Halden Hound

The Halden Hound — Haldenstøver — is a Norwegian hare hound from the town of Halden, and one of Norway's rarest breeds.

History

It was developed around Halden in the nineteenth century from local hounds crossed with English, German and Swedish stock, to work hare in deep Norwegian snow. It was recognised in 1952. Numbers have been low for decades, with annual registrations often in single figures, which puts it among the most endangered hound breeds in Europe.

Temperament

The breed is known for being friendly, calm at home and enduring in the field, sociable with people and dogs and thoroughly persistent on a line.

Care and training

It needs a great deal of exercise and secure ground. The short coat is easy and the drop ears want checking.

Health

Generally robust, with a very small population as the standing genetic caution and ear infections the usual complaint. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.