Finnish Hound

Finnish Hounds crave companionship from their people and other dogs. They can do okay with cats if raised with them, but other small animals are a different story. Their sharp hunting instincts tell them that these creatures make better snacks than friends. These hounds seek out affection from their families, and when left alone for too long, they sometimes show their love by leaving furry presents on the doorstep. While eager and energetic on a scent trail, they are easy-going and friendly dogs at home. Some Finnish Hounds, though, can act a bit timid toward strangers.

These medium-sized scenthounds have a distinctive white-striped face and tri-colored markings. Grooming requires light maintenance; take a firm bristle brush to a Finnish Hound’s short, coarse coat once a week to manage dead hairs and reduce shedding. Their long, floppy hound ears do a lot of work funneling scents toward their nose and need to be checked regularly for signs of infection.

Not only does their high-energy personality not enjoy small spaces, the Finnish Hound’s loud voice quickly carries throughout an apartment complex. Needless to say, these dogs do well in a large home with an even larger yard. Better yet, give these scenthounds acreage to roam and sniff in a rural setting. They can wander off when they smell something interesting, so be cautious when off-leash and consider a fence for your yard.

Finnish Hounds enjoy any activity that utilizes their keen nose. They love to be a hunting companion and will also enjoy it if you create a scent trail for them. To do this, run their favorite treat through the grass and leave it at the end of a long trail. Then let your Finnish Hound outside to put their tracking abilities to good use. These are high-energy dogs that require a few hours of exercise per day. If you don’t have a large, fenced yard for them to run around in, taking them for a daily run is a good idea.