Halden Hound (Haldenstøver)

The Halden Hound (Haldenstøver) is a slender and agile professional hare hunter, which is noted for its ability to pick up an incredible speed while on a chase. The breed was created in Norway in the early XX century and since then it acquired numerous fanciers among hunters in its homeland. Being exceptionally energetic dog it will make a wonderful pet for sport-oriented people.

In Norway hare has been the most common quarry of hunters since the XVII century. Over centuries several breeds were produced to satisfy the need for faster and more nimble dogs, which would be able to keep up with this agile animal. One of these canines was the Halden Hound whose development began in 60s of the XIX century in the south-eastern Østfold, Norway. A farmer named Hans Bissiberg Larsen decided to invent its own variety of a hound and named the result of his hard work the Bissenberghund. This hunting hound gradually earned favour of Norwegian hunters although it enjoyed only local popularity.

The development of the Halden Hound was initiated by Halden breeders in the beginning of the XX century. They mated the Bissenberghund with scent hounds from Germany, Sweden and England and a new breed was born. Actually the Haldenstøver became the smallest among three Norwegian hounds that specialised in hare hunting.

The Halden Hound is a graceful but wiry type of a Scenthound. It quickly spread all over its original country and was deeply appreciated as a highly proficient hunter of hare and rabbits. The breed is distinguishable not only for its quick reflexes and agility but also for its relentlessness in pursuit of a prey in any type of terrain no matter how challenging or dangerous it is. Despite such a hunting prowess it remained barely known outside its homeland. In recent decades the breed has also acquired certain amount of admirers as a companion animal. This obedient and tender dog appeared to be a perfect match for active families who liked its vigorous and lively demeanour.

Industrialization and urbanisation led to gradual disappearance of the hunting grounds in Norway. Lots of Halden Hounds were relegated to the role of a household pet although most dogs stay either active or retired hunters. First standard of the breed was set up in the 50s of the XX century. It was officially recognised by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 2006.

The Halden Hound was created as an enthusiastic hunter and usually exhibits demeanour, which allows it to perform its hunting duties with the most effectiveness. The breed also possesses a few endearing traits such as unfailing loyalty to its master and cheerfulness. This implies that it can be turned into a fabulous family dog and a tireless playmate for children. However, it will be unsuitable company for a toddler since it can react aggressively to rude or otherwise inadequate handling.

The Halden Hound is essentially good with strangers as long as it has been properly socialised. The breed is endowed with enough protectiveness and will be courageously defend its human family from any kind of danger. Thanks to its hunting skills it’s highly perceptive to its surroundings so it can be tasked into a fairly reasonable watchdog. This dog will always warn its master with its resonated voice about an oncoming guest but it will most likely fail to resort to necessary force at the right time. That’s why it’s not recommended to make it a guard dog.

The Halden Ho got used to hunt solely and tends to compete in the group of dogs for a dominant position. These kinds of conflicts may result into cruel fights between strange canines so due precaution is a must by the initial introduction of two dogs. The Halden Hound is a hardy and tenacious hunter, which is notable for incredibly strong prey drive. No one can guarantee that this dog will tolerate non-canine animal even if it has been vastly socialised in this respect. And it definitely should be released off leash only once in a well-fenced area.

The most common problems for the breed include:

· ear infections.

The Halden Hound is an easy-to-care breed thanks to its short waterproof coat. This dog sheds very insignificantly and systematic brushing will make this process barely noticeable. On the whole more frequent brushing would greatly improve conditions of its coat and add to it extra shine.

The breed should be bathed as rarely as possible and with mild dog’s shampoos. Its sizeable drooping ears should be meticulously cleaned if the dog has hunted otherwise it can easily catch various nasty infections.

The training of the Halden Hound can be complicated by independent and strong-willed disposition of this dog. This dog has a well-pronounced stubborn streak and prefers to do its own things rather than follow commands. Its trainer should earn respect and obedience of this breed by strict but fair treatment.

Because of its wilfulness the dog is ill-suited for a novice dog owner who will have to invest sizeable amount of efforts in its socialisation and training and will most likely get inadequate results. The Halden Hound responds well only to reward-based training techniques (including its favourite treats). It will totally ignore commands, which are voiced in a rude tone and will react to abusive attitude with retaliatory aggression.

The Halden Hound is a highly energetic breed, which should be provided with enough space to run and play during a day. It will be almost impossible to satisfy the considerable exercise needs of this dog for an apartment dweller so it won’t be an optimal choice in this particular case.

A daily lengthy walk plays the outmost importance for dog’s physical and mental health. Without proper amount of physical outlet it’s prone to manifest stern behavioural problems, which include destructiveness, excessive excitability, aggressive tendency and various other examples of mental instability.