Transylvanian Hound
Also called Erdélyi Kopó, Hungarian Hound, Transylvanian Scent Hound, Copoi Ardelenesc
From Hungary (historic Transylvania region, Carpathian mountains)12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
FCI and UKC give only a minimum of 25 kg (55 lb); Wikipedia gives 30 to 35 kg for the tall variety.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, dense, flat coat with undercoat
A coarse, straight, shiny coat that sits flat against an athletic, medium-boned body built for long gallops in rough country.34
Personality what they are like
Even-tempered and quiet at heart but keen and determined once on a trail. It is brave, tough, and generally friendly and obedient, though it can be a little reserved with people it does not know.342
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Built to hunt independently far from its handler and to keep going in harsh weather, so it needs plenty of long, varied exercise and outlets for its nose.32
Home where they are happiest
Adapted to a continental climate with cold winters; happiest with space and outdoor work.2
Company who they like around
Has a strong pack sense and works well alone or in pairs; usually tolerant with children.32
The story where it all began
An old Hungarian hunting breed that was a favourite of medieval nobles in the Carpathian region. A tall type hunted large forest game and a short type worked smaller game, but only the tall type survived. After coming close to disappearing in the 20th century, it was revived through breeding work begun in 1968.342
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The breed once came in two sizes, one for big woodland game and one for smaller quarry in rough ground.2
- 2
The FCI standard lets white markings cover no more than about a fifth of the body.3
- 3
It is expected to pass a working trial under the FCI nomenclature.1
- 4
Its official FCI standard is written in French, where it is called the Chien Courant de Transylvanie.1
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard No. 241, Group 6 (Scent hounds), Section 1.2 (Medium-sized hounds), with working trial; definitive acceptance 30 Mar 1963; current standard published 6 Apr 20001
- UKC
- Scenthound Group; recognised 20064
- Hungarian Kennel Club
- Recognised national breed2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Transylvanian Hound. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Transylvanian Hound, and at what times?
Feed your adult Transylvanian Hound at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Free feeding is not recommended. For exact times and amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.5
What should a Transylvanian Hound eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Provide a high-quality dog food suited to their age and activity. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, xylitol, onion, and garlic. Always consult your vet for a complete diet plan.6
How often should I bathe a Transylvanian Hound?
Bathe your Transylvanian Hound at least once every three months, or more often if they get dirty. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days. Use a gentle dog shampoo.7 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Transylvanian Hound need brushing?
Brush your Transylvanian Hound weekly to keep their short, dense coat healthy. Furry Diary's plan recommends brushing every 7 days. A soft brush works well.7 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Transylvanian Hound's nails, and how often?
Trim your Transylvanian Hound's nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, or about every 28 days. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick. Ask your vet or groomer if you're unsure.7 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Transylvanian Hound need?
Your Transylvanian Hound needs plenty of long, varied exercise every day, including opportunities to use their nose. Daily walks and play are essential, and they love having space to run.32 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Transylvanian Hound's teeth and ears?
Brush your Transylvanian Hound's teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste; daily is ideal. Check their floppy ears weekly for moisture and gently dry them without inserting anything into the ear canal.7 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Transylvanian Hound live?
Transylvanian Hounds typically live 12 to 14 years with good care.2
Is a Transylvanian Hound good with children and other pets?
Yes, they are generally friendly and tolerant with children and have a strong pack sense that helps them get along with other dogs. They may be a little reserved with strangers, so early socialisation is beneficial.342
Can a Transylvanian Hound be left alone?
This varies by individual. Transylvanian Hounds have a strong pack sense and may not enjoy long periods alone. For advice on your specific dog, consult a good breeder or your vet.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI nomenclature: Erdélyi Kopó (241) fci.beused for recognition, names, origin
- Wikipedia: Transylvanian Hound en.wikipedia.orgused for names, lifespan, weight, history, facts
- FCI standard 241 fci.beused for size, coat, colour, temperament, history
- UKC Transylvanian Hound standard ukcdogs.comused for recognition, size, coat, history
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.