Norwegian Elkhound vs Hygenhund - Breed Comparison

Norwegian Elkhound vs Hygenhund - Breed ComparisonBoth Hygenhund and Norwegian Elkhound are originated from Norway. Hygenhund may grow 6 cm / 3 inches higher than Norwegian Elkhound. Both Hygenhund and Norwegian Elkhound are of same weight. Both Hygenhund and Norwegian Elkhound has same life span. Both Hygenhund and Norwegian Elkhound has almost same litter size. Both Hygenhund and Norwegian Elkhound requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Hound dog
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Norway
Norway
Height Male:
48 - 61 cm
18 - 25 inches
45 - 55 cm
17 - 22 inches
Height Female:
45 - 58 cm
17 - 23 inches
45 - 55 cm
17 - 22 inches
Weight Male:
20 - 25 kg
44 - 56 pounds
18 - 25 kg
39 - 56 pounds
Weight Female:
15 - 20 kg
33 - 45 pounds
18 - 25 kg
39 - 56 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
5 - 10
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Hygen Hound, Hygen Dog
Norsk Elghund, Gray Norwegian Elkhound, Elk Dog, Norwegian Moose Dog
Colors Available:
sometimes combined with white markings. , chestnut (with or without black shading) and black with bright chestnut colors, yellow and red
silver, white, Grey, cream
Coat:
thick, shiny
Short to medium length, dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Alert, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Protective
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

hygenhundThe Hygenhund is a hound from Norway that was developed in the early 1800’s by the Norwegian breeder Hygen. It was developed for hunting small game such as fox, rabbit, hare or racoon. It is known for its endurance and ability to survive travel across vast artic land without fatigue. It was developed by crossing several Norwegian hounds with ones from England and Germany. This includes basset hounds, holsteiner hounds, beagles, Bloodhounds, Scandinavian hounds and English Pointers. The resulting Hygehound is a scent hound whose popularity fell in the 20th century. Most of the remaining dogs today are located in Norway. The Norwegian Kennel Club and the UKC have both recognized the breed yet its numbers remain low. Even at that the breed today remains a great hunting dog but it is also a great companion or family dog.

norwegian elkhoundThe Norwegian Elkhound is an ancient spitz-type dog breed hailing from Norway and with a history that goes back thousands of years.

These dogs have been used as hunting dogs and have been able to bring down game such as Elk, bears, wolves, badgers and reindeer. They have also been used to guard livestock.

The Norwegian Elkhound was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1913.

Description

Description

hygenhund puppy - descriptionThe Hygenhund has a solid rectangular and compact body with muscular and compact legs and paws. Their heads are shaped like a triangle with dark eyes and a broad skull. The muzzle and neck are long and the topline is even. They carry their tail high, but they do not curl it over their back. They are a medium sized dog with short hair. They have an overabundance of energy and get bored easily. They can come in black with chestnut or white markings, yellow and red, chestnut without or with black markings.

norwegian elkhound puppy - descriptionThe Norwegian Elkhound is a medium to large sized dog standing at roughly 45 to 55cm in height and weighing anything fro 18 to 25 kilogams.

People love this dog because of his beautiful wolf-like face and bright eyes. The head is broad and wedge-shaped, the eyes dark brown, the ears stand erect and the bush tail curls over the dog's back.

The double coat has different shades of gray and silver with cream and white shades on the undercoat.

He is a moderate shedder with some seasonal shedding.

Temperament:

The Norwegian Elkhound is a high energy dog who loves to be busy and he also makes a loving and loyal companion towards his human family. He tends to be a little bit reserved around strangers.

He is an independent dog so so its a good idea to have him trained and socialized so that he is always obedient. He is an intelligent dog so you won’t battle to teach him.

He gets on well with children in the home. He however, can be a little bit aggressive with other dogs, but not if he was brought up with them as a puppy. Adventurous and active, he just loves spending time outdoors. It's why he is best suited to life in the countryside as opposed to the city and also prefers cooler climates.

Characteristics

hygenhund dog - characteristics1. Children friendliness – The Hygenhund is very friendly to children and love to play with them.

Special talents

Stamina, intelligence and ability to endure cold climates.

Adaptability

Very adaptable in some ways – enduring cold climates for instance. However, they need a large yard or area to run in. They are not as adaptable in an apartment.

Learning ability

The Hygenhund is very intelligent and a quick learner. They love learning new things.

norwegian elkhound dog - characteristicsYour Norwegian Elkhound makes an awesome pet. He is full of the joys of living and wants to be an active member of his human family.

He is active and always ready for some fun and games. He is also intelligent and will make an even better pet when he has been trained and socialized.

Those who have owned one of these beautiful dogs will always say how they adore this beautiful, smart, loving canine friend of theirs.

Health Problems

The Hygenhund is prone to a variety of health problems including:

  • Kidney Stones/Chronic Kidney Infections
  • Food Allergies
  • Arthritis – can cause lameness
  • Bloat – can be fatal if not treated
  • Von Willebrands Disease
  • Anesthesia sensitivity
  • Hip Dysplasia – can result in lameness or arthritis

norwegian elkhound puppies - health problemsYour beautiful Norwegian Elkhound can reach 15 years of age if you look after him well and he manages to avoid some of the common dog diseases there are.

There are some dog illnesses that are good to be aware of -

Glaucoma:

This is an eye condition where there is pressure that builds up in the eye. There is a problem with the drainage of fluid in the eye and this is what causes the pressure and there can be damage to the optic nerve.

Pyotraumatic Dermatitis:

This is a skin condition that causes inflammation and is often seen in dogs like the Norwegian Elkhound who have thick coats.

Hip Dysplasia:

A common disease seen in many dog breeds, young and old, and which is a malfunction of the hip joints, causing problems with your dog’s mobility.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

hygenhund dogs - caringSince the Hygenhund is such a high energy working dog feed a high quality food. Feed 3-4 times a day for a total of 2.3 cups.

Feeding the adult

Again this is a high energy dog. Feed a high protein good quality dog food twice a day for a total of 3-4 cups.

Points for Good Health

Good speed and stamina. Good in cold climates.

Games and Exercises

The Hygenhund needs plenty of exercise to dissipate all its working energy. They will excel at field trials, lure coursing, fly ball, tracking, and agility.

norwegian elkhound dogs - caringAs a spitz type dog, the Norwegian Elkhound is an energetic dog who will need lots of physical activity.

He has a very thick coat so make sure he doesn’t overheat during exercise as he has been used to living in wintry climates.

Brush and Check for Ticks:

Your pet will shed some of that thick hair so he will need to be brushed at least twice a week to keep the coat in tip top condition. At the same time check him over for ticks and fleas. How often you see ticks on your dog will depend on where you live. These parasites attach to your dog and feed on his blood.They are capable of causing many diseases in your pet, one of which is Lyme disease, a disease which can lead to arthritis and swelling with your dog’s joints.

The best way to prevent any disease from weakening your pet is to get him to the vet as soon as possible. A good way to prevent ticks is to speak to your vet about tick control products.

Diet:

Make sure he has the best food to ensure health and happiness. Keep his meals simple – no exotic, spicy foods that can upset his stomach.

A high quality kibble brand for energetic dogs is a wise choice and some tasty home-made food added in occasionally. This can be boiled chicken, brown rice and vegetables. Never leave him without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Hygenhund vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Hygenhund vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Hygenhund vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Hygenhund vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Hygenhund vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Hygenhund vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Hygenhund vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Hygenhund vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Hygenhund vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Hygenhund vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Hygenhund vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Hygenhund vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Hygenhund vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Hygenhund vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Hygenhund vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Hygenhund vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Hygenhund vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Hygenhund vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Hygenhund vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Hygenhund vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Hygenhund vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Hygenhund vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Hygenhund vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Hygenhund vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Hygenhund vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Norwegian Elkhound vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Norwegian Elkhound vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Norwegian Elkhound vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Norwegian Elkhound vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Norwegian Elkhound vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Norwegian Elkhound vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Norwegian Elkhound vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Norwegian Elkhound vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Norwegian Elkhound vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Norwegian Elkhound vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Norwegian Elkhound vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Norwegian Elkhound vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Norwegian Elkhound vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Norwegian Elkhound vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Norwegian Elkhound vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Norwegian Elkhound vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Norwegian Elkhound vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Norwegian Elkhound vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Norwegian Elkhound vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Norwegian Elkhound vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Norwegian Elkhound vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Norwegian Elkhound vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Norwegian Elkhound vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Norwegian Elkhound vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison