In recent years, hunting enthusiasts have shown interest in the Estonian hound. What is the reason for this? How did this dog interest hunters?
From the history of the breed
The breeding of this breed began in Estonia in the mid-thirties of the last century. The reason for its creation was the law adopted in the country, which prohibited hunting with dogs above 45 cm at the withers. The fact is that larger animals could become dangerous for roe deer. Due to the decrease in livestock hunting was prohibited.
To create the necessary breed from England, several beagles were prescribed - beagles. They became the progenitors of the new breed. They began to cross with hounds common at that time in Estonia. Then, the blood of Swiss Foxhounds and medium-sized Russian individuals was added to them.
The Estonian hound received recognition in 1954. Five years later, the first standard was adopted. Now this breed is used in the hunt for foxes and hares. More recently, this dog was well known only to a narrow circle of specialists, but today it is very popular not only in Estonia, but also in Russia.
External data
The Estonian Hound is a low animal of a strong dry type. Growth at the withers - from 45 to 52 cm. The front of the torso is 1.5 cm higher than the back.
The head is of a regular rounded shape. The transition from the muzzle to the forehead is smooth. The muzzle is straight and long. The lips are tight and dry, not sagging. Ears are hanging, not thick, long enough. Set low, tight to the head. They have rounded ends that are covered with wool. A little slanting set eyes, usually dark brown. Muscular and strong neck, without skin folds. The forelimbs are muscular, dry, bony. The forearms are oval. Wide, sheer set metacarpals. Muscular and bony hind limbs, straight and strong. The coat is smooth, short, shiny and stiff. The undercoat is practically absent. The most common black-piebald color. Piebald, crimson and peppermint are allowed.
Character
This dog is good-natured and sociable. Strangers are somewhat wary. But she admits her master implicitly. The Estonian hound, the reviews of the owners of which are simply enthusiastic, is characterized by an even and calm character, easy to learn.
A well- bred dog in the house is no less beloved than its decorative brethren. This is an executive and very obedient, infinitely loyal to the owner of the animal. Strongly developed instinct for the hunter. Seeing the prey, the Estonian hound experiences a characteristic viciousness, thanks to which she established herself as a good hunter. It should be noted that this aggression never applies to a person. This is just a professional quality that she never shows in relation to people. In short, this is a good companion that is suitable for active people. A dog can also be kept in an apartment, although it can only be happy when hunting.
Care and maintenance
These are magnificent loyal dogs. The Estonian hound does not require complicated maintenance. Two walks a day are enough for her. If the animal is kept in a city apartment, then walks should be long, with physical exertion.
You need to know that if the dog is not trained, then it should be released from the leash strictly in walking areas where nothing can distract her attention.
It is enough to comb out the wool occasionally with a special glove with bristles. Bathe the animal as necessary, with severe pollution.
Feeding
Estonian hound eats a little. Differs in unpretentiousness to food. For her, eating is an additional training in the skill of coming to the sound of a hunter's horn. Call the pet with any horn. Begin feeding after he comes running.
In feeding, it is important to adhere to two rules - do not overfeed and try to give food at a certain time. The diet of the animal may consist of natural products or dry food for active tetrapods.
Pros and cons of the breed
The Estonian hound, the photo of which you see in the article, is characterized by unpretentiousness in content, a friendly character, accuracy and excellent hunting qualities. In addition, she is a kind and affectionate companion.
You should think carefully about whether you need such a dog if you do not plan to go hunting with it. Undoubtedly, these animals are wonderful companions, but at the same time they lose their hunting abilities while in the apartment.
Raising a good hunting dog will require some effort from you, but they will pay off handsomely. Sensitive and attentive, hardy and diligent, she will become a loyal assistant who will share your hobby with you.
Secrets of the popularity of "Estonian"
Dogs have a great flair. They are extremely persistent and capable of finding prey in a short time, after which they will chase their trophy for a long time, solving its tricks. This gambling hunter has a beautiful and sonorous voice. With proper education and training, the dog starts to work already in 5-7 months.
Small animal growth is an advantage when hunting in the forest. It easily makes its way under the spruce and climbs into the deadwood, where the beast most often hides.
Despite the fact that the dog feels quite comfortable in an ordinary city apartment, it feels best of all in a country house where she has the opportunity to run around freely.
Often hunters ask where to buy an Estonian hound. Naturally, it is better to do this in Estonian nurseries. Although now there are quite reputable institutions in St. Petersburg and Moscow.
The Estonian hound, whose price ranges from 100 to 250 dollars, will be your good friend.
Puppies
It’s better to buy an animal through a hunter society, where they will advise you on where it is better to do this and give the addresses of good breeders. It is important to get a puppy from purebred animals with good hunting instincts. The best age for bitches is 3-6 years old, for males - 3-8 years old.
A puppy should be purchased at the age of 1-2 months. He must be healthy, physically developed in accordance with age, have a good appetite. Pay attention to the coat. In a healthy animal, it is shiny and resilient. A dog at this age has all of its baby teeth. The puppy should not have signs of rickets (an influx on the carpal joints, curvature of the extremities, thickening at the ends of the ribs). When choosing an animal, pay particular attention to its color. Estonian hound puppies (see the photo in our article) - this is the so-called prefabricated hunting dog. To grow a full-fledged hound, you need to make a lot of efforts to educate and raise a puppy.
As soon as a young dog begins to work confidently, it must be put up for field trials. This is necessary to obtain a diploma and determine the tribal class.
The dog needs to be vaccinated against plague annually. In addition, rabies vaccinations are needed. A dog that does not have such vaccinations is not allowed to hunt.
Training
The Estonian hound is smart and smart. In this case, the puppy must be trained from a very young age. The main rule is that in no case should you pamper it. Do not let this cute tomboy climb onto a bed or sofa. Even in games you have to be strict and domineering. All family members should pronounce commands in exactly the same way, preferably with similar intonations. If you want to raise a good hound, you must be prepared for the fact that this process will take a lot of time and effort. At the most tender age, you should introduce your pet to other domestic animals, immediately teaching him to treat them indifferently.
It is very important to train a puppy to a horn. This will greatly facilitate the communication of the hunter with a dog in the forest. Each time the animal resorts to the sound of a horn, it should be caressed a little.
It is important to teach the puppy to distrust strangers. Do not let your friends and relatives caress the dog, give it different goodies.
Breed problems
Today, representatives of the Estonian Hound breed in Russia are increasingly becoming purchased as a companion dog. On the one hand, this has a positive effect on breeding, the number of livestock is increasing. On the other hand, an increasing number of non-working dogs appear. In large cities a lot of couch “Estonians” appeared, and this cannot but disturb the fans of the breed.
Race
After a course of general training, the dog should be pulled up - to train professional skills. This is usually done at four to five months of age. This usually occurs in special hunting areas in April-May or late summer. They feed animals that are physically formed, accustomed to unquestioning obedience. The Estonian hound must be well-fed, but not have excess fat and not be too thin. Otherwise, it simply can not withstand the loads.
The animal should be hauled up on purpose, and not during hunting - the hunter's desire to speed up the process leads to serious errors in the preparation of the animal. The first exits into the field last no more than four hours. Gradually, time can be increased. It is much better if the race will occur in the neighborhood of an old and experienced dog, if it does not have defects and shortcomings.
It is unacceptable for the hound to bite the squirrel, to drive the moose. As soon as you see that the young dog began to drive itself, bring it to work alone. It is necessary to haul the hound in those places where there are hares, but they are few. They usually go out at dawn. Letting go of the dog and giving it the command “Forward!”, “Search!”, The hunter slowly moves in the right direction, helping the animal, exploring with it difficult places where the beast can hide. Do not be upset if the dog does not immediately take the track, patiently continue training.
Where is the hound used?
Most of all, this breed is used in the Baltic states, in the south-west of Russia, in Ukraine and Belarus. Allowed content in Siberia and the North. However, the difficult climatic conditions of these regions may complicate the maintenance.
Hunting with such a dog is good both in black cotrop and in powder. Be sure: with such a four-legged friend you will experience many joyful minutes both on the hunt and at home.