Hygen Hound

Also called Hygenhund

Recognised breedFCI group 6Short profile

From Norway, created in the 19th century by a breeder named Hygen.1 2

At a glance the quick version

Weight20 to 25 kg2

Height, male50 to 58 cm1 3

Height, female47 to 55 cm1 3

Sizemedium

Wikipedia figure; the FCI standard sets no weight.

great endurance

calm and earnest

energetic hunter

1 2

Coat and looks how to spot one

straight, dense coat

A compact, solidly built hound with a straight, thick, glossy coat that feels slightly rough and is a little fuller on the thighs and under the tail.1 3

Coloursred-brownyellow-redred with black shadingblack and tanwhite with red or black-and-tan patches and ticking1 3

Personality what they are like

Calm and serious in expression but lively and free-spirited in the field, this hound is a keen and persistent hunter.1 2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

An endurance hunter able to keep going for long periods, even over Arctic terrain, so it needs lots of daily exercise and scent work.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The dense, straight coat needs only regular brushing.1

Home where they are happiest

Suits an active, rural home, ideally with hunters or people who enjoy long outdoor days.2

The story where it all began

The breed takes its name from the Norwegian breeder Hygen, who developed it in the 19th century by combining several hound breeds. It was created as a hardy scenthound for hunting in Norway's demanding conditions.2

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
The breed is named after its creator, a Norwegian called Hygen.2
2
It is known for being able to cross Arctic terrain for long stretches without tiring.2
3
Under the FCI standard, a working trial is required before a Hygen Hound can become a champion.1

Recognised by the official bits

FCI: Standard no. 266, Group 6 (Scent hounds and related breeds), Section 1.2 Medium-sized hounds, working trial required; standard dated 09.08.1999, country of origin Norway.1
UKC: Scenthound Group; recognised in 2006.3

The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you

A typical home-care rhythm for a Hygen Hound. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year

Start a free diary

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Where this comes from

Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.

FCI Standard N° 266 Hygenhund fci.beused for origin, recognition, height, coat, colours, temperament
Hygen Hound - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for history, weight, activity, fun facts
Hygen Hound - UKC ukcdogs.comused for UKC recognition, coat, colour

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.