Finnish Hound
Finnish Bracke, Suomenajokoira
The Finnish Hound, or Suomenajokoira, is a scenthound that was created to hunt across rugged terrain in frigid temperatures in Finland. It was developed to hunt fox and hare, but it has also been used on larger prey such as lynx and elk (moose). This breed remains popular in its homeland but has never found a strong following outside of Scandinavia. It is the most popular hound in Finland and the second most popular (after the Drever) in Sweden.
Finnish Hound Standards
- 22-25"
- 45-55 lbs
- medium-sized scenthound
- hanging ears are medium length
- long tail, tapers to hock
- short, straight, dense coat
- tricolor of black, tan and white
History of the Finnish Hound
The Finnish Hound descends from scenthounds first brought to what is now Finland in the Middle Ages. They most likely arrived through maritime trade and were from various western European countries. It is thought that bracke-type hounds native to Germany played a role in their development, as they were bred for mountainous terrains and colder climates.
The modern Finnish Hound dates back to around the 18th century, but its type was not fixed until the 1930s. Dogs already present in Finland were further crossed with French, German, Swiss, and other European hounds.
Although popular in its homeland and neighboring Switzerland the Finnish Hound remains virtually unknown outside these two countries. There is is still kept primarily as a hunting dog.