Estonian Hound

The Estonian hound is a medium-small scent hound developed in Estonia for hunting hare, fox, and other game under local hunting rules that favored smaller hounds. It has a clean, athletic outline, drop ears, a short coat, and commonly tricolor or bicolor markings. The breed blends endurance, voice, and trail focus with a size that is easier to manage than many larger European hounds.

In a household, an Estonian hound can be sociable and pleasant, but it remains a scent-driven hunting dog. Daily exercise, recall training, and secure fencing are important because interesting trails can pull it away quickly. The coat is low maintenance, though ears and weight should be watched. Breeders and buyers should discuss hunting background, voice, confidence, and health testing, especially as the breed becomes better known outside its home country.

Colors: Albino, Apricot, Bicolor, Black, Black and Tan, Black and White, Black Mask, Blue, Blue and Tan, Blue Merle, Blue Roan, Blue Tick, Brindle, Brown, Brown and Tan, Brown and White, Chocolate, Cream, Dapple, Domino, Fawn, Fawn and White, Gold, Gray, Grey, Harlequin, Irish Marked, Leucistic, Liver, Liver Mask, Mantle, Mask, Melanistic, Merle, Mottled, Parti-Color, Piebald, Red, Red and White, Red Merle, Red Roan, Red Tick, Reverse Brindle, Roan, Sable, Saddle, Silver, Speckled, Spotted, Tan, Ticked, Tricolor, Tuxedo, White, Yellow