Hygen Hound
🧠 Temperament & character
The Hygen Hound is tough, energetic and friendly, with great stamina and a persistent will to follow the trail. On the hunt he pursues hare and fox tirelessly, even in difficult terrain. Indoors he is balanced and affectionate and builds a close bond with his family. His hunting drive, however, remains pronounced and needs regular occupation.
📜 Origin & history
The Hygen Hound was developed in the 19th century by the Norwegian breeder Hans Fredrik Hygen, after whom the breed is named. The aim was a robust, hardy scent hound that works reliably in the rough Norwegian terrain. The breed has always remained rare and to this day is kept almost exclusively in Norway as a hunting dog.
✂️ Grooming, care & training
The Hygen Hound's short, dense coat is weatherproof and easy to care for; occasional brushing is usually enough. As a hardy hunting dog he needs plenty of exercise and extensive nose work, preferably in rough terrain. Thanks to his affection he is easy to motivate, but should be led consistently. The ears deserve regular checking.
🩺 Health
The Hygen Hound is considered a robust, healthy hunting breed with a life expectancy of around eleven to thirteen years. Breed-specific hereditary diseases are hardly known, which makes him a comparatively unproblematic dog. Because of the small population, responsible, broadly based breeding is important in order to preserve genetic diversity. As with all scent hounds, ear checks are advisable.
🏡 Who is this breed right for?
The Hygen Hound suits active people and hunters who offer him plenty of exercise and nose work and can handle his hunting drive. Thanks to his friendly, affectionate manner he is pleasant indoors, but absolutely needs sufficient occupation. He feels most comfortable in an active household with access to nature. Outside Norway, including in Switzerland, he is practically not encountered.