Eurohound, also known as a Eurodog or Scandinavian hound is a breed specially bred for sled dog racing.
At first glance, this breed resembles pointers. This is logical since the Eurohound is commonly crossbred from the Alaskan husky group and is one representative of pointing breeds.
Most commonly, Eurohound is a cross between an Alaskan husky and German Shorthaired Pointer.
Eurohound may not be so popular across the States today, but you can find them in snowy states, especially in areas that are covered in snow throughout the year.
As expected, Eurohounds are frequently seen in Scandinavia where their skills are much appreciated.
In fact, Scandinavia was the first one to use this breed in competitive sled dog racing.
As a crossbreed, Eurohound was specially bred to have a certain set of traits.
Now, let’s learn in-depth about this fast dog.
Quick tip: Before we continue, know that this breed is best suited for cooler areas as they need cooler weather to run.
Quick Facts
Real name: Eurohound
Other names: Scandinavian hound
Origin: Scandinavia
Breed type: Sled Dogs
Weight: Male 46-53 pounds, female 39.5-46 pounds
Height: female 16 inches, male 17 inches
Lifespan: 10 – 15 years
Litter Size: 4 – 10 puppies
Color: Variety of colors, including (but not limited to) beige, black, blonde, cream, red, white, and solid
Coat: Shiny and short coat
Eurohound History
In the early 1980s, Norway and Sweden started mixing German Shorthaired Pointer and Alaskan Husky.
The result of this is a breed that we know today as Eurohound. With so many sled dogs around, why does this breed has to be created?
According to various records, at the time North American racing dogs could not match the performance of the Husky, which resulted in the creation of a new breed.
Breeders wanted a powerful and fast dog, that will be able to work under challenging conditions.
Not only that these dogs had to be hard-working dogs, but they had to possess the sledding ability of the Husky.
Next to this trait, they had to possess the intelligence and love toward work that Pointers come with. All in all, this is how the Scandinavian hound was born.
Eurohound Physical Appearance
Eurohounds are described as large size dogs who tend to weigh up to 50 pounds, with an average height of 27 inches.
As for the coat, Eurohound may appear in different colors, including beige, white, and black.
When Eurohound is black-coated white blazing is usually included. Since Eurohound is a cross breed no one can know for sure how this dog will turn out to be.
One is for sure – you will always see more Husky look or more features of a Pointer, it all depends on which parents’ side they take more upon.
Another common feature in Scandinavian hound is their half-dropped ears.
The majority of Eurohounds will have black ears with white markings. Overall, representatives of this breed usually have a slender body, a longish face, and a long muzzle.
As for the coat, you can expect Eurohound to have a short and slick coat. They are powerfully built which makes sled duties super easy when in the pack.
Eurohound Personality
Eurohound is not a breed for first time dog owners. These dogs were bred to work hard, which means that they come with big energy.
These dogs are energetic and have a strong liking for speed. In other words, they won’t be so happy in small spaces, or without a bigger backyard to run around.
This dog isn’t made to stay indoors all day long, they will demand long walking sessions.
Add to that a nice run at the dog park and free time in the backyard, and your Eurohound will love every moment.
Know that for dogs time outdoors is much more than a toilet break.
Do you know how many times per day dogs should pee?
Make sure that you complete these basic needs, and then go the extra to provide proper exercise.
Eurohounds are often described as extroverted dogs. This means that they are far from being shy, and will welcome even a stranger.
Social dogs don’t like to be left alone for too long. Know that energetic breeds will become destructive when and if bored.
If you have to leave your Eurhound alone, make sure that you train him on how to stay alone. Otherwise, you may expect separate anxiety and destructive behavior.
Overall, Eurohounds are loyal, devoted, and smart dogs who thrive on companionship. They are a bit of a digger, so make sure that you address this in training.
If you are apartment-based and you get this breed know that they will most of the time walk, roan, and run whenever an opportunity arises.
Eurohounds are also packed with a strong instinct to hunt, which means that they will chase almost anything if they want to.
Eurohound With Children And Other Pets
Eurohounds are fine with being around children. They are average-friendly dogs toward children.
Since they have strong hunting instincts they may try to nip heels. Bear this in mind when you’re thinking about leaving dogs and children alone.
Like any other dog breed, they should not be left alone with children. No matter how easy-going dogs and children are around each other, there should always be proper supervision.
Pro tip: Always educate your children on how to behave around dogs, and how to interact safely.
As for the other pets, Eurohounds will love other dogs. After all, they are sled dogs and they love being part of the pack.
To compare Eurohound with other breeds use compare dog breeds tool, so you can know dogs’ needs and see how a specific breed fits your life.
As for the cats, you might keep them separated. Eurohounds are not big fans of cats.
Eurohound Training
Training should start as soon as you bring your Eurohound home.
Did you know that dogs are more than capable of mastering basic commands as of eight weeks of age?
As a general rule, responsible dog breeders will never give you a puppy before this period.
If you want your dog to be part of the sled group, make sure that you find a trainer who has experience with training sled dogs.
Otherwise, make sure that you make training sessions:
- Fun
- Short
- Engaging
- Treats-based
- Consistent
No dog should ever experience any sort of harsh training method.
If you feel like you could use help training your Fido think about hiring a professional dog trainer or enrolling your puppy in puppy classes.
Both options should speed up the training process, provide professional inputs on further training and make your bond with Fido stronger.
Next to proper training, you need to think about proper socialization.
Training and socialization are two major factors that can help your dog become a well-behaved dog citizen.
Early socialization is a period during which you should aim to fulfill the following:
- To teach your dog what a toilet break is
- If the furniture is allowed to jump on or not
- What home areas are allowed and what are off-limits
- How to walk on a leash
- How to behave in a backyard
- What are home dog rules
- What kind of behavior is allowed with visitors
- To master basic commands
Once the socialization window is completed and your veterinarian gives you a green light, you are allowed to introduce your Eurohound to other dogs.
This means that you can take long walks around the block, let him smell other dogs, and spend time in the dog park.
For extra safety, stick to the recommended puppy vaccination schedule.
Eurohound Exercise
Training is what helps your dog behave better, but exercise is what keeps him healthy.
Just like other breeds of high energy, Eurohounds love when there is a job to be done. This breed thrives on activity.
As mentioned earlier in this article, if you miss providing the right care, they will become bored and eventually destructive.
Dogs need time to burn off that extra energy.
Have you ever heard of the saying – A tired dog is a good dog? If not, trust it anyway.
When dogs get the exercise levels they need, they will spend more time resting than being active. This doesn’t mean that you should over-exercise your puppy to lower his energy.
Puppies are growing and keeping their bones whole and in great health is a must.
Please, do not force them to run over high staircases, do not set high physical obstacles for them to run over, and keep walks short.
Keeping dogs’ joints healthy and strong is imperative. If you manage to achieve this you will have a healthier dog in his senior years.
Eurohounds are sled dogs, which means that they have a strong love for the run. Provide regular running sessions.
Perfectly, daily running sessions of 30 minutes or an hour of daily intense activities should help your Eurohound remain fit. Think also about indoor games for rainy days.
Eurohound Grooming
If you are not a fan of long grooming sessions, you are in luck, because the Eurohounds demand minimal grooming.
Since they have short coats they are fast to brush.
Just make sure that you have the right grooming tools on hand so you can make grooming sessions fast and easy.
Scandinavian hounds are low shedders, which in practice means that you won’t have to heavily vacuum every day.
Still, expect extra hair during shedding season. Not sure when the shedding season occurs? It happens in spring and autumn.
Weekly brushing is a must like with any other breed, while the rest is basic care:
- Trim or grind nails monthly
- Check eyes daily for any sign of eye discharge
- Clean dog’s ears when needed
- Bathe only when needed
- Brush weekly
If you feel like you could use help grooming your Eurohound, you may think about hiring a professional dog groomer. This option may cost you a bit more, but it will save you time.
If you opt for professional grooming services, still brush your dog weekly.
This should be a bonding activity, as dogs love body language. Plus, this is a great way to check a dog’s coat for any sign of fleas, and his skin for any sign of skin infection.
If your veterinarian recommends brushing his teeth make sure that you use only dog-friendly products. When it comes to bathing and teeth brushing, you should think about safety first.
Use only products that are specially designed for dogs.
Eurohound Health
Eurohounds are considered to be healthy dogs.
When you are dealing with responsible dog breeders, you can be sure that you are getting a healthy puppy.
Reputable and responsible breeders will always screen puppies for the most common health issues.
Not only that but they will present you with medical documentation on the puppy.
Next to relevant papers, responsible dog breeders will show you the facilities, let you meet the bitch, and provide further tips on overall care, nutrition, healthy, and grooming.
Some breeders may even recommend a training school and tell you that in case of hardship return the dog to them. This ain’t a general rule, but rather an individual preference. Also, expect a lot of questions.
No responsible breeder will just hand you over the dog. They will ask you a lot of questions to make sure that you are the best possible fit for their puppy.
The most reported health issues seen in this breed are hip and elbow dysplasia.
This is the most common skeletal disease in dogs and something that large dog breeds are commonly affected by.
Hip dysplasia may lead to osteoarthritis, pain, and lameness.
Is Eurohound For You?
If you are a first time dog owner, active Eurohound isn’t for you.
Breeds of lower activity levels are recommended for novice owners, while more stubborn, larger, and independent dog breeds of high energy are recommended to experienced dog owners.
If you’re thinking about getting this breed, be 100% that you can invest enough time into keeping this dog active and healthy.
Eurohounds tend to be a bit stubborn so invest the proper time into training this breed in the best way possible.
Otherwise, you will have to deal with a bored and destructive dog.
On the other hand, if you have enough experience and enough time to dedicate to shaping a well-behaved canine citizen, the Eurohound is for you.
Frequently Asked Questions On Eurohound
1. How Big Do Eurohounds Get?
Eurohound is a medium-sized sled dog. Males tend to have between 46 to 53 pounds, while females are lighter with 39 to 46 pounds. Male Eurohounds tend to have 17 inches, while females have 16 inches.
2. Are Hounds Good Family Dogs?
Hounds tend to be good family dogs. Like with any dog type it all comes down to proper training and early socialization. Hounds are often the first choice as family dogs as they are low-maintenance dogs.
3. Are Eurohound Dogs Hypoallergenic?
No dog is 100% hypoallergenic, including Eurohound.
They are less triggering for allergies than other dogs, but they can still provoke allergies. If you have allergies make sure that you talk with your doctor before you get a dog.
