Discover Everything About Erdelyi Kopo (Hungarian Hound)
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
At a glance
Erdelyi Kopo (Hungarian Hound) overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
The Erdelyi Kopo is considered a very robust and primitive hunting breed for which no specific genetic health tests are currently mandatory. Nevertheless, prospective buyers should be mindful of conditions common in larger dogs, such as hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED), which should be ruled out by ensuring the parent dogs have been X-rayed. Isolated cases of epilepsy can also occur, which is why, despite the breed's generally high level of health, careful selection of a breeder is highly recommended.
Lifespan
12–14 yrs
Height
55–65 cm
Weight
25–35 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,500 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Smooth, short, dense undercoat
- Origin: Hungary
Typical coat colors
- Mostly black with tan markings
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Erdelyi Kopo (Hungarian Hound), choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Erdelyi Kopo (Hungarian Hound) right for you?
The Erdélyi Kopó (Transylvanian Hound) is a robust, extremely enduring scent hound—bred for independent hunting in the Carpathians, where it tracks game over long distances with a distinct baying and makes decisions completely on its own.
Perfect for you if:
- You have a passion for demanding scent work, mantrailing, or tracking—this dog needs a real job for its outstanding sense of smell.
- You live in a rural area, ideally with a very well-fenced garden where an occasional deep, vocal bark won't bother anyone.
- You appreciate a dog that thinks for itself and makes its own decisions rather than showing blind, robotic obedience.
- You are out and about in all weather conditions and are looking for a tireless companion for hours of hiking.
Less ideal if:
- You expect a dog that is reliably recallable in the woods at all times—once it picks up a fresh scent, its brain switches to autopilot and your calls are tuned out.
- You live in a busy city or a thin-walled apartment without direct access to nature.
- You are looking for a dog that will wait patiently at home alone for hours while you work full-time.
- You get frustrated easily when your dog questions commands before carrying them out.
The real vibes check
An Erdélyi Kopó is not a command-follower that hangs on your every word—it is a highly specialized forest worker that has its own job to do. When you let it off the leash, it isn't going for a walk, it's going to work. If you respect this deep-seated hunting independence and channel it into shared activities, you will gain an extremely loyal partner; if you try to suppress it, you will lose the dog.
Breed Profile
The Erd"lyi Kop", also known as the Hungarian Hound, is a medium-sized dog with a well-built and harmonious physique. They belong to FCI Group 6: Hounds, Scenthounds and similar breeds. A striking feature of this breed is its prominent head with dark eyes that exude deep intelligence and alertness. The ears are of medium length and hang down in folds, giving the dog a characteristic and friendly expression. The tail is usually straight and extends to the hock. Interestingly, there is no distinction between performance and show lines in the Erd"lyi Kop". It is a breed recognized for both its working abilities and its beauty.
| Height | 55 - 65 cm (Female), 55 - 65 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 25 - 30 kg (Female), 25 - 35 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 12 - 14 years |
| Character | Lively, intelligent, loyal |
| Coat | Smooth, short, dense undercoat |
| Coat Color | Mostly black with tan markings |
| Price | 1500 - 2500 € |
History
The history of the Erd"lyi Kop" dates back to the Middle Ages, when they were used as working dogs in Hungary and Transylvania (now Romania). They were bred specifically to hunt wild boar and are known to be tenacious and courageous hunters, able to work in even the most difficult conditions. However, over the years their role has changed and they are now also known as loyal companion dogs. The breed was officially recognized by the F"d"ration Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1968. Unfortunately, the Earth'lyi Kop has struggled with a drastic decline in its population during the 20th century, largely due to wars and political upheavals. However, in recent decades, breeders have made efforts to revitalize the breed and increase their populations. Today the breed is enjoying growing popularity again, both in Hungary and internationally.
The Erdelyi Kopo was bred as a hunting dog for hunting large game such as deer and wild boar.
Hungary
1700
Character & Temperament
The Erd"lyi Kop" is a lively and energetic breed with a strong work ethic and exceptional learning ability. They are known for their intelligence and excellent problem-solving skills, making them excellent working dogs, especially in hunting. Additionally, they are extremely loyal and form strong bonds with their families, making them excellent companion dogs. In terms of temperament, it can be said that the Erd"lyi Kop" definitely leans towards the active side. You need regular physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Since they were originally bred as hunting dogs, they naturally show a certain tendency to hunt and a strong prey drive. However, they do not tend to be overly dominant or territorial, making them pleasant and easy to handle pets. The Erd"lyi Kop" is very people-oriented and enjoys the company of her family. They are known for their friendliness and are usually good-natured and tolerant of children and other pets. While they are generally not aggressive, they are still alert and can protect their family if necessary. This breed's ability to stay alone can vary. Some specimens can easily be left alone for short periods of time, while others may develop separation anxiety. It is therefore important to train your dog to be alone in a positive way, even in puppyhood. In conclusion, the Erd"lyi Kop" is a wonderful breed for active people who are looking for an intelligent, lively and loyal companion. Despite their working history, they are flexible and adaptable dogs, able to adapt to both city and country life as long as they receive enough exercise and mental stimulation. They are lovable, loyal companions and can be a great addition to the right family.
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
| Watchfulness A natural watchdog with real protective instinct. | High |
| Openness to Strangers Neither pushily friendly nor suspicious. | Neutral |
| Hunting or Herding Drive This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
Did you know that the Erd"lyi Kop" is the oldest known Hungarian dog breed? It has been mentioned in written sources since the 4th century!
What Awaits You
The Transylvanian Hound is good-natured, courageous and persistent. His personality is calm and balanced, but also determined and lively. The environmental conditions in the Carpathians have made the breed a tough, courageous dog.
Housing & Care
The Erd"lyi Kop" is a versatile breed that thrives in both urban and rural environments. They are active dogs that require lots of exercise and mental stimulation, so a home with a secure yard is ideal. However, despite their active nature, they can also adapt to apartment living as long as they get enough exercise. This breed of dog is generally good-natured and gets along well with children. They are tolerant and patient, which makes them a good family dog. They usually get along well with other pets, although their hunting instincts may lead them to chase smaller animals.
| Family Friendly Lives for its family — the born family companion. | Ideal family dog |
| Child Friendly Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride. | Patient with children |
| Dog Friendly Usually gets on fine with other dogs. | Generally tolerant |
| City Friendly City-appropriate with enough exercise and stimulation. | Manageable in cities |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
As intelligent and hard-working dogs, the Erd"lyi Kop" are highly trainable and enjoy various types of training and activities. From obedience training to activities like agility or tracking, they are always ready to learn and work. However, they are also sensitive dogs, so positive and reward-based training works best. It is important that this breed gets enough activity without overwhelming them. A well-balanced mix of physical activity and mental stimulation is ideal. Ball games should be enjoyed with caution as they can be prone to becoming ball junkies. Frustration tolerance and impulse control are other important aspects of training.
Nutrition & Care
As with any dog, the Erd"lyi Kop's diet should be balanced and nutritious. They are active dogs that require a diet with enough proteins and fats to meet their energy needs. It is best to speak to a veterinarian or nutritionist to create an individual feeding plan. Caring for the Hungarian Hound is quite straightforward. Their coat is short and smooth with a thick undercoat that protects them from the elements. They shed moderately and only require occasional brushing to remove dead hair and keep the coat clean and shiny. Their paws, ears and teeth should be checked regularly. As far as the climate in Germany is concerned, the Erd"lyi Kop" copes well with it. Their fur provides protection from cold and wet conditions, but on extremely hot days they should have access to shade and fresh water.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
Robust
Health grade
The Erdelyi Kopo is considered a very robust and primitive hunting breed for which no specific genetic health tests are currently mandatory. Nevertheless, prospective buyers should be mindful of conditions common in larger dogs, such as hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED), which should be ruled out by ensuring the parent dogs have been X-rayed. Isolated cases of epilepsy can also occur, which is why, despite the breed's generally high level of health, careful selection of a breeder is highly recommended.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
You should ensure the dog is raised in a way that protects its joints, provide appropriate physical exercise, and schedule regular veterinary check-ups for its eyes and heart.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the hips, elbows, eyes, and hearts of the parent animals medically screened to specifically reduce risks within the bloodline.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Experiences with the Erdelyi Kopo (Hungarian Hound)
Edith K., Halterin aus Bayern (Rüde, seit 2012)
Wir haben unsere ungarische Bracke als Junghund aus einem ungarischen Tierheim adoptiert, wo diese Rasse leider kaum Vermittlungschancen hat. Er ist ein unglaublich treuer und anhänglicher Begleiter, der sich eng an unsere Familie anschließt. Zu Hause ist er absolut gutmütig und anpassungsfähig, aber man darf nicht vergessen, dass in seiner Brust das Herz eines echten Laufhundes schlägt.
Nur normales Gassigehen reicht bei ihm bei Weitem nicht aus. Um ihn außerhalb der Jagdsaison körperlich und geistig auszulasten, fahren wir mehrmals die Woche für zwei bis drei Stunden mit dem Rad, was ihm sichtlich guttut. Man merkt einfach, dass diese Hunde für die Bewegung und die Arbeit gezüchtet wurden.
Tiberius C., Berufsjäger aus den Karpaten (mehrere Jagdhunde, seit 2013)
In meinem Revier in Rumänien jage ich regelmäßig und kenne die ungarischen Bracken daher sehr gut im praktischen Einsatz. Sie sind extrem hochläufig, robust und ausdauernd – perfekt für die anspruchsvolle Jagd auf Wildschweine in unwegsamem Gelände. Sie arbeiten außerordentlich selbstständig und neigen dazu, sehr weit zu jagen. Für kleine, überschaubare Waldreviere sind sie daher absolut ungeeignet, da sie sich im Eifer der Jagd viele Kilometer weit entfernen.
Man muss mit ihrer ausgeprägten Eigenständigkeit umgehen können. Besonders die Rüden können phasenweise extrem starrköpfig und eigenwillig sein. Wenn man sie jedoch konsequent führt, sind sie hervorragende, wildscharfe Jagdpartner, die sich auch sehr gut reinjagen lassen.
sinngemäß aus echten Halterberichten
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Frequently asked questions about the Erdelyi Kopo (Hungarian Hound)
Is a Erdelyi Kopo (Hungarian Hound) the right dog for me?
The Erdelyi Kopo (Hungarian Hound) is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Erdelyi Kopo (Hungarian Hound) live?
The average life expectancy of a Erdelyi Kopo (Hungarian Hound) is 12-14 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Erdelyi Kopo (Hungarian Hound) need?
Erdelyi Kopo (Hungarian Hound) grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Erdelyi Kopo (Hungarian Hound) good for families with children?
The Erdelyi Kopo (Hungarian Hound) can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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