Russian Hound (RG)

With a rich history in Russia, the Russian Hound (RG) is renowned for its superb hunting skills and devoted, powerful personality. This hound’s keen sense of smell, endurance, and speed make it highly valued. Originally bred for tracking and chasing game. Due to its exceptional endurance and hard work in the field, the Russian Hound has gained popularity among hunters over the ages.

In addition to their hunting skills, Russian Hounds are renowned for their peaceful and loving disposition when they are at home. They develop strong relationships with their owners and typically get along well with kids and other animals. Although they do best in busy settings, they also like to unwind and spend time with their loved ones.

The Russian Hound, when properly trained and socialized, makes a wonderful companion for those who can provide it with regular exercise and mental stimulation. For those seeking a devoted and energetic companion, the Russian Hound is a breed that offers a loving disposition along with intelligence and endurance, making it an excellent choice for hunters.

Characteristic	Description
Breed Name	Russian Hound (RG)
Origin	Russia
Size	Medium to large, muscular build
Coat	Short, dense, suitable for cold climates
Temperament	Energetic, friendly, loyal
Exercise Needs	High, requires daily activity
Good with Families	Yes, especially with active families
Lifespan	10-14 years
Training	Intelligent, can be trained with patience
Hunting Skills	Excellent, bred for hunting

Information about the breed

Name:	Russian Hound (RG)
Classification:	not recognized by the International Cynological Federation
Purpose:	hunting
Homeland:	Russia
Weight:	~25-35 kg
Height:	~58-68 cm (male), ~55-65 cm (female)
Life:	12-16 years
Color:	saddle, crimson or gray with tan.
Price:	40-400$

Photo of the Russian Hound

Characteristics

Interesting facts and features

Firstly, it is important to note the following regarding RG:

• The most popular among hounds, however, it is not yet recognized by the FCI;
• It is important for her to be on the move, does not like small spaces and does not share her territory with other animals;
• She is easy to train, but remains a leader, so only an experienced owner can train her;
• Considered an ideal fox and hare hunter, will search for prey to the last, even if the trail is confused;
• Easy to get going, moves quickly, and outside of work remains calm and reasonable if you walk with her every day;
• The voice is her working tool, maneuvering it she conveys various information to a person, including what kind of prey was caught.

If you’re searching for a reliable hunting companion, the Russian hound is the dog for you. Her ringing voice, energy, and sense of smell will help you not only go fox or rabbit hunting for fun, but also bring home a tasty catch. However, it’s important to realize that, when it comes to personal life, the RG is a trustworthy friend who won’t take care of other animals or guard the house.

History of origin

It is still unknown how and when the Russian hound got to Russia. It is the opinion of some historians that the dog came with the Tatar-Mongols. Another theory holds that the breed originated from the crossing of an indigenous Laika and a pointer. In one form or another, Russian hound hunting dates back to the 12th century. It became particularly popular at exhibitions in the middle of the 19th century, when it was still referred to as the Eastern hound.

The breed had nearly finished developing by the turn of the 20th century, but the civil war had severely reduced the gene pool, necessitating its restoration and further improvement of its working characteristics. The fact that there were numerous lines of hounds remaining from the revolution was another factor that complicated matters. All the same, in 1925 a standard was established that made the Russian hound unique within its breed. Additionally, all hound breeding was outlawed in 1939 with the exception of Russian and Anglo-Russian hounds.

The RG has been subject to a test for working in a pack since 1901. Twenty-five years later, when a series of exercises were conducted to evaluate each person’s initiative and skill, its unique qualities as a hunter were put to the test.

The Russian Hound, sometimes referred to as the Russian Harlequin Hound (RG), is a devoted and active breed distinguished by its keen sense of smell and propensity for tracking game over great distances. It’s an excellent choice for active families or hunters looking for a versatile companion due to its friendly and well-balanced temperament. Although it needs a lot of mental and physical stimulation to thrive, this breed is intelligent and easy to train. Although the Russian Hound is fierce when it comes to fighting, it is kind and loyal to its family at home.

Appearance

In terms of external characteristics, the Russian hound is similar to a forest wolf; this is particularly evident when the animal is hunting. It lowers its head, for instance, when pursuing prey. Above all, connected to the gray constitution. Other than that, the RG appears to be a big, powerful dog.

Head and eyes, nose and jaws

It’s shaped like a dried wedge. The brows, the transition to the back of the head, and the skull are all flattened.

The eyes are beautifully obliquely cut, with a black edging visible around the eyelids. The eyes are brown.

The lobe appears to protrude forward, and the nose is large and black. There is a smooth transition from the nose to the muzzle.

Large white teeth and well-developed jaws make a complete formula ideal. Just like scissors, the right bite is timeless.

Ears and neck

The thin, hanging ears are situated above the eye line. Triangular in shape with a rounded tip that fits the head snugly.

The neck is muscular, dry, and the same length as the head.

Body, paws and tail

Muscular, dry, well-developed, and harmoniously built body. large chest that is notably lowered. The back is very large. Strong, short, and convex is the loin. The croup is sloping and fairly long. The groin and belly lines are drawn up.

The limbs have a robust bone structure, are well-developed, and are strong. The angles of the joints are discernible, and the front and rear pairs are parallel to one another. The metacarpus and metatarsus are beneath the plumb line, and the elbows are retracted. The toes are gathered into a lump and are closely spaced apart on the oval paws.

The tail tapers toward the end, where it meets the hock bones, from a thick base. The tail can rise to the line of the back when running, but not higher.

Coat and color

The coat is double, but the length varies according to the body part. The awn is short and sparse on the head, limbs, and ears. It is longer and more luxuriant around the neck and hips. A medium-length awn that is shorter at the tip adorns the tail.

Saddle, crimson, or grey with tan are possible color options. The latter is typically whitish or pale yellow in color. Small marks may appear on the limbs or neck.

Defects and disqualifying features

An incomplete dental formula, pigment on the iris, mouse or coffee color, or an incorrect bite can disqualify a Russian hound from an exhibition.

It is permitted to take part, but the following flaws may result in a lower score:

• Disproportionate length of limbs;
• Bright red tan, speckles, large white spots on the forehead, ears or under the eyes;
• Wavy coat;
• Overshallowed muzzle;
• Elongated or short body;
• Long neck;
• Poorly developed chest;
• Short or sideways tail;
• Small angles of joints;
• Large, shaggy or curled ears.

Character

A true working dog is the Russian hound. It shows strength because it doesn’t fuss or act out; instead, it maintains its composure under all circumstances.

However, it also knows when to call the hunt over when it gets back home. Smooth and serene, RG remains unaffected even by the most vivid attacks from kids. As a result, you can leave it alone with kids, but you shouldn’t attempt to turn the dog into a permanent nanny.

The hound is not fond of cats, ornamental dogs, rodents, or birds. Instead of seeing a relative in them, it sees possible prey. It has the ability to pursue, confront, and assert its dominance.

This breed is not going to make an excellent security guard. When a Russian hound notices a stranger, its most extreme behavior is to give voice, to which you are free to respond or not. To be fair, though, sometimes this kind of "attack" does work. On a hunt, though, it will shine and delight. The RG is prepared to carry out all of its tasks there, even if it just has to depart with prey.

Education and training

Russian hounds are intelligent canines. It is quick to learn and comprehend, and it doesn’t require repeated commands to wait for an action to be completed. She is also executive and collaborates with her owner on the hunt.

However, it is important to remember that every hound has a latent leader who is capable of waking up and seizing control. The dog’s workaholism can occasionally impede training because it requires continuous exercise to stay in shape. It is best to take the RG outside and let it run before beginning training. It will begin to avoid the lesson in every way if it is not allowed to release some steam.

Preparing a dog for hunting begins at 3-4 months. They start by teaching it to react to both its name and the sound of a horn. Before eating, for instance, they lock it in a room and sound a horn. As a result, the hound will recognize the link between sound and food intake and will react to the signal right away when hunting. It’s also critical to help your pet acquire resilience and manners. Teach it to begin eating only when you say so, rather than when it runs to the bowl. If not, you will become pretty bitten prey during the hunt.

You are able to visit the forest as early as 10 months old. Early in the morning, when the animal’s trail is still warm and fragrant, are the first lessons held. It’s also a good idea to acclimate the dog in advance if you intend for it to work in a pack.

Prior to engaging in forest training, the hound needs to be familiar with commands like "No!", "К мне!", and "Брос!"

Hunting

The Russian hound’s main job when hunting is to scent the prey, frighten it, and make it come closer to the owner so he can shoot with accuracy. In this situation, the dog has to communicate with its owner by using its voice as a tool to report information about how the chase is progressing and what prey it has located. RG has the ability to alter the voice’s richness and tonality, setting it apart from other breeds with its pure, melodic tone.

In addition, the Russian hound needs to be resilient, able to get through even the toughest bushes and thickets, and respond on the first try. With the right training, she should be able to follow one hare all day with only brief breaks. Its animosity toward prey is also noteworthy. While on the hunt, it is a fighter who understands why it came, but at home, it is submissive and calm. It’s worth observing, though, that the hound stays on the right side of the law and does not go insane even in the forest. The anxiousness and excessive fussing of the dog indicate that something is amiss.

This breed is typically taken when they wish to catch a fox or hare. However, some Russian hounds are qualified to hunt bigger game, such as elk and wild boar. You can run or stay still while hunting. In the first instance, the owner halts and bides their time until the dog draws the target nearer. He moves with it in the other to capture the animal. It is best to hunt stationary with a novice hound.

When the RG gets too engrossed in the chase and stops obeying your commands, returning it could become problematic. Should it become lost, stay put for a while longer as it may find its way back on its own.

Care

The Russian hound’s ancestors endured difficult living circumstances. They spent the most of the day outdoors, and they could only find cover from the severe frost. Furthermore, some breeders still maintain that the Russian hound’s working qualities and character are negatively impacted by heat. Rather than becoming a hunter, it becomes a kind pet that trembles with a faint coldness. Consequently, an insulated booth in the home’s yard is the best location for a hound. Hay or dried leaves can be used for the flooring.

It would be fantastic if you could construct not just a booth but also an enclosure covered by a canopy. To prevent the dog from chewing through the walls, it is preferable to construct the enclosure’s walls out of metal mesh or wood. Spread sawdust across the floor to facilitate easier cleanup afterwards.

The Russian hound needs to be walked three times a day. If you put a muzzle on it in the city, the dog won’t attack bystanders, but nobody’s safety has been compromised. Additionally, purchase a long and a short leash in advance.

Hygiene

Because the Russian hound’s hair is short, daily brushing is not necessary. However, periodically wipe the hair with a moist mitten. This breed should ideally be bathed on warm days so that it can dry outside without becoming sick. If the dog gets really dirty during the remaining days, schedule bath days. The hound’s body can be cleaned with snow in the winter after hunting, and cleaned with clean water in the summer after swimming in the river.

Observe the ears and use a fresh cloth dipped in lotion to wipe away any dust and debris. Examine the paws thoroughly, especially after hunting, and use an antiseptic to treat any wounds that may have splinters. Additionally, you can use cream or vegetable oil to hydrate the pads. Use a clean cloth and chamomile infusion, tea made with tea leaves, or simply water to soothe the eyes. Remember to look inside the mouth; you might find pieces of wood or bone that need to be carefully removed.

It is worthwhile to vaccinate a Russian hound a few months prior to going hunting in order to shield it from various infections. Insect and animal repellent drops are also useful in the forest.

Nutrition

The Russian hound has no taste preferences. Lean meat, sea fish fillet, offal, and boiled eggs should form the foundation of the diet. Provide fats in moderation, such as butter and sour cream. Carbs are found in porridge, such as buckwheat, rice, or oatmeal. On occasion, you may give your pet a rye crouton dipped in meat broth. Don’t forget to include seasonal fruits like apples as well as vegetables like beets, carrots, and greens. Because it contains a lot of vitamins from groups B, K, and A, liver is beneficial. Additionally, the dog needs a bowl of fresh water at all times.

Health

The immunity and illnesses of the Russian hound are closely linked to her lineage in many ways. Weak offspring are produced when breeders experiment and cross their animals with different breeds.

When it comes to the most prevalent illnesses affecting hounds, these are:

• Myelopathy.
• Joint dysplasia.
• Hyperthermia.
• Myositis.
• Conjunctivitis.

Adequate diet, physical activity, attention, and routine veterinary check-ups help shield the Russian hound from numerous health issues or detect and treat issues early on.

Choosing a puppy

To begin with, you should not purchase a Russian hound puppy from a box at the market or rely on social media. You can save money, but you could also fall for a scam and end up purchasing a sick puppy or a mongrel instead of the breed.

Going to a kennel that specializes in Russian hound breeding would be the right decision. Additionally, the following advice will assist you in selecting a healthy puppy:

1. Find out as much as possible from the breeder about the baby"s parents. He will be similar to them not only in appearance, but also in his working qualities. Find out how many years to mom, what diplomas she has.
2. Also ask what births this is in a row. It is best if the second or fourth, most likely these litters will have the strongest puppies.
3. Choose a large and active baby.
4. At the same time, look at how he holds his tail – it should not fall, whether he has the correct bite, and so on.
5. If participation in exhibitions is important to you, then it is better to wait until the puppy is 5-6 months old to fully appreciate its exterior.
6. Do not forget to check all the documents, including vaccinations by age and brand.

How much does a Russian hound puppy cost?

A Russian hound puppy without ancestry will set you back roughly 3000-5000 rubles. Should the parents possess a diploma and birth certificate, the price will range from 8,000 to 10,000 rubles. However, an elite pedigree baby costs an additional 15,000–30,000 rubles.

A breed with a long history and keen hunting sense is the Russian Hound. Because of its legendary endurance, dexterity, and superior tracking skills, it is a reliable hunting partner throughout Russia. This breed can form strong bonds with its family and is devoted, so it’s not just about work.

As long as it receives adequate exercise and mental stimulation, the Russian Hound, despite its hunting heritage, can adapt well to family life. It’s crucial to keep in mind that these dogs are naturally energetic, so engaging in frequent outdoor activities is essential to their happiness and wellbeing.

It’s important for prospective owners to take into account the breed’s high levels of energy and prey drive. To guarantee a well-balanced dog, early socialization and training are essential. The Russian Hound can be an accomplished working dog and a loyal friend with the correct upbringing.

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