Mary Allen
Introduction: What are Halden Hounds?
Halden Hounds, also known as Haldenstøver, are a breed of medium-sized scent hounds originating from Norway. They were originally bred for hunting small game such as hare and fox in the Halden region of Norway. Halden Hounds are known for their exceptional sense of smell, endurance, and agility. They are also known for their friendly and affectionate temperament, making them popular as family pets.
History of Halden Hounds
Halden Hounds have been in existence for centuries and are believed to have descended from ancient Scandinavian hounds. They were first officially recognized as a breed in Norway in the early 1900s. The breed was developed by crossing various local hound breeds, including the Sogn og Fjordane Hound, the Dunker Hound, and the Harrier. Today, Halden Hounds are primarily used for hunting and are considered a rare breed outside of Norway.
Characteristics of Halden Hounds
Halden Hounds are medium-sized dogs that typically weigh between 40-60 pounds and stand about 18-22 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a short and dense coat that comes in various shades of red and white. Halden Hounds are known for their long and droopy ears, which help enhance their sense of smell. They are also known for their muscular build, which gives them the agility and endurance needed for hunting.
Major Kennel Clubs and Their Recognition Criteria
Major kennel clubs such as the American Kennel Club (AKC), The Kennel Club (KC) in the UK, the United Kennel Club (UKC), and the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) have strict criteria for recognizing new breeds. Factors such as the breed’s history, characteristics, and breeding standards are taken into consideration.
American Kennel Club’s View on Halden Hounds
The American Kennel Club does not currently recognize Halden Hounds as a breed. However, they do recognize other Norwegian hounds such as the Norwegian Elkhound and the Norwegian Buhund.
The Kennel Club’s Stance on Halden Hounds
The Kennel Club in the UK also does not currently recognize Halden Hounds as a breed. However, they do recognize other Norwegian hounds such as the Norwegian Elkhound and the Norwegian Lundehund.
United Kennel Club’s Position on Halden Hounds
The United Kennel Club recognizes Halden Hounds as a breed under the Scenthound group. They were officially recognized by the UKC in 2006.
Canadian Kennel Club’s Take on Halden Hounds
The Canadian Kennel Club does not currently recognize Halden Hounds as a breed. However, they do recognize other Norwegian hounds such as the Norwegian Elkhound and the Norwegian Lundehund.
Fédération Cynologique Internationale’s Recognition of Halden Hounds
The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), which is the largest international kennel club, recognizes Halden Hounds as a breed under Group 6: Scenthounds. The breed was officially recognized by the FCI in 1954.
Halden Hounds and the Australian National Kennel Council
The Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC) does not currently recognize Halden Hounds as a breed.
Other Kennel Clubs and Their Recognition of Halden Hounds
Some other kennel clubs that recognize Halden Hounds as a breed include the Nordic Kennel Union, the Swedish Kennel Club, and the Norwegian Kennel Club.
Conclusion: Are Halden Hounds a Recognized Breed?
In conclusion, Halden Hounds are recognized as a breed by some major kennel clubs, including the United Kennel Club and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale. However, they are not recognized by other major kennel clubs such as the American Kennel Club and The Kennel Club in the UK. Halden Hounds remain a rare breed outside of Norway, but their popularity as hunting dogs and family pets continues to grow.