Pet Wiki

Transylvanian Hound

Also called Erdélyi Kopó, Hungarian Hound, Transylvanian Scent Hound, Copoi Ardelenesc

Even-tempered and quiet at heart but keen and determined once on a trail.

SizeLarge
Weight25 to 35 kg (55 to 77 lb)123
Height55 to 66 cm (22 to 26 in)123
Lifespan12 to 14 years3
CoatShort, dense, flat coat with undercoat
OriginHungary (historic Transylvania region, Carpathian mountains)43
GroupScent hounds and related breeds (FCI group 6)
Last checked2026-09-30
Recognised breedShort profile
great stamina
calm and good-natured
reliable nose
13

Personality what they are like

Even-tempered and quiet at heart but keen and determined once on a trail. It is brave, tough, and generally friendly and obedient, though it can be a little reserved with people it does not know.123

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Transylvanian Hound. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, dense, flat coat with undercoat

A coarse, straight, shiny coat that sits flat against an athletic, medium-boned body built for long gallops in rough country.12

Coloursblack with tan markings, with limited white markings allowed12

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Built to hunt independently far from its handler and to keep going in harsh weather, so it needs plenty of long, varied exercise and outlets for its nose.13

Home where they are happiest

Adapted to a continental climate with cold winters; happiest with space and outdoor work.3

Company who they like around

Has a strong pack sense and works well alone or in pairs; usually tolerant with children.13

The story where it all began

An old Hungarian hunting breed that was a favourite of medieval nobles in the Carpathian region. A tall type hunted large forest game and a short type worked smaller game, but only the tall type survived. After coming close to disappearing in the 20th century, it was revived through breeding work begun in 1968.123

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    The breed once came in two sizes, one for big woodland game and one for smaller quarry in rough ground.3

  2. 2

    The FCI standard lets white markings cover no more than about a fifth of the body.1

  3. 3

    It is expected to pass a working trial under the FCI nomenclature.4

  4. 4

    Its official FCI standard is written in French, where it is called the Chien Courant de Transylvanie.4

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The Transylvanian Hound, also known as the Erdélyi Kopó, is a Hungarian breed of scent hound that originated in the historical region of Transylvania, which is now part of Romania. The breed name reflects its geographical origin.3

Name ideas for your new friend

BélaZsófiKárpátHavasiCsillaVadászPajkosSzőkeBarnaTündérFarkasLaci

A day in the life told by a Transylvanian Hound

I wake to the scent of pine and earth. My human calls me from the porch, but I follow a trail of rabbit first, just a few steps, then I bound back. We walk through the forest, my nose twitching with every breeze. I find a stick, drop it at his feet, and wag. Later, I curl by the fire, watching the flames. My tail thumps when he scratches my ears. A perfect day.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard No. 241, Group 6 (Scent hounds), Section 1.2 (Medium-sized hounds), with working trial; definitive acceptance 30 Mar 1963; current standard published 6 Apr 20004
UKC
Scenthound Group; recognised 20062
Hungarian Kennel Club
Recognised national breed3

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Transylvanian Hound, and at what times?

Feed your adult Transylvanian Hound at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Free feeding is not recommended. For exact times and amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.5

What should a Transylvanian Hound eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Provide a high-quality dog food suited to their age and activity. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, xylitol, onion, and garlic. Always consult your vet for a complete diet plan.6

How often should I bathe a Transylvanian Hound?

Bathe your Transylvanian Hound at least once every three months, or more often if they get dirty. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days. Use a gentle dog shampoo.7 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Transylvanian Hound need brushing?

Brush your Transylvanian Hound weekly to keep their short, dense coat healthy. Pet Wiki's plan recommends brushing every 7 days. A soft brush works well.7 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Transylvanian Hound's nails, and how often?

Trim your Transylvanian Hound's nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, or about every 28 days. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick. Ask your vet or groomer if you're unsure.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Transylvanian Hound need?

Your Transylvanian Hound needs plenty of long, varied exercise every day, including opportunities to use their nose. Daily walks and play are essential, and they love having space to run.13 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Transylvanian Hound's teeth and ears?

Brush your Transylvanian Hound's teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste; daily is ideal. Check their floppy ears weekly for moisture and gently dry them without inserting anything into the ear canal.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Transylvanian Hound live?

Transylvanian Hounds typically live 12 to 14 years with good care.3

Is a Transylvanian Hound good with children and other pets?

Yes, they are generally friendly and tolerant with children and have a strong pack sense that helps them get along with other dogs. They may be a little reserved with strangers, so early socialisation is beneficial.123

Can a Transylvanian Hound be left alone?

This varies by individual. Transylvanian Hounds have a strong pack sense and may not enjoy long periods alone. For advice on your specific dog, consult a good breeder or your vet.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI standard 241 fci.beused for size, coat, colour, temperament, history
  2. UKC Transylvanian Hound standard ukcdogs.comused for recognition, size, coat, history
  3. Wikipedia: Transylvanian Hound en.wikipedia.orgused for names, lifespan, weight, history, facts
  4. FCI nomenclature: Erdélyi Kopó (241) fci.beused for recognition, names, origin
  5. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.