Pet Wiki

Halden Hound

Also called Haldenstøver, Haldenstövare

Even-tempered with a quiet, gentle expression; the standard asks for a dog that is neither timid nor aggressive.

SizeMedium
Weight18 to 24 kg (40 to 53 lb)1
Height50 to 60 cm (20 to 24 in)males 52 to 60 cm, females 50 to 58 cm2
Lifespan12 years1
CoatHarsh, dense, straight with thick undercoat
OriginNorway (named after the town of Halden in the south-east).21
GroupFCI group 6
Last checked2026-09-30
Recognised breedShort profile
calm, steady temperament
sure-footed in snow
independent solo hunter
21

Personality what they are like

Even-tempered with a quiet, gentle expression; the standard asks for a dog that is neither timid nor aggressive.2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

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

  • 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

Coat and looks how to spot one

harsh, dense, straight with thick undercoat

A rectangular, strong but not heavy hound with a clean head and level back. Its coat is straight and dense over a thick undercoat, and its tight, well-furred feet are made for snow.21

Colourswhite with black patchestan shading on head and legs2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A hare hound that works alone ahead of its owner over long distances, so it needs generous daily exercise.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The dense, weather-resistant coat needs regular brushing, more during shedding.2

Company who they like around

Bred to hunt alone with its owner rather than in a pack, so it forms a close working partnership with its person.1

The story where it all began

Developed in the early 1900s around Halden by crossing local Norwegian hounds with scent hounds from Sweden, Germany and England. The breed standard followed in the 1950s.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It is the smallest of Norway's three hare hound breeds.1

  2. 2

    Its feet were selected for high, tight, long toes and thick fur to cope with snow.1

  3. 3

    It is rarely seen outside Norway.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The Halden Hound is named after the city of Halden in southern Norway, where the breed originated in the latter half of the 19th century.3

Name ideas for your new friend

FjellLykkeBjørnSnøHaldenEiraStormMoseTrollSølviKvikRune

A day in the life told by a Halden Hound

I sniff the crisp morning air, rabbit scent! I follow the trail through the forest, my nose low to the ground. My human walks far behind, but I know they trust me. I find a cozy spot under a pine tree and rest. Later, we meet a friendly deer, I wag my tail, and it bounds away. At home, I curl on the rug by the fire, dreaming of tomorrow's adventure. My human pats my head, and I thump my tail. Life is simple: a trail, a friend, and a warm place to sleep. I am happy.

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

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 267, Group 6 Scent hounds, Section 1.2 Medium-sized hounds, with working trial.2

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 Halden Hound, and at what times?

Adult Halden Hounds do best with at least two meals a day, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. Feed at consistent times each day, and always follow the food label and your vet's advice for amounts.4

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

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, never give these to your Halden Hound.5

How often should I bathe a Halden Hound?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty. Use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid over-bathing to protect their coat.6 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Halden Hound need brushing?

Brush your Halden Hound weekly to keep their dense, weather-resistant coat healthy, and increase brushing during shedding seasons. Regular brushing removes loose hair and prevents mats.26 Pet Wiki plan

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

Trim nails every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part) to avoid pain and bleeding.6 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Halden Hound need?

This breed needs generous daily exercise because they were bred to work alone over long distances. Daily walks and active play are essential to keep them happy and healthy.1 Pet Wiki plan

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

Brush teeth daily with dog-safe toothpaste, and check ears weekly since floppy ears trap moisture, dry them gently without pushing anything into the ear canal. Regular care prevents infections.6 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Halden Hound live?

The Halden Hound typically lives around 12 years. With good care, regular vet checkups, and a healthy lifestyle, they can enjoy a full lifespan.1

Is a Halden Hound good with children and other pets?

Yes, they are even-tempered and gentle, neither timid nor aggressive, so they can be good with children. They form a close bond with their owner and may do well with other pets if socialized early.21

Can a Halden Hound be left alone?

This breed is used to working closely with its owner and may not enjoy long periods alone. If you must leave them, provide plenty of exercise beforehand and consider a dog walker or pet sitter.1

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.

You might also like

Hygen HoundHamiltonstövare

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Halden Hound (Wikipedia) en.wikipedia.orgused for weight, lifespan, history, facts
  2. FCI standard no. 267 Haldenstøver fci.beused for origin, recognition, height, coat, colour, temperament
  3. skk.se skk.se
  4. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

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