The Halden Hound is a Norwegian dog breed. It is used to hunt hare or other small to medium prey. It resembles the American Foxhound, but this is a little bit smaller. This type of dog is one of the three Norwegian hare hounds. The breed is known since the 20th century and became very rare, especially outside its native region.
The imposing stature of the Halden Hound may signal a large and fierce dog, but it is actually a medium-sized hound. Its entire constitution shows seriousness and stability. Its body is not massive and extremely muscular, but it is precise and vigorous. This stately hound has a large head and a heavy skull. The muzzle is elongated and powerful. The eyes are quite small with a bright look. The colour of them is dark brown. The nose bridge is straight, the cheeks are flat and the nose is black. The ears are floppy and curled. The neck is thick and muscular and the chest is deep. The back is straight and offers a rectangular shape of the body. The legs are long enough to cover long distances and to save its energy. The tail is thick and carried low. The coat is very dense and smooth. Obviously, it has a double coat to help it resist to low temperature. The colour of the coat may vary, but, usually, the dog is white with black and brown patches. Generally, the head of the hound is darker than the rest of the body.
There are not many differences between genders. The males are a little bit bigger than the females. They stand 17 to 21.5 inches tall and weigh 40-55 pounds.
This dog is a devoted hunter and tactical tracker. It can work for hours and resist to weather changes. It hunts alone and it likes to be guided by a calculated hunter. However, this hound is not as cold as its Norwegian roots, it can be a great family friend. This is a loving and affectionate companion which likes to feel a real member of the family. It is hardy, energetic and bright and it can be an excellent help at home. It is very obedient and easy to train. Make sure you socialize it from an early stage and offer it a proper training. It needs a lot a space and a lot of vigorous exercise. This hound is very dynamic, with a well-defined purpose, and it needs constant jobs to work on. Its consistent temperament makes it perfect for families with older children. It requires large spaces to run and hunt, preferably a farm.
Due to its job and living conditions, this breed is very resistant and does not have any health issues. It is easy to groom, it needs only regular brushing and occasional washing. Its coat it is easy to maintain clean, especially if you live in a snowy region. Make sure the ears are always dry and clean. This resistant dog can live up to 12 years.
All in all, the Halden Hound is a delightful dog that is waiting to be discovered by a dynamic person.
