Hygen Hound

The Hygen Hound is a Norwegian hare hound named for the man who made it, and one of the rarest breeds in Scandinavia.

History

Hans Fredrik Hygen bred it in the nineteenth century from German and Scandinavian hound stock, aiming at a compact, hardy dog that could work all day in Norwegian cold without breaking down. It has stayed small in numbers — annual registrations often in single figures — and Norwegian clubs count it among the country's endangered native breeds.

Temperament

The breed is known for being friendly, energetic and enduring, 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 dense coat is easy and the drop ears want checking.

Health

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