Russian Hound

Medium

The Russian Hound is a medium-sized scent hound with a Beagle-like face and a slightly wolfish frame. It is intelligent, alert, devoted, focused on a trail, and calm at home, and it stands 22 to 27 inches.

Care guide Health conditions

Height: 22 to 27; inches at the shoulder
Weight: 40 to 71; pounds, adult
Life expectancy: 10 to 12; years, median 11
Senior from: 8.2; years, about

Senior starts in the last quarter of a breed's expected lifespan, following the 2019 AAHA canine life stage guidelines. Individual dogs vary.

The Russian Hound is a medium-sized, intelligent, alert, active scent hound with a Beagle-like face and a slightly wolfish frame.

At work they are intense and focused on the trail. At home they stay calm and balanced, enjoying the company of their people. They are loyal family pets as well as capable hunters. The nose is keen, and a scent is hard for them to ignore.

The breed comes from its namesake country, Russia, and dates to the late 18th century. These scent hounds often worked alongside Borzoi sighthounds: the Russian Hound located and flushed game into the open, and the Borzoi took the chase. Selective breeding in the early 20th century standardized the breed in 1925.

Nutrition

A Russian Hound should receive a complete and balanced diet suited to its current life stage. For an adult, food type and amount should be reviewed alongside activity, body condition, feeding arrangements, and the home environment. Meals should be measured, with weight and body condition tracked so intake can change as needs do.

Treat calories belong within the daily total and should not exceed 10 percent of the allowance. A veterinarian should be consulted about unexpected weight changes, medical conditions, or major dietary decisions. Fresh water should be kept clean and available, with a fresh supply provided each day.

Grooming

A Russian Hound can be bathed when needed rather than on a fixed timetable. A Russian Hound puppy's breeder can help choose a brush that suits the individual coat. At any age, regular skin and coat checks should look for fur loss, injuries, parasites, or other concerns, with any issue discussed with a veterinary professional.

Ear and eye cleanliness should receive regular attention. Nail length should be monitored; if the nails do not wear naturally, veterinary advice can guide trimming. Teeth should be checked regularly and brushed at home with a toothbrush and toothpaste made for dogs.

Exercise

Russian Hounds need substantial exercise and mental stimulation through lawful, appropriate hunting work. Access to suitable hunting ground should be part of deciding whether that activity can be provided. For an adult, walking should also be included in the daily routine, with slow, sniffing walks adding exploration and mental activity.

Play and brain games can add variety, but they do not replace walking. The amount of exercise and play should be adjusted to the individual dog. On outings, a lead can provide effective control; if the dog is ever off lead, the handler should remain aware of its actions and have reliable prompt recall.

Training

Like many hounds, the Russian Hound is intelligent and can carry a stubborn streak. The breed responds well to positive reinforcement, with treats or favorite toys as rewards.

Keep training sessions short and fun. That holds your Russian Hound's interest and keeps boredom from setting in.

These dogs are sociable and generally get along well with other dogs.

Atopic DermatitisSkin & Connective Tissue
CataractsEye
EpilepsyNervous System & Behavioral
HypothyroidismHormonal

Sources

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