Hygen Hound

The Hygen Hound is famous not only for its hunting qualities. This dog is also an excellent companion, so it is suitable for living in a large family. The hound is friendly to all people with whom it has known for some time. The dog is great with children and usually supports any game with interest. It is important always to control the process, especially if the child is young. Animals tend to protect their space and are unlikely to tolerate overly violent play.

Breed Photos

Origin History

The Hygen Hound was bred by the Norwegian dog breeder Hygen in the 19th century. Inspired by the idea of creating a hardy breed, he crossed Holsteiner hounds with various types of Scandinavian and Norwegian hounds. The result was an excellent hunting dog that was named after its creator.

Hygenhund almost immediately became a sought-after breed among Norwegian hunters. The hound adapted to any terrain in the harshest weather conditions. It pursued the most diverse game. Unfortunately, the breed did not gain much popularity outside the country.

Appearance

The Hygen Hound is usually a muscular dog with a strong build. The chest is deep and long; the back is straight. The abdomen is slightly trim. The head is usually wide, the skull is convex, and the transition from forehead to muzzle is well defined. The ears are short, floppy, and wide.

The limbs are powerful and strong. The tail is thick at the base and narrows towards the end.

The coat is short, shiny. The color is very diverse. Usually, it is a basic reddish background with white and black inclusions.

Character

The Hygen Hound is famous not only for its hunting qualities. This dog is also an excellent companion, so it is suitable for living in a large family. The hound is friendly to all people with whom it has known for some time. The dog is great with children and usually supports any game with interest. It is important always to control the process, especially if the child is young. Animals tend to protect their space and are unlikely to tolerate overly violent play.

Socialization is insanely vital for the Hygen Hound. The dog can behave aggressively toward strangers. Therefore, this breed is often used as a guardian. Although the Hygenhund is small in size, it has an innate instinct to protect.

In communication with other dogs, the Hygen Hound exhibits different behavior. Some individuals may show leadership qualities. Some, on the contrary, do not show much interest. But any problems of this nature can be eliminated by daily training.

It is not recommended to leave the dog alone with other animals. The hound’s excitement and hunting habits can manifest themselves at any time.

When hunting, the Hygenhund always interacts with the owner and other dogs. Usually, the following of the prey is accompanied by loud barking.

If you can’t allow your dog to hunt, you need to find an alternative. Go out into the woods, play with various toys, and spend several hours a day outside. After an intense day, the Hygen Hound will spend the whole evening in a peaceful state. But the following day, the dog will need new activity again.

Care

The Hygen Hound is not an indoor dog; it needs a spacious area and an insulated aviary. It is best not to leave your dog alone for long periods, especially when tethered.

To keep the coat of a Hygenhund shiny, it should be brushed with a special brush. Always have a claw trimmer in your arsenal for monthly haircuts. The dog should be bathed once every few months. After a walk, it is enough to wipe the hound with a damp cloth.

Training

Training will always be a basic stage in a dog’s life. If the basic things are learned before one year of age, the owner will not have any special problems with the pet later in life. The most successful tactic will be with rewards. You should not yell at the dog or use force. Hygenhund should not be afraid of the owner.

The breed is brilliant and quickly learns what is required of it. Hygen Hound uses the experience gained and does not do the same thing several times. The hound is almost ideal as a companion; only the hunting instinct can take over the dog at the most inopportune moment.

Common Diseases

Norwegian dog breeders have instilled the Hygen Hound with excellent immunity and resistance to cold climates.

The breed does not suffer from specific diseases. After a walk, it is best to check the coat for pests. Ears need care because dirt can cause infection.

Here are the diseases to which the Hygen Hound is prone:

• iris heterochromia;
• conjunctivitis;
• congenital diaphragmatic hernia, hip dysplasia;
• osteochondrosis of the spine.

Nutrition

The Hygen Hound’s diet should contain protein of animal origin. A dog can expend a lot of energy during the day and needs to recover. Porridges and soups are great for a variety of regular meals, as is bread soaked in broth. Fruit and vegetables can be given to the dog. But sweets are strictly forbidden.