Hygen Hound Dog Breed: Complete Guide to Care and Ownership

The Hygen Hound is a beloved breed known for its friendly and outgoing personality.

This breed was developed in the 20th century as a hunting companion, with a strong instinct to follow scents and track game.

Hygen Hounds are medium-sized dogs, typically weighing between 45-60 pounds and standing 20-24 inches tall at the shoulder.

They have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming, making them a great choice for busy owners.

The Hygen Hound is an energetic and athletic breed, built to withstand harsh winter climates. They require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Their energetic nature makes them perfect for active families who enjoy outdoor activities. However, this also means they can be wary of strangers and may become aggressive if they feel threatened.

Hygen Hounds are loyal and affectionate towards their family, but they can be possessive and aloof with new people. This can make socialization a challenge, especially if you plan to have guests over often.

They have unparalleled athletic ability, making them excellent candidates for any physical training.

The Hygenhund is a medium-sized scent hound with a compact and solidly built body. They have wide ears that hang and frame their face, giving them a unique appearance.

Their head is triangular, with a broad skull and a nose that's wide with open nostrils and black in color. Dark brown eyes are preferred, as light color eyes or haws are considered a fault.

The Hygenhund's tail is carried high and in line with their spine, and their coat is straight, rough to the touch, and shiny. They come in several colors, including brown, red, and yellow with black shadings, white markings, or tan markings.

Their height ranges from 51cm to 53cm, with males being slightly taller than females. Most breed members weigh between 20kg and 25kg.

The accepted coat color combinations for the Hygen Hound include:

Their chest is medium broad, long, deep, and spacious, with well-developed back ribs that give the ribcage a long appearance. The back is straight and strong, and the loin is broad and muscular.

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The Hygenhund is a Norwegian breed that's built to withstand the harsh winter climates. Developed during the beginning of the 19th century, this scent hound was bred to hunt small game in Norway's arctic terrain.

The breed's ancestry includes various hounds from Norway, Germany, and England, which were cross-bred with other hunting dogs to create a dog with excellent stamina for the hunt. This mix of breeds has resulted in a dog that's well-suited for traversing harsh, arctic terrain for long distances.

The Hygenhund's athletic ability is unparalleled, making it an excellent candidate for any physical training. Its hardworking nature and ability to thrive in harsh winter climates make it a great companion for active families.

The breed's popularity began to dwindle in the 20th century, but breeders in Norway are working to rebuild the breed's reputation by adhering to strict breeding practices. This is allowing them to work on the inherent temperament of the breed to produce puppies that are less possessive.

For another approach, see: How to Train a German Shorthaired Pointer to Hunt

The Hygenhund is a relatively healthy breed, but like any dog, it's not immune to certain health issues. One of the most common health concerns is Canine Hip Dysplasia.

To monitor your Hygenhund's health, it's essential to have regular check-ups with your veterinarian. This includes yearly physical examinations, which can help catch any potential issues early on.

The Hygenhund is also prone to Anesthesia Sensitivity/Allergy, so it's crucial to work closely with your veterinarian if your dog needs surgery or anesthesia. Regular blood analysis can also help identify any underlying health issues.

Here are some key health checks to keep an eye on:

In terms of grooming, the Hygenhund requires regular brushing to prevent matting and shedding. A soft slicker brush or hound mitt is ideal for this purpose, and you should aim to brush your Hygenhund at least once a week.

When considering the physical characteristics of the Hygenhund, it's essential to understand its height and weight.

The Hygenhund is often compared to other breeds in terms of its size. For instance, the Plott Hound is a medium-sized dog that typically stands between 19 and 24 inches tall at the shoulder.

The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is another breed that shares some similarities with the Hygenhund. This breed stands between 15 and 19 inches tall.

The Slovensky Kopov is a medium-sized dog that is often compared to the Plott Hound in terms of size. It typically stands between 17 and 20 inches tall.

Here are the height ranges for these breeds:

The Hygenhund is a relatively healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. One common issue is Canine Hip Dysplasia, which can cause arthritis and mobility problems.

Regular veterinary care is crucial to monitor your Hygenhund's health. This includes annual physical examinations, OFA testing, and blood analysis to identify any potential issues early on.

As your Hygenhund ages, they may be more susceptible to health problems. For example, they may be at risk for Von Willebrand's disease, a blood disorder that can cause bleeding and bruising.

Annual vaccinations and check-ups are essential to keep your Hygenhund healthy. Your vet may also recommend a dental regiment to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Some health issues that can affect Hygenhunds include Anesthesia Sensitivity/Allergy, Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat, and Arthritis. It's essential to be aware of these potential issues and work with your vet to prevent them.

Here are some common health issues that can affect Hygenhunds:

Regular grooming is also essential to keep your Hygenhund healthy. They require frequent brushing to prevent matting and tangling, especially during shedding season.

The Hygenhund needs plenty of opportunity to run and expend energy, or he'll drive you crazy with excess energy. He's built for long-distance running and can go for hours without tiring.

If you leave your Hygenhund alone for too long, he'll make his own fun and could become destructive or overly vocal. This is why it's essential to spend quality time with him.

Taking your Hygenhund on long walks is a great way to keep him happy and exercised. You can also try dog sports or playing games in the backyard to keep him engaged.

As a scent hound, your Hygenhund requires a fenced yard when left alone outside, or a sturdy leash when on a walk, to prevent him from picking up scents that might lead him astray.

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Grooming is essential for the Hygen Hound, and it's not just about making them look good. They have a thick, shiny coat that requires brushing once or twice a week to prevent a build-up of dead fur.

Their skin and coat can dry out if over-bathed, so it's best to only bathe them if necessary, like after a muddy hunt. This is especially important because their skin and coat can dry out quickly.

Neglecting their ears can lead to ear infections, so owners must check them frequently for any signs of infection. Weekly cleaning is also necessary to remove wax and keep the canals clear and dry.

During the spring and fall months, they shed heavily, so daily brushing is a must to keep their coat under control. A slicker or bristle brush is perfect for this task.

To make grooming easier, it's a good idea to use a deshedding tool once a week during heavy shedding periods. This will help remove dead hairs from their undercoat and make brushing easier.

Regular bathing is also important, but not too often - every 4-6 weeks is a good rule of thumb. After each bath, be sure to air clean, clip their nails, and scrub their teeth to keep them clean and healthy.

The Hygen Hound is a lively and energetic breed that thrives on having a job to do each day. They can become possessive of their food, family, and toys, so early socialization and training are crucial.

They are intelligent and respond well to positive training methods, but harsh punishments can lead to nervous tendencies. Consistent training from an early age is essential to prevent defensive and hostile behavior.

Hygen Hounds are naturally athletic and love to stay busy, making them perfect for homes with lots of acreage or country dwellings. They require high-intensity games and plenty of space to explore.

Puppies can be a challenge to find, especially for rare breeds like the Hygenhund. Outside of Europe, this breed is almost impossible to track down.

Finding a reputable breeder is crucial, and in the US, there are few to no breeders that specialize in Hygenhunds. This makes it even more difficult to find a puppy.

With patience and luck, you can find a Hygenhund puppy, but be prepared to invest time in training and socialization. This breed requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to thrive.

If you do find a Hygenhund puppy, you'll have a loyal companion by your side, but be sure to set aside time for proper training and care.

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The Hygenhund is a lively, happy, and very energetic breed that thrives on having a job to perform each day. They can become possessive of their food, family, and toys if not properly trained.

These dogs are highly intelligent and will obediently follow commands if they respect the person giving them. They are known to be wary of strangers and may become aggressive if they feel threatened.

Hygenhunds are not suitable for inexperienced trainers or first-time owners due to their potential difficulties if not correctly trained. Early socialization is crucial to prevent them from becoming shy or aggressive towards strangers.

They have a strong hunting instinct and should not be kept in the company of small pets, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, as they may chase them. A consistent training routine from an early age is essential to prevent problems from arising.

Hygenhunds are naturally inclined to be good watchdogs and guard dogs due to their wariness of strangers, but this can also make it difficult for owners to have guests over. They require a lot of space to explore and high-intensity games to keep them stimulated.

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These dogs are bred for outdoor elements and may not be the best fit for homes without a lot of acreage or country dwellings. They are sharp and quick on their feet, making them a challenge in multi-pet or livestock situations.

With proper training and socialization, Hygenhunds can be loyal and affectionate companions, but it's essential to be aware of their potential quirks and needs.

Hygenhunds don't require a special diet, but they do need a high-quality dry dog food kibble to clean their teeth and get all the necessary nutrients.

The crunch from kibble pieces is essential for their dental health, so it's best to stick with a good kibble as their main source of nutrition.

Many dog owners use wet food as a topper to add flavor, but be aware that some wet foods can be high in calories and lacking in nutrients.

If you choose to go with a raw or homemade food diet, make sure to double-check the ingredients with your veterinarian to avoid malnutrition.

A good kibble will provide all the necessary nutrients for your Hygenhound, so you don't need to worry about adding supplements or extra foods.