Estonian Hound
The Estonian Hound (Estonian: eesti hagijas) is a scent hound-like breed, with the distinction of being the only dog breed developed in Estonia. It was bred in 1947 when the Soviet Union's national economy ministry decided that every country in the Union must have its own breed. In September 2019, the FCI officially recognized the breed.
| Life Span | 10-14 years |
| Weight | 10-30 kg |
What to Know Before Buying an Estonian Hound
Finding a responsible Estonian Hound breeder requires more than browsing classified ads or responding to social media posts. The USDA requires any breeder who sells dogs commercially — especially those selling online or through third-party dealers — to hold a federal license and submit to regular inspections. A legitimate breeder should be willing to provide their USDA license number, invite you to visit their facility, and show you where the animals are housed and socialized.
Before committing to a purchase, ask the breeder for veterinary health records, vaccination documentation, and any genetic testing results relevant to the Estonian Hound. Reputable breeders will also ask you questions in return — about your living situation, experience with animals, and ability to provide long-term care. A breeder who asks no questions and is eager to ship an animal immediately is a significant red flag.
Use the search tool below to check whether any USDA-licensed facilities breeding Estonian Hounds appear in our database. If they do, review their inspection history carefully. Look for patterns of violations, pay attention to severity levels, and compare their compliance grade with other breeders in the same state. This due diligence takes minutes and can save you from supporting a facility with documented animal welfare problems.
Looking for an Estonian Hound breeder?
Search our database of USDA-licensed facilities to find inspected breeders and check their compliance history.
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