Scenthound / FCI Group 6 · Purebred · Norway's elegant hare hound — bred by Wilhelm Norwegian Hound in the 1800s from Russian Harlequin Hounds, renowned for a superb nose, steady temperament, and the distinctive merle coat of its Russian ancestor
The Norwegian Hound (also known as the Norwegian Hound) is one of Norway's native scent hound breeds, developed in the early 19th century by a Norwegian breeder named Wilhelm Norwegian Hound. He created the breed by crossing Russian Harlequin Hounds (a now-extinct breed noted for exceptional scenting ability) with other Norwegian hound types, producing a versatile, cold-nosed hare hound adapted to the varied terrain of Norwegian forests, mountains, and farmlands. The breed takes its name directly from its creator — one of the few dog breeds named after an individual breeder.
The Norwegian Hound is particularly notable for inheriting the merle coat pattern from its Russian Harlequin Hound ancestry — making it one of very few scent hound breeds in the world that can carry the merle gene. The breed received FCI recognition under Group 6 and is maintained primarily by Norwegian hunters and hound enthusiasts. Like most Norwegian hounds, it remains largely unknown outside Scandinavia, but its combination of a superb nose, calm temperament, and distinctive appearance has earned it devoted admirers.
Real Norwegian Hounds — browse photos showcasing their distinctive merle or tricolor coat, elegant build, and gentle hound expression.
The Norwegian Hound is calm, steady, and dependable — both in the field and at home. It is a gentle, family-friendly hound with the trademark independence of scent hound breeds, balanced by a notably cooperative nature for a hunting dog.
The Norwegian Hound is a generally healthy, robust breed. The merle gene requires careful breeding management — merle-to-merle breeding must be avoided to prevent double-merle puppies with serious health defects.
The Norwegian Hound is an excellent choice for active outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, or families seeking a gentle, calm, medium-sized hound with a striking appearance. It is less demanding and more cooperative than many scent hound breeds, making it more accessible to owners without extensive hound experience. The merle coat pattern gives it an appearance unlike almost any other hound breed. Outside Scandinavia, acquiring one requires significant effort — but for those who seek a rare, historically interesting, and charming companion, the Norwegian Hound is unforgettable.
The Norwegian Hound's calm, sociable nature makes it one of the easier hound breeds to board. It generally adapts well to new environments and gets along with other dogs. Choose a facility with secure outdoor space — recall around scents cannot be relied upon. Brief staff on hound behavior: vocal when bored or excited, but gentle and non-aggressive. Its cold-weather tolerance means it's comfortable in most climate-controlled facilities year-round.
Budget approximately $100–$170 per month for a Norwegian Hound.
Norwegian Hound mixes are extremely rare outside Norway. The breed is maintained almost exclusively by Norwegian hunters and hound enthusiasts as a purebred hunting dog. Crosses with other Scandinavian hound breeds occasionally occur informally in hunting communities.
A cheerful, compact scent hound combining the Norwegian Hound's steady temperament and distinctive heritage with the Beagle's popularity and adaptable nature. A curious, nose-driven family companion that packs big hunting instinct into a small package.
Two Norwegian breeds combined — a hardy, cold-weather dog with excellent scenting ability, a dense coat, and strong Nordic character. Likely more independent than the Norwegian Hound but exceptionally weather-resistant and energetic.