Estonian Hound
Temperament
Even-tempered, Friendly
[1]A history shaped by livestock protection
The FCI standard traces the breed to scent hounds from Eastern and Western Europe and Britain. Its development included reducing height to protect cattle and keep larger hounds from tracking game too quickly; the standard was approved in 1954.
[1]A medium hound for hare and fox
This medium-sized scent hound is used to hunt hare, fox and lynx. Its standard notes a highly developed nose and a resonant voice that helps handlers locate it from a distance.
[1]A short, harsh coat with bright markings
The coat is short, harsh and glossy, with a moderate undercoat. Black and tan with vivid white is typical, while the standard also allows lemon-to-golden patches with white and no black.
[1]Height and white markings visible in the field
The FCI height range is 45–52 cm for males and 42–49 cm for females. The body is clearly longer than its height, and leg length is about half the height at the withers. White markings help handlers see the dog in the field; the standard calls for white on the head, throat and chest extending to the belly, as well as the feet and tail tip.
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