Wagglebase
Sign inRequest early access

Hound · Norway

Hygen Hound

A walker's guide to the Hygen Hound: how much exercise they need, what to expect on and off the lead, and what to ask the owner before the first walk.

Medium, 20 to 25 kgHigh energyScandinavian houndScent drivenCold hardyVery rare in UK
Exercise a day90 min plus
Energy4 of 5
Walk styleRanging, nose to ground
With other dogsFriendly, not playful

Overview

The Hygen Hound takes its name from the Norwegian breeder who developed it in the nineteenth century for solo hunting in deep snow and cold. It is a medium-sized, solidly built hound, usually red or yellow with white markings, with a short dense coat and the stamina to work all day. It is rarely seen outside Scandinavia and almost unknown in Britain.

Scandinavian hounds were bred to hunt alone and bay to tell the hunter where the game is. That makes them more independent than pack hounds and gives them a loud, carrying voice.

Exercise and walking needs

An hour and a half a day of proper movement, and ideally the chance to follow scent at its own pace. Forest and woodland walks suit it better than open parks, and it enjoys cold, wet weather that puts other dogs off.

Keep the dog fit without overdoing it when young; hounds built for endurance still grow for the better part of two years.

Daily minimum90 minutes
Ideal2 walks a day
Off-lead timeSecure fields only

On the walk

  • Scent: The whole walk is about smell. Expect the dog to range to the end of the line, pause, and then pull with purpose when it finds something.
  • Recall: Not a strong point once a trail is found. Secure fields only for free running until you have seen the dog's response for yourself.
  • Other dogs: Usually friendly and tolerant, used to working around other hounds. Less inclined to play than to get on with sniffing.
  • Voice: Will bay on a hot scent and sometimes when frustrated on the lead. Pick routes where the noise matters least.

Tips for professional walkers

  1. A long line and a comfortable harness turn this into a pleasant walk rather than a tug of war.
  2. Give the dog an alternative scent task if wildlife is a problem: hide treats along the path and let it search.
  3. Check pads and between toes after walks on rough ground, and look for ticks in longer grass.
  4. Cold is fine but heat is not; this is a snow country dog. Shorten summer walks.
Every dog is an individual. Treat this as a starting point and go with what the owner tells you about their dog. Anything to do with health belongs with the owner and their vet.

What to ask the owner

  • Has the dog been used for hunting, and does it have any commands linked to tracking you should know about?
  • What happens when it sees a deer or hare, and how do you manage it?
  • Does it get on with the other dogs it has met in the UK, or does it prefer to be left alone?
DunkerThe Norwegian HoundHalden HoundA Norwegian hare hound bred to work alone in deep snow and cold forestHamiltonstövareA handsome tricolour hound from SwedenNorwegian ElkhoundA compact grey spitz bred to track moose and hold them at bay by barking: strong