Pet Wiki

Hygen Hound

Also called Hygenhund

Recognised breedFCI group 6Short profile

From Norway, created in the 19th century by a breeder named Hygen.12

At a glance the quick version

Weight20 to 25 kg2
Height, male50 to 58 cm13
Height, female47 to 55 cm13
Sizemedium

Wikipedia figure; the FCI standard sets no weight.

great endurance
calm and earnest
energetic hunter
12

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.13

Coloursred-brownyellow-redred with black shadingblack and tanwhite with red or black-and-tan patches and ticking13

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.12

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. 1

    The breed is named after its creator, a Norwegian called Hygen.2

  2. 2

    It is known for being able to cross Arctic terrain for long stretches without tiring.2

  3. 3

    Under the FCI standard, a working trial is required before a Hygen Hound can become a champion.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The Hygen Hound is named after the procurator Hans Fredrik Hygen, who began breeding local scent hounds in eastern Norway around 1930.4

Name ideas for your new friend

FrostSnowBjornEiraKariTrackSniffLynxGlacierPineSagaNysse

A day in the life told by a Hygen Hound

I wake to the crunch of frost underfoot. My human opens the door, and I step out, nose twitching. A hare crossed here hours ago. I follow the scent through the birch trees, my tail wagging. I call out with a deep bay, and my human smiles. We walk until the sun is high, then rest by a frozen stream. At home, I lie by the fire, content. My human scratches my ears. 'Good hunt,' they say. I yawn, dreaming of tracks in the snow.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

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 a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Hygen Hound. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Blueberry and Oat Bites

These three-ingredient treats are quick to make and packed with antioxidants from blueberries and fibre from oats. They are low in fat and perfect as a training reward.

You need

  • 100g oats
  • 1 banana (mashed)
  • 40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
  • Splash of water (as needed)

How

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
  2. In a bowl, mix the mashed banana, oats, and chopped blueberries together.
  3. Add splashes of water gradually until the mixture comes together into a large ball.
  4. Roll out the mixture on a lightly floured surface to about 1-2cm thick.
  5. Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut into shapes.
  6. Place the shapes on a lined baking tray.
  7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until slightly browned.
  8. Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Offer one or two bites per day for a medium-sized dog. Reduce your dog's usual food portion to account for these treats.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Hygen Hound, and at what times?

Feed your Hygen Hound at least two meals a day for an adult, and three to four smaller meals for a puppy. Stick to set times each day, as their stomach empties within a few hours. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.5

What should a Hygen Hound eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and activity level. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, which are especially risky for dogs. Always check with your vet for a complete list.6

How often should I bathe a Hygen Hound?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, but you can bathe more often if your Hygen Hound gets very dirty or has skin issues. General guidance is at least once every three months.7 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Hygen Hound need brushing?

Brush your Hygen Hound weekly with a regular brush to keep their dense, straight coat in good condition. Furry Diary's plan recommends brushing every 7 days.17 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Hygen Hound's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demo.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Hygen Hound need?

This endurance hunter needs lots of daily exercise, including long walks and scent work, to stay happy and healthy. Furry Diary suggests daily walks and play, and they thrive in an active, rural home.2 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Hygen Hound's teeth and ears?

Brush their teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, and check ears weekly since floppy ears trap moisture. Gently dry the ears without pushing anything into the canal. Daily brushing is ideal.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Hygen Hound live?

Lifespan varies by individual, but senior years usually start around age 8. For specific life expectancy, ask your vet or a good breeder. Pet Wiki plan

Is a Hygen Hound good with children and other pets?

This varies by individual temperament and training. They are calm and serious but lively in the field, so early socialisation is key. Consult a good breeder or a vet for advice on your specific situation.12

Can a Hygen Hound be left alone?

This depends on the dog's personality and training. As a pack-oriented hound, they may not enjoy long periods alone. It's best to ask your vet or a good breeder for guidance tailored to your Hygen Hound.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. FCI Standard N° 266 Hygenhund fci.beused for origin, recognition, height, coat, colours, temperament
  2. Hygen Hound - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for history, weight, activity, fun facts
  3. Hygen Hound - UKC ukcdogs.comused for UKC recognition, coat, colour
  4. skk.se skk.se
  5. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

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