energy and drive, so be prepared for active outings.12 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Finnish Hound's teeth and ears?

Brush their teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, never human toothpaste. Check ears weekly for moisture or dirt, especially since floppy ears can trap moisture. Furry Diary's plan suggests daily brushing and weekly ear checks.5 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Finnish Hound live?

The lifespan of a Finnish Hound varies, and specific numbers are not provided in the sources. For accurate information, ask your vet or a good breeder who knows the breed's health history.

Is a Finnish Hound good with children and other pets?

Finnish Hounds are easygoing and friendly at home, which can be good with children when properly socialized. Their hunting drive may affect other small pets, so early training and supervision are important. Ask a good breeder for specific advice.12

Can a Finnish Hound be left alone?

This breed is independent and can work on its own initiative, but they need companionship and exercise. Leaving them alone for long periods may lead to boredom. Furry Diary's plan includes daily walks and play. For specific guidance, ask your vet or a good breeder.12 Pet Wiki plan

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. FCI Standard No. 51 Finnish Hound fci.beused for group, height, coat, colours, temperament, use, history
  2. Finnish Hound - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for weight, history, popularity
  3. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  4. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.