Halden HoundCharacteristics, history, training and care
Halden Hound. · Canarian / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped and resized.
The Halden Hound (Haldenstøver) is a medium-sized Norwegian hound, white with black patches and tan shading, named after the town of Halden in south-eastern Norway. It is the smallest of the three Norwegian hare hound breeds. It is resistant to cold, energetic and, according to Wikipedia, affectionate and good with children.
Quick facts
| Common name | Halden Hound (Haldenstøver) |
| Scientific name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Country of origin | Norway |
| Official recognition | FCI, definitively since 7 October 1965 (group 6, medium-sized scenthounds, with working trial; standard no. 267) |
| Lifespan | about 12 years, according to Wikipedia |
| Size (males) | 52–60 cm at the withers, ideally 56 cm |
| Size (females) | 50–58 cm at the withers, ideally 54 cm |
| Weight | about 18–24 kg (Wikipedia) |
| Coat type | Harsh, very dense and straight, with a dense undercoat |
| Common colours | White with black patches and tan shading on the head and legs |
| Energy level | High |
| Suited to an apartment? | No |
| Temperament | Affectionate, hardy, energetic |
| Tendency to aggression | Low |
| Good with children | Good, according to Wikipedia |
| Good with other animals | Good with dogs; strong hunting instinct |
| Genetic predispositions | No known health problems, according to Wikipedia |
- Primary category:Dog breeds
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History and origin
Wikipedia says the Halden Hound is one of the three Norwegian hare hound breeds and the smallest of them. It was developed in the early 20th century by crossing local Norwegian hounds with hounds from Sweden, Germany and England, and the breed standard was set in the 1950s.
It is named after the town of Halden, in south-eastern Norway. It resembles the American Foxhound, but is smaller. Unlike many hounds, it does not hunt in a pack, but alone, alongside its owner. It is a rare breed, seldom seen outside Norway.
How the breed developed
- Early 20th century – The breed takes shape in south-eastern Norway.
- The 1950s – The breed standard is set.
- 7 October 1965 – The FCI recognises the breed.
- 9 August 1999 – The current FCI standard is published.
Breed rating
| Feature | Stars |
|---|---|
| Training and intelligence | ★★★☆☆ |
| Easy to train | ★★★☆☆ |
| Intelligence | ★★★★☆ |
| Independence | ★★★★☆ |
| Stubbornness | ★★★☆☆ |
| Behaviour and temperament | ★★★★☆ |
| Affectionate with family | ★★★★★ |
| Friendly with children | ★★★★☆ |
| Good with other dogs | ★★★★☆ |
| Good with cats and other animals | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Loyalty | ★★★★☆ |
| Tendency to be aggressive | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Tendency to bark | ★★★★☆ |
| Needs and care | ★★★★☆ |
| Shedding | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Needs frequent grooming | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Activity and lifestyle | ★★★★☆ |
| Energy level | ★★★★★ |
| Daily exercise needs | ★★★★★ |
| Suited to apartment life | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Health and longevity | ★★★★☆ |
| Life expectancy | ★★★★☆ |
| Predisposition to genetic diseases | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Working abilities and uses | ★★★★☆ |
| Good hunting dog | ★★★★★ |
| Good companion dog | ★★★★☆ |
Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. The breed has no AKC profile and the FCI standard does not describe its temperament; the rating is based on the Wikipedia description (affectionate, good with children, energetic).
Physical characteristics
The standard describes it as a dog with a rectangular body, proud, strong, but not heavy. Wikipedia says it has a straight, solid back and a fairly thick tail, carried low.
General appearance
The skull is slightly domed, the dark brown eyes have a gentle expression, and the ears hang down. Wikipedia says breeders aim for a particular foot shape, with high, tight, long toes and dense hair, for stability and warmth on snowy ground.
| Feature | Halden Hound |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Height at the withers | males: 52–60 cm; females: 50–58 cm |
| Weight | about 18–24 kg |
| Coat | Harsh, very dense, with an undercoat |
| Eyes | Dark brown, gentle |
| Feet | Tight, with dense hair |
The coat is white with black patches, with tan shading on the head and legs and sometimes between the white and the black. Black must not predominate, and small black or tan spots are considered a colour fault.
Training and socialisation
Wikipedia says it is a loving, affectionate companion and a good hunting dog, regarded as a good family dog that behaves well with children.
It does not hunt in a pack, but alone, alongside its owner. Like any scenthound, it needs a lot of recall practice, because on a trail it may forget commands.
Tips for effective training
- Practise the recall. On a hare's trail it may forget about you.
- Work with its nose. Scent games make it happy.
- Do not leave it inactive. Wikipedia says inactivity makes it restless.
- Use rewards. It is affectionate and easily motivated.
Activity needs and lifestyle
Wikipedia says it is hardy and energetic, copes well with cold and can keep up a brisk pace for a long time. It does best in homes with plenty of space or with owners who give it lots of exercise; long periods of inactivity make it restless and unhappy.
| Activity | How often | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Long walks in the countryside | daily | High energy |
| Scent work | several times a week | Hound instinct |
| Running in a fenced area | several times a week | Uses up energy |
Tips for a balanced life
- It copes very well with cold.
- Keep it on a lead outside the yard.
- It suits an active family.
Care and health
Coat and skin care
The harsh, dense coat should be brushed once a week, more often during moulting.
Common health problems
Wikipedia says it is a healthy breed, with no known health problems. As with any hound, it is worth watching for:
| Condition | Description | Common symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia | The hip joint forms incorrectly and, over time, arthritis develops | Limping, difficulty getting up or jumping, hip pain |
| Ear infections | Infections of the drooping ears | Scratching, bad smell, tilted head |
Other care
- Check the ears and feet after every outing.
- Check for ticks after hunting.
- Trim the nails if they do not wear down on their own.
Diet and nutrition
An active hound needs good-quality food. The portion increases during the hunting season and in cold weather.
Tips for a healthy diet
The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.
| Dog's weight | Calories per day (neutered) | Calories per day (not neutered) | Dry food per day (approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 kg | 980 kcal | 1,100 kcal | 240–310 g |
| 21 kg | 1,100 kcal | 1,240 kcal | 280–350 g |
| 24 kg | 1,210 kcal | 1,370 kcal | 300–390 g |
- Give it its food in two meals a day.
- Fresh water should always be available.
- A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.
Foods to avoid
Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.
Reproduction and development
Physical and emotional maturity
In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Most breeds become adults at around 13–15 months.
Mating and pregnancy
Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.
Caring for the puppies
In dogs, a litter has 5–6 puppies on average, and the number rises with the size of the breed. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.
Interesting facts
- The smallest Norwegian hound. It is the smallest of the three Norwegian hare hound breeds.
- Named after a town. Halden is a town in south-eastern Norway.
- It hunts alone. Unlike many hounds, it does not work in a pack.
- Snow feet. Its densely haired feet help it on snow.
- Rare. It is seldom seen outside Norway.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the Halden Hound come from?
From south-eastern Norway, from the area around the town of Halden.
How big does it get?
Males measure 52–60 cm and females 50–58 cm; they weigh about 18–24 kg.
Is it a family dog?
Wikipedia says it is affectionate and good with children, but it needs plenty of exercise.
How long does it live?
Wikipedia gives an average of about 12 years.
