Are you considering adding a Hygen Hound to your family? If so, you may be interested to know that this breed is known for their loyalty, intelligence, and affectionate nature. Originally bred in Norway for hunting purposes, Hygen Hounds have a strong sense of smell and a natural instinct to track. They are also known for being good with children and other pets, making them a great addition to any family. However, it’s important to note that this breed does require regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
Breed Category: Scenthound
Country of Origin: Norway
Average Size:53-60 cm
Average Weight:20-30 kg
Average Life Span: 10-12 years
Grooming Requirements: Low
Exercise Requirements:High
History and Origin
The Hygen Hound is a breed of dog that originated in Norway. It is a scent hound that was developed for hunting purposes. The breed is known for its excellent sense of smell and its ability to track game over long distances. The Hygen Hound is a relatively rare breed, and it is not commonly found outside of Norway.
The breed was developed in the early 19th century by a Norwegian hunter named Hans Fredrik Hygen. Hygen was an avid hunter who was known for his skill in tracking game. He wanted to develop a breed of dog that would be able to keep up with him on long hunts and that would be able to track game over long distances. He began breeding various types of hounds, including the Norwegian Elkhound and the Greyhound, in order to create a new breed that would meet his requirements.
The Hygen Hound was first recognized as a breed in Norway in 1902. It quickly became popular among hunters in the country, and it was used extensively for hunting moose, deer, and other game. The breed was also used for tracking and search and rescue operations.
The Hygen Hound is a medium-sized dog that is known for its athletic build and its powerful legs. It has a short, dense coat that is usually black and tan in color. The breed is known for its excellent sense of smell, which is one of the best among all dog breeds. The Hygen Hound is also known for its intelligence and its ability to work independently.
Today, the Hygen Hound is still primarily used for hunting in Norway. It is not commonly found outside of the country, although there are a small number of breeders in other parts of Europe and North America. The breed is recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and the United Kennel Club (UKC).
In conclusion, the Hygen Hound is a breed of dog that was developed in Norway in the early 19th century. It was created by a hunter named Hans Fredrik Hygen, who wanted to develop a breed of dog that would be able to keep up with him on long hunts and that would be able to track game over long distances. The breed is known for its excellent sense of smell, its intelligence, and its ability to work independently. Today, the
Size and Breed Category
The Hygen Hound is a breed of dog that originated in Norway. They are a medium-sized breed, with males typically weighing between 25-30 kg and females weighing between 20-25 kg. They stand at an average height of 55-60 cm at the shoulder. The breed is known for its athletic build, with a lean and muscular body that is well-suited for hunting and tracking. They have a short, dense coat that comes in a variety of colors, including black, tan, and white. The Hygen Hound is a member of the hound group, which is known for their excellent sense of smell and ability to track scents over long distances. They are a highly energetic breed that requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
The Hygen Hound is a scent hound, which means they were originally bred for hunting and tracking game. They are known for their excellent sense of smell, which allows them to track scents over long distances. The breed is named after its creator, Hans Fredrik Hygen, who developed the breed in the early 19th century. The Hygen Hound is a member of the Norwegian hound group, which also includes the Dunker Hound and the Norwegian Elkhound. They are a highly intelligent breed that is known for their loyalty and affectionate nature. The Hygen Hound is a popular breed in Norway, where they are used for hunting and as family pets. They are also gaining popularity in other parts of the world, thanks to their friendly and outgoing personality.
Fur Length and Colour
The Hygen Hound is a breed of dog that is known for its unique fur length and colour. Their fur is typically short and dense, with a glossy texture that gives it a sleek appearance. The fur is also known to be weather-resistant, which makes it ideal for hunting in harsh conditions. The colour of the fur can vary, but it is usually a combination of black, white, and tan. The black fur is usually found on the back and sides of the dog, while the white fur is found on the chest and legs. The tan fur is usually found on the face and ears. Overall, the fur of the Hygen Hound is a defining characteristic of the breed.
The fur of the Hygen Hound is also known for its durability and low maintenance. The short length of the fur means that it does not require frequent grooming, and it is easy to keep clean. The fur is also known to shed minimally, which makes it a good choice for people with allergies. The colour of the fur is also important for hunting, as it allows the dog to blend in with its surroundings. The black fur helps the dog to blend in with shadows, while the white fur helps it to blend in with snow. The tan fur helps the dog to blend in with the ground. Overall, the fur of the Hygen Hound is an important aspect of the breed’s hunting abilities.
Termperament and Trainability
Hygen Hounds are known for their friendly and outgoing temperament. They are sociable dogs that enjoy being around people and other animals. They are not aggressive and are generally good with children. However, they can be quite vocal and may bark excessively if not trained properly. Hygen Hounds are also known for their high energy levels and require plenty of exercise to keep them happy and healthy. They are not suitable for apartment living and need a large outdoor space to run around in.
In terms of trainability, Hygen Hounds can be quite stubborn and independent. They have a strong hunting instinct and may be easily distracted by scents and sounds. This can make training a challenge, but with patience and consistency, they can be trained to follow basic commands. Positive reinforcement methods work best with this breed, as they respond well to praise and rewards. Hygen Hounds are also known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities, which can make training more interesting and engaging for both the dog and the owner.
Known Health Conditions
Hygen Hounds are known to be prone to certain health conditions. One of the most common issues that affect this breed is hip dysplasia. This condition occurs when the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to pain and discomfort. Hygen Hounds with hip dysplasia may experience difficulty walking, running, or jumping. In severe cases, surgery may be required to correct the problem. Additionally, Hygen Hounds are also at risk of developing ear infections. This is due to their long, floppy ears that can trap moisture and bacteria. Owners should regularly clean their dog’s ears and keep them dry to prevent infections from occurring.
Another health condition that Hygen Hounds may experience is bloat. This is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself. Symptoms of bloat include restlessness, vomiting, and a distended abdomen. If left untreated, bloat can cause the stomach tissue to die, leading to shock and death. Hygen Hounds are also prone to developing skin allergies, which can cause itching, redness, and hair loss. Owners should monitor their dog’s skin and seek veterinary care if any signs of allergies are present.
Openness to Strangers
Hygen Hounds have a reputation for being friendly and welcoming to strangers. They are known to approach new people with a wagging tail and a curious sniff. This breed is not typically shy or reserved around unfamiliar faces, and they often enjoy meeting new people. Hygen Hounds are social animals and thrive on human interaction, so they are always eager to make new friends. They are also known for their gentle nature, which makes them a popular choice for families with children. Overall, the Hygen Hound is a sociable and welcoming breed that is always happy to meet new people.
Despite their friendly nature, Hygen Hounds can be cautious around strangers at first. They may take a few moments to assess a new person before approaching them, but once they feel comfortable, they are quick to make friends. This breed is known for their intelligence and ability to read human emotions, which allows them to adapt to new situations and people quickly. Hygen Hounds are also highly trainable, which makes them a popular choice for therapy and service work. Overall, the Hygen Hound is a breed that is open to strangers, but they may take a little time to warm up to new people before showing their friendly and welcoming nature.
Playfulness Level
The Hygen Hound is a highly energetic and playful dog that loves to run and play. They have a natural curiosity and are always eager to explore their surroundings. Their playful nature makes them great companions for families with children, as they love to play games and engage in activities with their human counterparts. The Hygen Hound is also known for their love of toys, and they will often spend hours playing with their favourite toys.
In addition to their love of play, the Hygen Hound is also a highly social dog that enjoys the company of other dogs. They are known for their friendly and outgoing nature, and they are always eager to make new friends. This makes them a great choice for families with other pets, as they will quickly adapt to living with other animals. The Hygen Hound is also a highly intelligent dog that responds well to training, and they are always eager to learn new things. With their playful and social nature, the Hygen Hound is a great choice for families looking for a fun-loving and loyal companion.
Suitability as a Pet for Children
Hygen Hounds have a friendly and gentle nature, making them a great choice as a pet for children. They are highly intelligent and easy to train, which means they can be taught to behave well around kids. Additionally, they are known for being loyal and affectionate towards their owners, which makes them great companions for children who need a friend. Hygen Hounds are also energetic and love to play, which means they can keep up with active children who enjoy running around and playing games. Overall, Hygen Hounds are a great choice as a pet for families with children who are looking for a loyal and friendly companion.
Exercise Needs
Hygen Hounds are highly active dogs that require a significant amount of exercise to maintain their physical and mental health. These dogs have a lot of energy and need to be taken on long walks or runs every day. A minimum of 60 minutes of exercise is recommended for Hygen Hounds, but they will benefit from even more activity if possible. They also enjoy playing games such as fetch or agility training, which can help to keep them mentally stimulated and engaged. It is important to note that Hygen Hounds are not well-suited to apartment living or a sedentary lifestyle, as they need plenty of space to run and play.
In addition to regular exercise, Hygen Hounds also require a balanced diet to support their active lifestyle. These dogs have a high metabolism and need a diet that is rich in protein and nutrients to maintain their muscle mass and energy levels. Owners should also ensure that their Hygen Hounds have access to plenty of fresh water throughout the day, especially during and after exercise. It is important to monitor their weight and adjust their diet and exercise routine accordingly to prevent obesity and other health issues. Overall, Hygen Hounds are a breed that requires a lot of attention and care to keep them healthy and happy.
Suitability for a Multi-Pet Family
Hygen Hounds have a reputation for being friendly towards other pets in the household. They are known to be sociable and enjoy the company of other animals. However, as with any breed, it is important to introduce them to other pets slowly and carefully to ensure a positive relationship. Hygen Hounds have a natural hunting instinct, so it is important to supervise them around smaller animals such as cats or rabbits. Overall, with proper socialization and supervision, Hygen Hounds can coexist peacefully with other pets in the household.
Housing Requirements
Hygen Hounds require a spacious living area that is well-ventilated and has plenty of natural light. The ideal housing for this breed should have a minimum floor space of 10 square meters and a height of at least 2 meters. The flooring should be non-slip and easy to clean, with a comfortable bed or mat provided for the dog to rest on. Hygen Hounds are active dogs and require regular exercise, so access to a secure outdoor area is essential. The outdoor area should be fenced and have enough space for the dog to run and play. It should also have a sheltered area where the dog can rest and be protected from the elements.
Hygen Hounds are social animals and thrive on human interaction, so their housing should be located in an area where they can be easily accessed by their owners. The housing should also be located away from noisy areas and other animals that may cause stress to the dog. Hygen Hounds are known for their strong sense of smell, so it is important to keep their housing clean and free from any strong odors that may cause discomfort to the dog. Regular cleaning and maintenance of the housing is essential to ensure the health and well-being of the dog.
Summary
The Hygen Hound is a popular choice for pet owners due to their friendly and loyal nature. They are known for their intelligence and adaptability, making them easy to train and integrate into a family home. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation, but are generally low maintenance in terms of grooming and health needs. Overall, the Hygen Hound is a great choice for those looking for a loving and loyal companion.
Hygen Hound Dog FAQS
Hygen Hounds can be stubborn and independent, but with consistent training and positive reinforcement, they can be trained well.
Yes, Hygen Hounds are known to be good with children and make great family pets.
Hygen Hounds are generally healthy, but can be prone to hip dysplasia and ear infections.
Hygen Hounds are not recommended for apartment living as they require a lot of space and exercise.
Yes, Hygen Hounds are an active breed and require at least 1-2 hours of exercise per day.
Yes, Hygen Hounds have a thick double coat and shed moderately throughout the year.
Hygen Hounds should be brushed at least once a week and bathed every 2-3 months.
A Hygen Hound can grow up to 70-80 cm in height.
The average weight of a Hygen Hound is between 25-35 kg.
The average lifespan of a Hygen Hound is 10-12 years.
Helena is aSenior Associate Veterinarian at Kleintierpraxis Wandsbek and an avid dog breed author.