Scenthound Medium size 20-24 kg
Hygen Hound
A rare Norwegian scenthound built for endurance in cold terrain - friendly and sound, but with strong hunting drive and high exercise needs.
Match with your household
See match detail → Quick overview
Medium
Size
20-24 kg, 47-58 cm
High
Activity
High stamina; needs a long daily run or hike
Low
Alone-time tolerance
Pack-minded; dislikes long hours alone
Moderate
Trainability
Trainable but independent-minded
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
Ear infections, hip dysplasia, general soundness
The Hygen Hound typically weighs 20-24 kg, stands 47-58 cm, and lives 11-13 years.
Consider this breed if…
you are active outdoors and want a tireless walking or hiking partner,
you can offer daily scent work and long exercise in most weather,
someone is home much of the day, or the dog has canine company,
you understand a scenthound's nose will often override recall.
Do not consider this breed if…
the dog would be alone for long stretches most days,
you want a quiet dog and cannot tolerate an occasional deep bark or bay,
you rely on off-leash freedom near wildlife or livestock,
you want a low-energy companion for short city walks.
A typical day with a Hygen Hound
- 6:30 · MorningLong walk or run; let it use its nose along the way
- 9:00 · MidmorningRest at home after real exercise
- 12:30 · NoonSniffy walk or short tracking game
- 16:00 · AfternoonTraining or scent work, kept short and rewarding
- 18:30 · EveningLonger hike or off-leash time in a safe, enclosed area
- 21:00 · NightSettles calmly once its body and nose are tired
Family and environment
Kids Good
Friendly and tolerant with children when well exercised.
Dogs Good
Pack-bred and sociable with other dogs.
Cats Conditional
May chase; safest when raised with the cat from a pup.
Apartment Not ideal
High exercise needs and possible baying suit a house better.
House with a yard Suitable
A secure fence contains a nose-led wanderer.
City Conditional
Workable with plenty of daily outdoor exercise.
Countryside Ideal
Space and terrain to track and range is what it was bred for.
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 profileTop health concerns
Chronic Ear Infections Drop ears need regular checking and cleaning
Hip Dysplasia Screen breeding stock; manage weight and joint load
Dental Disease Routine home care and cleanings reduce risk
Obesity Watch portions when a working hound isn't working
Similar breeds - by reason
Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.
Closely related Norwegian scenthound
Dunker
A Norwegian hare-hound with a keen nose and mellow temperament - a good active companion for owners who can meet its exercise needs.
View profile →
Another rare Norwegian hound
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.
View profile →
Similar 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
How much does a Hygen Hound cost?
The Hygen Hound is a rare Norwegian breed found almost entirely in Scandinavia, so US buyers should expect it to be very hard to find, with import, transport, and waitlist costs likely running well into the thousands of dollars on top of any purchase price. Ongoing costs then mirror any medium active dog: food, routine vet care, and dental work adding up to several thousand dollars over its life. Because breed-specific data is limited outside its home country, talk directly with Scandinavian breeders or clubs.
Is the Hygen Hound a good family pet?
It can be. The breed is generally friendly, sound, and good with children and other dogs. The honest catch is that it is bred to hunt over long distances, so it needs a very active home, a lot of exercise, and secure fencing, and it is not a low-key indoor companion.
Does the Hygen Hound bark a lot?
Like most scenthounds, it has a strong voice and may bay or bark when it picks up a scent or gets bored. With enough exercise and mental work it settles well at home, but the potential for noise makes it a better fit for a house than a shared apartment building.
Can a Hygen Hound be trusted off leash?
Not reliably. Its nose and hunting drive can override training the moment it finds an interesting trail. Most owners keep it leashed near roads and wildlife and only allow free running in securely enclosed areas.