Haldenstøver (Halden Hound)

The hyperactive Norwegian dynamo, built for outdoor adventure!

🗺 Origins

The Haldenstøver comes straight from southern Norway, near the Swedish border. Not very well known outside its country, it was created in the early 20th century by mixing local hounds with German, Swedish, and British breeds. The result? A true hunter, agile and fast, made for wide open spaces.

🐕 The Halden at a glance

This medium-sized dog is longer than it is tall, well-muscled without being massive. It has a proud gait and an imposing presence.

🔍 Characteristics

• Hypoallergenic? ❌ Nope

• Weight: 20-25 kg (♂), 19-25 kg (♀)

• Height: 45-60 cm (♂), 44-59 cm (♀)

• Life expectancy: 10-12 years

• Activity needs: 2 to 3 hours/day (and not just a walk on a leash!)

❤️ Personality & compatibility

• Intelligence: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆

• Affectionate: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆

• Protective: ⭐⭐☆☆☆

• Playful: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

• Barks often? ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (A real chatterbox)

• Obedient: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (Stubborn as a Viking)

• Hunting instinct: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Tracking mode activated at all times)

• Calm: ⭐⭐☆☆☆

• Athletic: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

• Independent: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Who does it get along with?

• Children: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (A bit rough, watch out for the little ones)

• Other animals: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Socialization required)

• Strangers: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (Not ultra friendly, but not aggressive)

• Apartment: ⭐☆☆☆☆ (Forget it, it needs space!)

The Haldenstøver in an apartment? Bad idea. This dog needs to run, sniff, and explore. Confinement = frustration = mischief. It needs a large fenced garden or an environment where it can let loose.

🛠 Hygiene & care

• Maintenance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Easy, but requires some upkeep)

• Maintenance cost: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (Reasonable)

• Maintenance frequency: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (Weekly brushing is enough)

Its short, dense coat doesn't require much maintenance, except during shedding season when more frequent brushing is recommended to avoid hair all over your home.

💰 Budget

• Purchase price:900-1100 €

• Average annual cost: 450-650 € (food, vet, accessories)