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Hunter dogs are incredible owing to their agility and keen sense of observation and instincts.
It’s always an exciting journey with a dog breed that previously assisted huntsmen in searching and catching prey.
Even when their primary purpose declines, there’s a deep sense of loyalty and agility that remains.
At least such is the case with the active and powerful Hygen Hound that has now transformed to be a companion dog for most people.
If you’re a dog enthusiast and have never heard of this fascinating name, don’t worry.
Hygen Hounds, known as Hygenhund and Norwegian Hounds, are a relatively rare breed. In fact, its uniqueness makes learning about it all the more fun.
So, whether you’re a dog-lover or hoping to adopt a strong-willed and brave Hygen Hound, look no further!
In this post, we’ll learn everything there is to know about it, ranging from the breed’s standard, history, taking care of one, and whether it will be suitable for you as a novice owner.
Hygen Hound Breed Standard
Every breed is distinct in terms of its characteristics. This makes them unique and creates a special place for them in the world of dog enthusiasts.
While no breed is bad per se, having an informed knowledge of these traits can help their owners take the best care of them.
It can even help future pet parents decide if the dog type would be suitable for them, as per their needs and lifestyles.
Here, we have compiled a list of everything you need to know about the playful and determined Hygen Hounds.
Their sleek, muscular build and sociable and friendly personality will charm just about anyone.
Now, let’s take a look at some of the things that make Hygen Hounds so unique and remarkable:
Height and Weight
More information is needed on the height and weight of Hygen Hounds.
This is because they’re not very well known outside of Norway, where they originate from.
Very few international kennel clubs acknowledge the breed owing to its rareness.
But the Norwegian Kennel Club has provided some information on the general standard of the rare breed.
According to them, the male Hygen Hounds stand at 56 to 62 cm, whereas the female at about 53 to 59 cm.
Their weight typically varies between 25 to 35 pounds, but it may vary depending on gender, age, and overall health.
It is important to remember that these are just general statistics based on the number of Hygen Hounds available.
Some may also be smaller or bigger than the information presented.
Coat
Nature is fascinating. Each breed you see has a special coat and fur specially designed as protection from the weather and temperature of the place the dog originates from.
Norway is composed of majestic mountains and dense forests.
So the Hygen Hound has a short, dense, and weather-resistant coat. It helps the prior hunting dog stay safe against the cold and wet weather.
The topcoat is straight and coarse, which serves as a shield against potential predators.
On the other hand, the undercoat is soft and thick, which provides comfort and warmth to this adorable species.
The breed typically has a three-colored scheme, with black as the base color and tan or reddish-brown markings on the Hygen Hound’s face, ears, and legs.
It gives them an exceptional look that bewitches anyone who looks at them.
But apart from the obvious remarkable appearance, it also helps them blend in with their surroundings, which is essential for survival as an already rare species.
Temperament
Learning about physical appearance is fun, but there’s always more than what meets the eye, right?
As far the temperament is concerned, the Hygen Hounds are known for their gentle and friendly character.
They’re quite affectionate and loyal, so these adorable breeds now serve as companion dogs.
This means they will be eager to please and responsive to your needs and demands. A life with them is an easy and rewarding journey.
They’re highly intelligent and trainable and adjust to new environments easily.
But they also have a stubborn and independent streak, which may create behavioral problems sometimes.
This is easily manageable through consistent training, reinforcement, and socialization.
Hygen Hound History
Have you ever wondered where the incredible Hygen Hounds originated from?
Who developed the idea of creating a breed that would serve as an effective hunting partner while looking for foxes and hares?
Well, look no further because we’re about to delve into the history of this agile and active dog breed right now!
This medium to large-sized breed with a muscular and athletic build was developed by the Norwegian breeder Hand Fredrik Hygen.
He wanted to create a higher-level hunting dog that could be used to track large game such as elk, deer, and wild boar.
For this purpose, he selectively interbred different types of hounds, including the Hunger Hound, the Harrier, and the English Foxhound.
It is worth noting that Hounds are generally known for their exceptional sense of smell and ability to hunt and track prey.
So the child of two different Hounds would only amplify that ability and create a breed that would have the strengths of both combined.
It would be revolutionary in the world of hunting, after all.
Carefully looking through traits such as hunting and tracking skills, strong endurance, and good temperament, he finally developed the strong and curious Hygen Hound.
It was highly successful, and the breed grew popular among hunters immediately.
They wanted to use this exceptional breed in their pursuits for various animals, and the Hygen Hound would serve as an effective resource in the matter.
Why Are They So Rare?
Hygen Hounds could even survive the difficult terrain and harsh weather conditions of Norway owing to their strong, muscular build, and short yet dense coat.
While they were quite effective at their work, their popularity declined shortly afterward, during the mid-20th century.
Part of the reason was that hunters had begun equipping themselves with modern machinery that reduced the demand for hunting dogs in general.
There were also other breeds that were more renowned for hunting purposes.
While the Hygen Hound wasn’t any less, it wasn’t much renowned outside of Norway.
The breed slowly became quite rare as breeders weren’t much inclined towards them anymore.
Still, to preserve the scarce amount of Hygen Hounds left, a small group of breeders established breeding programs in the 1970s, which assisted in increasing their numbers.
Now, the breed is still quite rare. While the exact estimated numbers are unknown, it exists primarily in Norway.
It is still quite in low numbers, making the breed quite rare among its other species.
How to Care for Hygen Hound Dog Breed
Caring for your dog is essential for its physical and psychological well-being.
Much like humans, the genetic makeup of certain breeds means a predisposition to certain factors.
For example, smaller dogs are more susceptible to weight gain than their larger counterparts.
While Hygen Hounds are not small per se, they have unique needs that need to be fulfilled.
Understanding these prerequisites can help owners ensure they are met with conscious precision.
Here, we have compiled a list of the fundamentals of caring for a Hygen Hound.
So, whether you’re an owner or a future pet parent, you can shower your adorable four-legged companion with all the love they need!
Exercise
Did you know that Hygen Hounds were initially bred as hunting dogs?
This means these are high-energy pets that require an ample amount of physical and mental stimulation for optimal health and performance.
We recommend 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity in the form of brisk walks, runs, hikes, or playtime in a securely fenced area.
This will help relieve their pent-up energy, which is essential for their overall health and wellness.
Not doing so may result in boredom, further opening a gateway into destructive activities, including excessive barking, licking, chewing, running away, etc.
So, ensure your furry friend is exercising regularly, so they can stay healthy and active!
Training
Hygen Hounds were originally bred as scent hounds in Norway for hunting animals such as hares and foxes.
The breed was renowned for its distinguished sense of smell and endurance.
While these athletic dogs are regarded more as companion dogs, their high trainability remains.
This can be essential in teaching your dog positive and sociable mannerisms. They’ll learn whatever you teach them with diligence and ease.
You can also teach them various fun and engaging tricks through commands such as ‘roll over,’ ‘shake,’ ‘play dead,’ and ‘speak.’
This will help strengthen the bond you two share, making the relationship lively and exciting.
Grooming
Hygen Hounds are generally considered low maintenance when it comes to grooming.
They have a short and dense coat that requires minimal brushing.
We recommend a weekly brushing routine with a soft-bristled brush that will stimulate their scalp and remove all loose hair.
This may assist in keeping their fur soft, shiny, and healthy.
Perhaps the only time you’d have to increase this frequency is during the shedding season in springtime and fall.
This is when most dogs begin their seasonal shedding to maintain body temperature and make space for the change in seasons ahead.
ALSO READ: 5 of My Favorite Dog Shedding Home Remedies
Diet and Nutrition
The diet and nutrition of any breed depend on its age, size, activity level, etc.
Hygen Hounds are medium-sized and highly energetic dogs, so their diet needs to be tailored to their specific needs for optimum health.
We recommend choosing high-quality commercial dog food specifically tailored for active dog breeds.
Such foods will generally contain chicken, beef, and fish components in their ingredients list.
You may also feed them fresh fruits and vegetables, including carrots, sweet potatoes, and carrots.
These contain vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants to keep your furry pet’s body healthy and thriving.
Socialization
Socialization is an essential component of a pet’s psychological well-being. It is crucial for its growth and development.
It ensures your little canine companion matures into a well-behaved and well-adjusted dog.
This is why you must start early when socializing with a Hygen Hound.
Introducing your adorable pup to different people of varying ages and ethnicities and multiple breeds of animals will increase their familiarity with them.
This means they will be used to them and won’t feel threatened or unsafe in different surroundings.
While Hygen Hounds are naturally sociable and friendly, not catering to their social needs may create disruptive behaviors, such as excessive barking, aggression, and social anxiety.
So, take care of your pet and ensure they receive ongoing and consistent exposure to different settings.
This will help them develop into a secure and loving pet, increasing the affection you two share as a team!
Are Hygen Hounds Good for Novice Owners?
Hygen Hounds are highly intelligent and active dogs that require a knowledgeable and discreet owner.
While they are trainable, active socialization plays a crucial role in how they develop.
A Hygen Hound’s stubbornness may exceed his trainability if it has not been appropriately socialized properly during puppyhood.
This may be a problem if the owner does not have sufficient information on dog language and behavior.
A Hygen Hound’s instincts as a hunting dog may also cause them to chase little kids, animals, or objects that catch its eye.
It may run after them, threatening public safety and security. This is why we do not recommend Hygen Hounds for novice owners.
They are wonderful companions for anyone experienced in the dog world and know how to take care of them, socialize them, and allow them to develop into loving and secure dogs.
Since that is generally not the case for novice owners, we suggest moving on to breeds that are easier to manage.
These may include Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Bichon Frise, Poodle, etc.
Once you have acquired experience with owning a dog and want to bring another loving addition to the family, you can get a loyal and brave Hygen Hound to satiate your dog for love.
It’ll be a challenging but rewarding journey in the end!
Hygen Hound: Final Word
Life with Hygen Hounds is a challenging but rewarding journey.
All it needs is patience and consistency with this loyal yet strong-willed breed.
While it may not be the best for novice owners owing to its temperament and independent nature, it has much excitement and love to offer to all experienced owners.
We recommend looking through the needs of this breed meticulously and only choosing it based on compatibility with your lifestyle.
This will help create a harmonious dynamic between you both, paving the way for a balanced relationship.
Go on walks, offer them ample amounts of physical and mental stimulation, and give them some tender loving care.
In no time, your Hygen Hound will be a dedicated and loyal furry friend!
