Intelligence and a balanced temperament, never over the top, are two characteristics that have allowed the hound in question to conquer one "sympathy" after the other in the context of hunting. The name immediately suggests the geographical origin. Haldenstovare originates from the city of Halden, in the southeastern extremity of Norway, to be precise on the border with Sweden. Its first appearance dates back to the beginning of XX century and since that time it has spread steadily. The resistance to longer distances makes it the ideal specimen for chasing any type of prey, even for a long time.
However, we must not forget that he is also very affectionate and sweet, which is why he is appreciated by families and all those who need a kind company at home and beyond. In reality, the spread has not been as wide as in the case of other typical Norwegian breeds. In the Nordic country, in fact, mainly Hygen and Dunker are used for hare hunting, but the history of Haldenstovare is fascinating and deserves to be explored. The first breeding can be temporally placed in a very specific year, 1860.
A year before Italy became fully united, the first steps towards enriching the local dog world were taking place in Norway. The merit of the creation of the Razz of which we are speaking is due to everything Hans Larsen Bisseberg, so much so that the original name was different. In honor of the discoverer it was thought to call the Bisseberghund breed, while the first time the current term was used, Haldenstovare, came in 1938. The direct derivation is that of the Ostfold dog breeds, in turn crossed for a long time first. As already mentioned, family life is often recommended for this animal, although it usually recognizes only one master and is therefore more appropriate for hunting.
The work of the Norwegian hound in hunting can only be of one type, given that it is used to working in solitude, consequently one should never try a pack for the breed in question. Another useful tip is to train it for a single prey, normally the hare (but it is not the only species), as the peculiar characteristic of the Haldenstovare is that of learning a hunt and practicing it throughout its life. The sense of smell is really well developed, not to mention the sight and without forgetting the length of the legs.
It is not a small detail: with this ad hoc measure the hound has the possibility to move in any type of terrain, even the most inaccessible and in Norway, as is known, it is not at all rare to come across snow. The character is also suspicious, independent and autonomous, a solitary temperament that makes this breed ideal for the hunter who may have to be absent for long periods from the auxiliary. Socialization with other dogs, on the other hand, can only be achieved in the hypothesis of a habit matured from the first months of life.
training
At this point a question arises: how can a Haldenstovare be properly trained? Learning in this breed is not a problem at all, as intelligence is highly developed, although training him is not as simple a mission as one might think. The greatest difficulties are encountered above all by owners with little familiarity and experience with dog lovers, not to mention the fact that the training must be decided and resolute as never before. Positive reinforcements, prizes first of all, represent one of the winning strategies to win the heart of the specimen, so much so that the level of complicity with the owner becomes very high if patience is maintained from the first moment.
Going back to talking about the physicality of this dog, it can be added that its gait is undoubtedly light, but at the same time capable of cover a lot of ground. The need for movement in the Haldenstovare is continuous, so it is necessary to give him long walks even when not hunting, in addition to the fact that it would be preferable to keep him in a house with an adjoining garden. As far as health is concerned, then, it does not cause great concern, with optimal physical conditions and the not indifferent detail of the almost total absence of congenital pathologies or structural problems.
The power supply is always a delicate aspect for any breed, with the hunting activity that requires some precautions for to feed the dog in a healthy and balanced way. These specimens need a varied and above all abundant diet, trying to diversify solid and less consistent foods. It is no less the care that must be dedicated to general care, with a hair sweeping that must be carried out in a constant and precise way. On the basis of the dog-loving classifications, the Haldenstovare is included in the section of the dogs to be followed, more precisely in the group that brings together the hounds and the dogs by blood track.
Finally, the defects also deserve some mention, fundamental for the evaluation in the dog field. The Norwegian breed that has been talked about can run into a number of behaviors that they are penalized in the eventual tests, in proportion to the gravity and aggressiveness: incorrect movement, limbs not upright, slender build, insufficient musculature, poorly worn ears, fearful character, monorchidism, cryptorchidism, coat colors not allowed by the standard, smooth coat, light eye, dominant black, atypical head, defective rear end, prognathism , enognatism. The diffusion in Italy is rather scarce, the fact is that a place in the heart of the hunters of our country can also cut out this nice and reliable hound.