Estonian Hound

Estonia was still a part of the USSR in 1947 when it was declared by the Ministry of Agriculture and Economy that all regions needed to have a local hunting breed of dog. This order was to replace the larger dogs that were used to hunt at the time, although the true reason was never really clear. One reason may have been to limit hunting as the large game in the empire had declined. Before 1947 the big game population in Estonia had been dropping rapidly. Therefore it seemed that dropping the dog size would make it harder to catch game, allowing time for a revival of the wild species. Hunters were limited to the smaller game such as foxes and rabbits. Estonia didn't have an existing dog that was suitable. It was essential to bring in dogs from outside to create a new breed and hence the Estonian Hound was born. The Dachshund, Beagle and Schweizer Laufhunds became the base of the breed. They were proven hunters, and they were adaptable to the cold temperatures. By experimenting with crossing smaller local dogs with the imported breeds, a new dog was born. By 1954 a written standard for the Estonian Hound was approved by the USSR Government. This standard acknowledged that the dog had great stamina, an outstanding ability to hunt, and could withstand the cold climate. With the hound's lovely nature, they quickly became very popular. Because the dog was smaller in size, more families could afford to feed and care for them. After Estonia declared its independence, the new Government declared the Estonian Hound to be the official national dog breed. This dog remains a firm favorite in its home country of Estonia, yet is rare outside of the country and not recognized by the American Kennel Club or the United Kennel Club.