Hygen Hound
A compact, hardy Norwegian hound built to hunt hare for long days in cold, snowy forest.
At a glance
- Size
- Medium
- Height at the withers
- Males 47–58 cm · Females 47–55 cm
- Weight
- Males 20–25 kg · Females 18–23 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–14 years
- Exercise
- 90–120 min a day
- Grooming
- Once a week
- Coat
- Double coat, short
- Colours
- Red, Yellow, Black and tan, White
- Bred for
- Hunting by scent
- Country of origin
- Norway
- FCI
- Group 6, no. 266 · Scent hounds
Breeders on Kuldo
No breeders on Kuldo have this breed yet.
Living with the breed
| Affectionate with family | 4/5 – High |
|---|---|
| Good with children | 4/5 – High |
| Good with other dogs | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Good with cats | 2/5 – Low |
| Open to strangers | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Energy | 4/5 – High |
| Playfulness | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Needs mental stimulation | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Easy to train | 2/5 – Low |
| Prey drive | 5/5 – Very high |
| Watchful and protective | 2/5 – Low |
| Barking | 4/5 – High |
| Shedding | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Grooming effort | 1/5 – Very low |
| Drooling | 1/5 – Very low |
| Good for first-time owners | 2/5 – Low |
| Suits apartment living | 1/5 – Very low |
| Adaptability | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with being alone | 2/5 – Low |
| Copes with heat | 2/5 – Low |
| Copes with cold | 5/5 – Very high |
Kuldo's own guidance from the breed's typical traits. Every dog is an individual, so talk to the breeder.
Is it the right breed for you?
Great if you …
- hunt hare or enjoy tracking
- live in a cold, rural area
- want a hardy, low-maintenance dog
Think twice if you …
- live in a hot climate
- have cats
- cannot give long daily walks
Care
Temperament
Friendly, lively and willing, with great stamina. Independent and persistent once hunting.
Exercise
Needs long daily outings and regular hunting or tracking; it tolerates cold weather very well.
Grooming
Short, dense coat; weekly brushing is enough.
Training
Willing but independent on a scent; keep training consistent and reward-based.
Health
Little published data exists; it is considered a healthy breed, and hip screening of breeding dogs is sensible. Ask the breeder for results.
Health tests breeders usually do
- Hips (HD)
Ask the breeder to show you the parents' results.
About the breed
The Hygen Hound was developed in Norway in the 1830s by Hans Fredrik Hygen, who crossed local hounds with dogs from Germany. The aim was a tough, compact hare hound that could work for hours in deep snow and harsh conditions.
It is a medium-sized, muscular dog, usually red-brown or yellow-red with white markings, sometimes with black. It remains rare even in Norway and is kept mainly by hunters. At home it is friendly and lively, but its endurance and nose need a regular outlet.
Did you know?
The breed is named after Hans Fredrik Hygen, who began developing it in the 1830s.