Hygen Hound
Other names: Hygenhund, Hygen Dog

The fact is that you’ve probably never heard of the Hygenhund. Even so, you will probably recognise his stance and his look, as he is an active, muscular and lithe dog, certainly very hound-like. Even though this breed of Hygenhund was developed for hunting purposes, he is also an amazing family pet too. If you are searching for a breed that will be obedient, loyal and also a good watchdog, perhaps the Hygenhund is the dog for you.
Key facts about the Hygen Hound
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Origins and history
This Norwegian hound was developed during the 19th century. A Norwegian breeder, Mr. Hygen, was responsible for breeding the first dogs of this variety; a hunting dog with great determination and stamina to pursue prey through the harsh Arctic regions. His first scent hounds, the Holsteiner Hounds, were bred with Scandinavian Hounds, to produce the resulting Hygenhunds who were more compact and lighter. Even today, the breed is very rare outside of Norway.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 6 - Scent hounds and related breeds
Section
Section 1 : Scent hounds
Physical characteristics of the Hygen Hound
Adult size
Female : Between 19 and 22 in
Male : Between 20 and 23 in
Weight
Female : Between 44 and 55 lb
Male : Between 44 and 55 lb
Coat colour
Yellow and red, chestnut (possibly with or without black shading), black with chestnut (often with white markings).
Type of coat
Straight and rough-haired, yet shiny and dense too.
Eye colour
Brown.
Description
This medium-sized scent hound is solidly built, yet compact. His head is triangular-shaped with a broad skull. The Hygenhund’s tail is carried high, and it should not curl over his back. His wide ears hang down, framing his face. This dog has a calm and keen expression with dark brown eyes.
Good to know
Outside of his native Norway, the Hygenhund dog isn’t very well known. In recent years his popularity has declined rapidly. This hard-working scent hound, and great family companion dog, has been given a hard rap, probably because of his tendency to be possessive.
Temperament
Behaviour of the Hygen Hound
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Is the Hygen Hound right for you?
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Compatibility
Price
The initial purchase price for a Hygenhund puppy is between £600 to £800. In addition, monthly costs to maintain one of these dogs will be between £100 to £120 for food, vet bills, and pet insurance.
Grooming
With his thick, shiny coat, the Hygenhund is fairly easy to groom. His coat will look groomed with brushing several times a week.
Shedding
A seasonal shedder.
Nutrition of the Hygen Hound
As a medium-sized working breed, this dog requires a high quality dry feed especially manufactured for active working dogs.
Health of the Hygen Hound
Life expectancy
In the main, the Hygenhund is fairly healthy. Its life expectancy is between 11 and 13 years.
Strong / robust
Certainly a strong dog with tremendous stamina.
Withstand heat
This dog will have no issues in higher temperatures.
Withstand cold
Very good in cooler climates, especially when hunting over many difficult terrains, in all weathers such as in his native Norway.
Tendency to put on weight
It’s important to monitor this dog, to ensure he doesn’t gain too much weight. This is very important once his working life comes to an end and his lifestyle is more sedentary.
Common illnesses
- Canine hip dysplasia
- Sensitivity to anaesthesia
- Allergies
- Gastric dilation
- Bloat
- Von Willebrand’s disease