Scenthound Medium size 22-25 kg

Halden Hound

A friendly Norwegian hare-hunting hound with a keen nose - even-tempered at home, but it needs long daily runs and secure fencing.

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Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Medium
Size
22-25 kg, 50-60 cm
High
Activity
High stamina; needs a long daily run or hike
Low
Alone-time tolerance
Pack-minded; dislikes long hours alone
Challenging
Trainability
Independent nose; recall takes real work
Low
Coat care
Short coat; weekly brush and shed control
Good
Fit with kids
Good with kids given supervision
Good
Other pets
Pack-social; usually fine with other dogs
Moderate
Health burden
Dental Disease, Hip Dysplasia, Bloat

The Halden Hound typically weighs 22-25 kg, stands 50-60 cm, and lives 11-13 years.

Consider this breed if…

you hunt or hike and want a hardy scent-tracking companion,
you can give secure fencing and long daily runs,
you want an even-tempered, friendly family hound,
you can live with a strong nose and a baying voice.

Do not consider this breed if…

you want a reliable off-leash dog near wildlife,
the dog would be alone for long workdays,
you live in an apartment or noise-sensitive setting,
you keep small pets it may chase on scent.

A typical day with a Halden Hound

  1. 6:30 · Morning
    Long run or tracking walk before the day starts
  2. 9:00 · Midmorning
    Rest and a chew after exercise
  3. 12:30 · Noon
    Sniffing walk to work the nose
  4. 16:00 · Afternoon
    Scent games or a hike
  5. 19:00 · Evening
    Relaxed family time indoors
  6. 22:00 · Night
    Sleeps calmly once well exercised

Temperament and training

Stamina High
Prey drive High
Independence Moderate
Trainability Low
Vocality High
Affection with family High
Common owner mistakes
Trusting recall off leash once it catches a scent · Leaving a pack-minded hound alone too long · Skimping on the daily exercise a hunting hound needs

Family and environment

Kids Good
Even-tempered and friendly with children.
Dogs Good
Pack-social; usually fine with other dogs.
Cats Conditional
May chase; needs careful raising with cats.
Apartment Conditional
Possible only with lots of daily outdoor activity.
House with a yard Suitable
A securely fenced yard suits it well.
City Manages
With enough exercise; the voice can carry.
Countryside Ideal
Scent, space and hunting work.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Moderate

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Dental Disease Routine home care and cleanings reduce risk
Hip Dysplasia Screen breeding stock; manage weight and joint load
Bloat (GDV) Deep-chested build; learn the emergency signs
Chronic Ear Infections Drop or hairy ears need regular cleaning

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

Fellow Norwegian scenthound of similar size
Dunker
A Norwegian hare-hound with a keen nose and mellow temperament - a good active companion for owners who can meet its exercise needs.
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Another rare Norwegian hunting hound
Hygen Hound
A rare Norwegian scenthound built for endurance in cold terrain - friendly and sound, but with strong hunting drive and high exercise needs.
View profile →
Comparable Scandinavian scenthound
Hamilton Hound
An elegant, good-natured Swedish scenthound - affectionate and fairly trainable, but a strong nose and high stamina still demand real exercise.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

Is the Halden Hound rare?
Yes, very. The Halden Hound (Haldenstover) is one of Norway's rarest breeds, with small numbers even at home. Finding one abroad is difficult and usually means waitlists or imports. Health-testing records are limited by the small population, so meeting the parents matters.
How much does a Halden Hound cost?
Because it is so rare, price and availability vary widely and imports are often involved, which adds travel and paperwork costs. Puppies where available commonly run several hundred to about $1,200, and over an 11-13 year life food, vet care and preventives typically add $10,000-$15,000 or more.
Is the Halden Hound good with families?
Generally yes. At home it tends to be friendly, calm and even-tempered, which makes it a pleasant family dog. The catch is its exercise and scenting needs: it is a working hare hound first, so it needs long daily runs and secure fencing to be content.
Can a Halden Hound be let off leash?
Cautiously and only in safe areas. Like most scenthounds, once it locks onto a trail its recall can vanish. Secure fencing and long lines are the norm; trusting off-leash freedom near roads or wildlife is risky.