Hygen HoundCharacteristics, history, training and care
Hygen Hound. · Bjørn Konestabo / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. Cropped and resized.
The Hygen Hound (Hygenhund) is a medium-sized Norwegian hound, solid and compact, created in the 19th century by the breeder Hygen from several hound breeds. It is an endurance hunter that can cross Arctic terrain for a long time without tiring. Wikipedia describes it as energetic and free-spirited.
Quick facts
| Common name | Hygen Hound (Hygenhund) |
| Scientific name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Country of origin | Norway |
| Official recognition | FCI, definitively since 6 October 1965 (group 6, medium-sized scenthounds, with working trial; standard no. 266) |
| Lifespan | No published data for the breed; medium-sized hounds usually live 11–14 years |
| Size (males) | 50–58 cm at the withers, ideally 54 cm |
| Size (females) | 47–55 cm at the withers, ideally 51 cm |
| Weight | about 20–25 kg (Wikipedia) |
| Coat type | Straight, slightly harsh, dense, glossy |
| Common colours | Reddish brown or yellowish red, black and tan, white with patches |
| Energy level | High |
| Suited to an apartment? | No |
| Temperament | Energetic, free-spirited |
| Tendency to aggression | Low |
| Good with children | No specific data |
| Good with other animals | Good with dogs; strong hunting instinct |
| Genetic predispositions | No breed-specific diseases are known |
- Primary category:Dog breeds
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History and origin
Wikipedia says the Hygen Hound was created in the 19th century by the Norwegian breeder Hygen, from several hound breeds. It is an endurance hunter that can cross Arctic terrain for a long time without tiring.
It is one of the three Norwegian hare hound breeds, alongside the Halden Hound and the Dunker. The FCI recognised it in 1965.
How the breed developed
- 19th century – The breeder Hygen creates the breed.
- 6 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 Wikipedia (“energetic and free-spirited”).
Physical characteristics
The standard describes it as a medium-sized, solid and compact, rectangular dog, with a strong topline. The head is of medium size, moderately broad but not heavy, and slightly wedge-shaped.
General appearance
Wikipedia says it has a broad skull, dark eyes, broad ears, a long, clean neck, solid, muscular legs and compact feet. The tail is carried high, but not curled over the back. Its movement is balanced, with long strides.
| Feature | Hygen Hound |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Height at the withers | males: 50–58 cm; females: 47–55 cm |
| Weight | about 20–25 kg |
| Coat | Straight, dense, glossy |
| Body | Compact, rectangular |
| Tail | Carried high, not curled |
The standard accepts reddish brown or yellowish red, often with black shading on the head, back and root of the tail, with or without white; black and tan, usually with white; and white with reddish brown, yellowish red or black and tan patches and freckles.
Training and socialisation
Wikipedia describes it as energetic and free-spirited, an endurance hunter.
Like any scenthound, it follows a scent stubbornly, so the recall needs a lot of practice. It responds well to rewards and patience.
Tips for effective training
- Practise the recall. It is free-spirited.
- Work with its nose. Scent games make it happy.
- Use rewards. Praise and food motivate it.
- Tire it out properly. It has very great stamina.
Activity needs and lifestyle
It is an endurance hunter, made for Arctic terrain. It needs plenty of exercise and space every day.
| Activity | How often | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Long walks in the countryside | daily | Very great stamina |
| 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 a hunter best.
Care and health
Coat and skin care
The straight, dense coat is easy to care for, with a brush once a week.
Common health problems
There are no published health studies for the breed and no specific diseases are known. 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 plenty of energy, especially in winter and during the hunting season.
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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 kg | 1,060 kcal | 1,190 kcal | 260–340 g |
| 22 kg | 1,140 kcal | 1,280 kcal | 280–370 g |
| 25 kg | 1,250 kcal | 1,410 kcal | 310–400 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
- Named after its breeder. It bears the name of the Norwegian breeder Hygen.
- Tireless. It can cross Arctic terrain for a long time without tiring.
- Three Norwegian hounds. It is related to the Halden Hound and the Dunker.
- Many colours. It can be red, black and tan or white with patches.
- Free-spirited. That is how Wikipedia describes it.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the Hygen Hound come from?
From Norway, where it was created in the 19th century.
How big does it get?
Males measure 50–58 cm and females 47–55 cm; they weigh about 20–25 kg.
Is it a family dog?
It is first and foremost a hunting dog that needs plenty of exercise.
What colours does it come in?
Red, black and tan or white with patches, often with white.
