Russian Hound vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison

Russian Hound vs Estonian Hound - Breed ComparisonRussian Hound is originated from Russia but Estonian Hound is originated from Estonia. Russian Hound may grow 15 cm / 6 inches higher than Estonian Hound. Russian Hound may weigh 25 kg / 56 pounds more than Estonian Hound. Both Russian Hound and Estonian Hound has almost same life span. Both Russian Hound and Estonian Hound has same litter size. Russian Hound requires Low maintenance. But Estonian Hound requires Moderate maintenance

History

russian hound - historyThere are sportsmen and hunters who appreciate the versatile Russian Hound. The Russian Hound has been a popular working breed in its homeland for a long time as it is an ancient dog breed.

This is an ancient dog breed, being developed by crossing common hunting dogs with indigenous ovcharkas and Laikas. Later European hunting dogs were also introduced into the mix.

The dogs numbers have declined but were later revived in the late 1800s. The first breed standard for the Russian Hound was created in 1896. Known as the Russkaya Gontchaya, this tough dog is still popular in all parts of Russia.

estonian hound - historyIn 1947, the Estonian Hound was developed and remains today the only pure breed ever developed in Estonia. At that time the national economic minister of the Soviet Union declared that every country in the USSR must have a national dog breed. Thus, the Estonian Hound and the Estonian Kennel Union were born. The Kennel Union is currently seeking breed recognition from the Federation Cynoloqique Internationale.

The Estonian Hound came from breeding local Estonian hunting dogs with several different breeds of foreign dogs. The Soviet decree also established that hunting dogs had to be no more than 17 inches high. This result in a hunting dog with great agility and drive that is extremely popular in now inependent Estonia. It is the national dog.

Description

russian hound puppy - descriptionThe Russian Hound is a medium to large sized dog. He stands at roughly 62 – 67cm in height and weighs roughly 36 to 45kg. The dog however is available in a number of different sizes.

The coat is fairly short and dense, becoming fuller in Winter. The coat color is fawnish with a darker brown, blackish saddle on the back. The paws have some white markings. The eyes are medium length and the tail is long and held down.

Temperament:

The Russian Hound is a peaceful, calm dog, not making a fuss around strangers, but accepting them well. He may be calm, but he is independent and strong willed.

Training and socialization will be good for him, making him obedient and well mannered.

estonian hound puppy - descriptionThe Estonian Hound is a strong, muscular body of medium size, with well-developed muscles and strong bones. It has a straight muzzle and skull with defined eyebrows and long drop ears. They have black noses and dark eyes. Their back is wide and straight, and their chest is deep and wide. They have skin that is tight with no wrinkles or folds anywhere.

The Estonian Hound is double coated, but the undercoat is not well developed. The top coat is rough, short and shiny. The tail has a thick covering of hair. The color is usually white with red patches, black or brown patches or yellow patches.

Characteristics

russian hound dog - characteristicsEverybody wants a peaceful, loving dog that can be a good pet and companion without causing a lot of trouble. The Russian hound is a peaceful, loving, loyal dog who is going to make any family a wonderful 4-legged fried.

He can adapt to life in the city or the countryside so long as he is given a good loving home and plenty of exercise.

Children friendliness

estonian hound dog - characteristicsThe Estonian Hound is a happy dog and loves to play with children. He was bred to hunt though and he can get fixated on a scent and knock over a small child.

Special talents

He is a hunting dog with great agility and drive.

Adaptability

He has had to be adaptable through his short history and is now more a companion than a hunting dog. He can live in the city or country.

Learning ability

He is intelligent and trainable. He is lively and energetic and the challenge might be keeping his attention long enough to train.

Health Problems

russian hound puppies - health problemsThe Russian Hound is a healthy breed. Nonetheless even the healthiest dog breeds can become ill.

Good food, exercise and lots of love and attention can ensure a long life for him.

However every dog can have one of the many common dog illnesses there are. Toothache can be a serious problem for your pet because if you don’t look in his mouth you won’t be able to tell if he has a bad, painful tooth.

Dogs can also break their teeth, causing sharp, jutting pieces which cut the gums. They can also get gum disease. Plaque can cause a whole lot of bacteria in your pets mouth. With the increase in bacteria, your dog’s health problems increase too. It is imperative to look in your pets mouth and speak to your vet about canine dental maintenance.

Eye Infections:

Eye infection are a common problem with dogs, and an eye infection can be from allergies. Yellow pus can indicate an infection. It is best to speak to your vet because some eye infections can lead to blindness if left untreated.

estonian hound puppies - health problemsWith such a young breed there have not been any studies done on their health or genetic issues. It seems the breed is fairly healthy but there is too little information to really say. Being confined to Estonia there has been little commercial or backyard breeding. He is less likely than most pure breeds to have genetic issues.

It is likely that dogs of his type are at risk for:

Bloat – distended or twisted stomach

Caused by excessive exercise before or after having eaten a large meal. It is suggested that you feed your English Setter twice a day, smaller meals and not right before or after strenuous exercise.

  1. Luxating Patella
  2. Leads to lameness and arthritis
  3. Allergies skin/food
  4. See vet if issues arise
  5. Respiratory allergies - It would be very important to see vet if any breathing issues arise
  6. Joint dysplasia - This could be elbow or hip and can lead to lameness or arthritis

Caring The Pet

Exercise:

russian hound dogs - caringAs a hunting dog, you will need to ensure your Russian Hound gets enough exercise. He will love his walks with you but will want to be let off his leash when in the park. He loves the opportunity to run free. Games at home in the garden will also be good for this large dog.

General Care:

Provide your pet with a nice, warm, dry sleeping area.

Make sure your pet’s vaccines are up to date.

Have your dog neutered or spayed to prevent unplanned puppies.

Grooming:

Groom your Russian Hound by brushing him twice a week.

Check him over for lumps while brushing him.

Check inside his ears for signs of redness.

Trim his nails.

Look at his eyes and make sure they are clear with no signs of discharge.

Check inside the mouth for rotten or bad teeth as this can cause tremendous pain and also cause toxins to get into the bloodstream.

Diet:

The Russian Hound relies on vitamin and mineral enriched food. The best commercially manufactured dog foods can provide this. These foods are wonderfully convenient. Try not to give your dog dry kibble day after day, but vary it twice a week with some home-made food.

Simply add into one big pot chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. This food can all be chopped up and added in to the dry kibble twice a week. It is wonderfully tasty for your your canine friend. Dogs thrive on simple, consistent meals. Ty and add some raw meat to his food occasionally.

Ensure there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water within his reach.

Feeding the puppy

estonian hound dogs - caringFeed a high quality dry food made for puppies. Feed ¼ to ½ cup per day in 2-3 meals for the first six months.

Feed 1 to 2 cups in two meals from 6 months to a year or so.

Feeding the adult.

Feed about 2 to 3 cups in two meals.

Points for Good Health

As previously mentioned this seems to be a fairly healthy breed.

Be careful not to feed a large meal before or after exercise due to possibility of bloat.

Check their ears and clean them periodically.

Games and Exercises

The Estonian Hound is a hunting dog and needs a good deal of exercise – at least an hour and a half every day or a long walk if not used for hunting. He is a working dog with a lot of energy and stamina. Don’t let him off leash though or he will follow his nose and take off. He is usually calm and quiet indoors if he gets enough physical and mental stimulation outdoors. He can be destructive and loud, nervous and hyper if he doesn’t. They enjoy Frisbee, agility, tracking and of course hunting.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Hound dog
Origin:
Russia
Estonia
Height Male:
62 - 67 cm
24 - 27 inches
42 - 52 cm
16 - 21 inches
Height Female:
62 - 67 cm
24 - 27 inches
40 - 50 cm
15 - 20 inches
Weight Male:
36 - 45 kg
79 - 100 pounds
15 - 20 kg
33 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
36 - 45 kg
79 - 100 pounds
13 - 19 kg
28 - 42 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 13 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
4 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Russkaya Gontchaya
Estonian Scenthound, Gontchaja Estonskaja
Colors Available:
Fawnish with darker brown, blackish saddle on the back.
tan with black patches or blackish brown with red patches
Coat:
Short
short, rough coat
Shedding:
Moderate
Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Cheerful, Energetic, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pharaoh Hound vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  2. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  3. Hungarian Vizsla vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  4. Redbone Coonhound vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  5. Norwegian Elkhound vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  6. Santal Hound vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  7. Podenco Canario vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  8. Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  9. Podenco Andaluz vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  10. Podenco Galego vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  11. Estonian Hound vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison
  12. Estonian Hound vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  13. Estonian Hound vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  14. Estonian Hound vs Bluetick Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  15. Estonian Hound vs Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  16. Estonian Hound vs Bavarian Mountain Hound - Breed Comparison
  17. Estonian Hound vs Basset Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  18. Estonian Hound vs Beagle-Harrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Estonian Hound vs English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  20. Estonian Hound vs Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie - Breed Comparison
  21. Estonian Hound vs Alpine Dachsbracke - Breed Comparison
  22. Estonian Hound vs Basset Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  23. Estonian Hound vs Dunker - Breed Comparison
  24. Estonian Hound vs Chippiparai - Breed Comparison
  25. Estonian Hound vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  26. Santal Hound vs Russian Hound - Breed Comparison
  27. Russian Hound vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison
  28. Russian Hound vs Pharaoh Hound - Breed Comparison
  29. Russian Hound vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  30. Russian Hound vs Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  31. Russian Hound vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  32. Russian Hound vs Hungarian Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  33. Russian Hound vs Redbone Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  34. Russian Hound vs Bluetick Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  35. Russian Hound vs Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  36. Russian Hound vs Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  37. Russian Hound vs Bavarian Mountain Hound - Breed Comparison
  38. Russian Hound vs Basset Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  39. Russian Hound vs Beagle-Harrier - Breed Comparison
  40. Russian Hound vs English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  41. Russian Hound vs Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie - Breed Comparison
  42. Russian Hound vs Alpine Dachsbracke - Breed Comparison
  43. Russian Hound vs Basset Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  44. Russian Hound vs Podenco Canario - Breed Comparison
  45. Russian Hound vs Dunker - Breed Comparison
  46. Russian Hound vs Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  47. Russian Hound vs Chippiparai - Breed Comparison
  48. Russian Hound vs Podenco Andaluz - Breed Comparison
  49. Russian Hound vs Podenco Galego - Breed Comparison
  50. Russian Hound vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds