Halden Hound

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Halden Hound (also known as Haldenstover) is a medium size hunting dog originating in Norway. It is named after a town, Halden, where the dog was developed in 1900's by crossing an indigenous dog of Norway with English, German and Swedish scent hounds. This dog is noted for its very fast speed and exceptional skills to hunt its quarry, the hares. It is an untiring and relentless hunter that chases its quarry for miles without getting tired. The dog resembles American Foxhound in the first look but it is smaller and lighter than the American Foxhound.

The Halden Hound stands between 17-21 inches and weighs between 40-55 lbs. It has a medium size head with a slightly doomed skull. Moderately long muzzle comes with straight nose bridge. Black nose has wide open nostrils. Moderate size dark brown eyes hold calm expression. Moderately set ears reach the middle of the muzzle when drawn forward. Long neck is strong and well muscled without any dewlaps. Rectangular body gives the impression of agility and strength without appearing too heavy. It has straight topline, strong back, broad and muscular loin and deep chest with well sprung ribs. This breed has straight lean well boned forelegs and hind legs. The muscular thighs as well as the strong boned limbs give the dog agility and good speed. The thick, long and set on high tail reaches the hock and is carried low. The dog has short, harsh, dense and straight coat that comes in white with black patches. Tan shadings on head and legs and sometimes between white and black is seen.

This breed is NOT recognized by AKC however it is recognized by FCI and UKC.

Color

This dog comes in predominant white with black patches. Tan markings can be present on head, legs and sometimes between white and black patches. Black should not be predominant.

Coat

The dog has short, very dense, straight and harsh to touch coat with a dense undercoat.

Personality

Aside from being an exceptional and very skillful hunter, the Halden Hound has other endearing qualities that make it an excellent family dog. Bred to hunt alone rather than in a pack, this breed develops an strong bonding with its human master. It is a very loving and affectionate dog that makes a wonderful playmate of children due to its playful and gentle nature. The dog gets along well with other dogs and pets in the family specially so if it is raised with them. The dog is best suited to families with a yard where it can play and run freely. It has high exercise demands and if under exercised, it can become unhappy and consequently destructive. Its dense coat provides sufficient protection from cold weather for extended time and it can bear harsh cold temperatures. This dog has an independent nature and may not be easy to train. Also, it can be dominant towards other dogs without proper training and socialization which should be initiated when the dog is still a puppy. A well trained and socialized Halden Hound makes an excellent family companion.

Care

Short-coated Halden Hound is an easy to groom dog. Weekly brushing is enough to keep the coat free of dead hair. As a minimal shedder, the dog does not require daily grooming. Being a hunting dog with floppy ears, the dog should be regularly checked for ear infections.

Training

Training can be a challenge with this independent and sometimes willful breed. The dog may not be an easy to train pet and would require firmness and consistency on its owners part. The trainer should be consistent and patient while training this dog.

Activity

As an energetic working dog, the Halden Hound has high needs for exercise. This dog is best suited to very active families or families with large open spaces where the dog can run and play. Daily walks are a must but will not satisfy this dog's high exercising requirements unless accompanied by sufficient playing time in a secure open area.