Halden Hound

The Halden hound, or Haldenstover, is a Norwegian scent hound developed around the town of Halden near the Swedish border. It was bred to hunt hare and other small game, generally by working alone and giving voice on the trail rather than running in a large pack. The breed is medium sized, athletic, and smooth coated, with a white base, black patches, and tan markings on the head and legs. Its outline is that of a practical Scandinavian hunting dog rather than a decorative show breed.

Halden hounds remain rare, with serious breeding centered mostly in Norway and nearby countries. They need long, purposeful exercise, scent work, and secure places to run; casual off-leash freedom near roads, livestock, or wildlife is risky. The short coat is simple to maintain, but ears should be checked after hunting, rain, or heavy cover. Families seeking one mainly as a companion should work with breeders who value stable character as well as field ability, since an underworked scenthound can become noisy or restless.