Hygen Hound

Photographer: Vibeke Brath

He moved to the region of Romerike in 1839, and included that area’s dogs in his breeding programme. Hygen’s sons continued his work, especially A. B. Hygen, who in 1902 was one of the founding members of the “Special Club for Norwegian Scent Hounds”. He played a central role in the preparation of the breed standard that was published the same year.

The year 1902 was also when the Norwegian Hound and the Hygen Hound were defined as two separate breeds. The years before and after the First World War were difficult times for Norwegian Hound and Hygen Hound breeding. In the period 1925-34, the two breeds were merged by the Norwegian Kennel Club, even though the Scent Hound Club strongly disagreed. Eventually, as increasing numbers of Hygen Hound were being bred prior to the Second World War, the two breeds were separated again. Hygen Hound breeding was doing well, and by the end of the war the breed was in good shape. The dogs had good hunting abilities, although some breeding lines were troubled with aggres¬sive dogs.

In the 1970s there was some infusion of Norwegian Hound blood. Also, an effort was made to locate additional breeding males. Between 1993 and 1996, there were four new infusions of Norwegian Hound. In 2000 and 2002, permission was given for two litters with Finnish Hound, and in 2006 for a litter with Hamilon Hound. These measures have helped to enlarge the breeding basis of the Hygen Hound. In recent years, the number of Hygen Hound puppies registered by the Norwegian Kennel Club varied between 27 and 44 per year. This figure is seen as extremely low, and should be increased to secure a viable future for the breed without risking problems due to inbreeding.

Appearance and size

The Hygen Hound has a lot in common with the Norwegian Hound, both with regard to breed origin and characteristics, however, some important exterior traits are different. The Hygen Hound is somewhat shorter than the Norwegian Hound, and is a medium-sized, strongly-built, but not heavy dog. Head and muzzle are somewhat shorter and broader than the Norwegian Hound’s, and the head should be moderately wedge-shaped.

The Hygen Hound should not have glass eyes. Ears are hanging and medium-length. The tail extends to the hock joint and is carried slightly curved. Its coat is dense and smooth. All colour combinations are acceptable, but a reddish base colour with white markings is most common.

Utilization

The Hygen Hound is a good scent hound with a friendly nature. The breed is eager to learn, starts to hunt at an early age and has a strong hunting desire. It is suitable as a family dog, as it usually is calm around people and easy to train.

Breed registration statistics

Below you can find the registration statistics for the Hygen Hound in the Nordic countries from 1990 onwards.