Dog Breeds: H
A good-natured scent hound, the Halden Hound is a medium-sized tri-coloured dog from Norway. Seldom, if ever, spotted outside of its native country, this is an incredibly rare breed of dog that is at real risk of becoming extinct. Used for hunting rabbits and hares, the Halden Hound makes an equally good family pet, as long as they are sufficiently exercised.
The Hamiltonstövare is a Swedish hunting breed that is a rare sight outside of its homeland. Its high energy levels and potential for stubbornness mean it needs an experienced owner, but in the right hands it can be a devoted and obedient family dog. It is generally very good with children, but unreliable with non-canine pets.
A German scent hound, the Hanover Hound is mainly used as a working dog who tracks and locates wounded prey. Known for their determination rather than their speed, this breed is prized for their ability to follow a scent for days on end without losing focus. Affectionate with those they know, once sufficiently exercised the Hanover Hound adapts well to family life.
The Harrier has a long and distinguished history as a fox and harehunting dog, but is now more likely to be found as a good-natured, sociable pet. It is great with children and other dogs, but not reliable with smaller pets. Its great capacity for exercise and stubborn nature can make it a challenge to manage for owners without a lot of spare time.
The Hava-Wheat is an unusual hybrid dog, which is a cross between the smaller Havanese (father) and medium-sized Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier (mother). The result is a small to medium sized dog with abundant hair that requires regular grooming. They are happy, loving fellows but can have an independent streak. They may be prone to several inherited conditions and affected dogs will develop symptoms in early life.
The Havachin is a hybrid dog, which is a mix between the Japanese Chin and Havanese. These small dogs have a delightful character and thrive in human company. They are ideal companions for mature people who crave the canine companionship of a low maintenance dog that doesn’t require lots of exercise. Health problems include joint and heart disease.
A playful little character who is happiest when in the company of its family, the Havachon relies heavily on humans and hates to be left alone. The ideal pet for those who spend a lot of time at home, full-time workers need not apply! With a hypoallergenic coat, moderate exercise needs and a patient temperament, the Havachon comes with many bonuses.
Mild-mannered and happy-go-lucky, the Havamalt makes a wonderful family pet and is a good choice for a first-time owner who may not have a lot of space or land. Their coat can be high maintenance if kept long and owners should be prepared for daily grooming sessions. Quick to learn and eager to please, this hybrid can be easily trained.
Havanese is a toy dog breed originally from Cuba but popular all over the world. The Havanese is a cute, playful dog with a long, silky coat that may come in all colours. They are active and friendly, sometimes overly attached to their owners, being prone to separation anxiety. They are great companion dogs and are also used as therapy and assistance dogs.
The Havapeke is a hybrid dog, which is a mix between Pekingese and Havanese parents. This charming little dog makes for a great, low energy companion. They can, however, be stubborn and prone to noisy barking. Whilst generally a healthy breed, they may suffer from certain health problems like wobbly kneecaps, liver shunts, and eye ulcers.
Highly dependent on their owners, Havashires do not cope particularly well in their own company. Loving and friendly, they will dedicate themselves unconditionally to their masters. As these dogs do not have very high exercise requirements and don’t need a lot of space, they are suited to life in the city and can be kept in an apartment.
A people-pleasing dog that loves to be the centre of attention, the Havashu is happiest when showering their owner with affection. These dogs do well in urban areas and do not need access to a lot of land. Despite the modest exercise requirements of this cross-breed, their coat requires a lot of care so owners must be aware of this big commitment.
A sweet crossbreed who will dedicate itself to its owners and shower them with affection, the Havaton is an ideal choice for those who have a lot of time to spend with a pet and like the idea of a lap dog. With moderate exercise requirements, they do not need long walks every day and get much of their exercise from playing about indoors.
A vivacious dog who has a pleasant temperament and is not one to be shy, the Highland Maltie enjoys being the centre of attention and likes to know what is going on at all times. As they can be willful, training should begin early in their life. They require plenty of mental stimulation if destructive habits are to be avoided.
A loyal and affectionate dog, the Hokkaido dog bonds strongly with its family and is protective of them. Traditionally used to hunt wild boar and bears, as well as to fish salmon from streams, the Hokkaido dog was welcomed into many Japanese households over the years. Fearless and strong, it is essential that the Hokkaido dog is trained from a young age.
Used as hunting dogs in rural parts of Russia and its neighbouring countries, the Hortaya Borzaya is an incredibly rare dog, that you may never have heard of. Prized for their ability to bring home food for the table, they are more of a working farm dog than a family pet. Elegant and athletic, they are renowned for their stamina and speed.
This guardian breed has been protecting people and their property in its native Germany since the Middle Ages, and it can fill the role of family protector like few others. The Hovawart is a strong-willed dog that respects firm leadership, and this, combined with its suspicion of strangers, means it is not suitable for a novice owner.
The Hug is a hybrid dog, a mix between a Siberian Husky mother and a Pug father. These loving and loyal dogs do require plenty of exercise to prevent boredom and bad behaviour, and are not best suited to first time owners. Health problems include a tendency to develop under-active thyroid glands and also skin allergies.
The Kuvasz is a highly-intelligent, courageous and loyal large breed of dog, which is traditionally used for herding and guarding livestock. It is inherently protective and can be suspicious and aloof around strangers. They are best suited to an experienced dog owner who has plenty of time to exercise and diligently train them.
The mop-haired Hungarian Puli has a long history as a sheep-herder, but is rarely used for this purpose today. Instead, it protects its human “flock”, and is a clever and independent family pet that is gentle with children and sociable with other dogs. It is highly energetic and needs lots of exercise, as well as considerable effort to maintain its trademark coat.
A genuine working dog, the Huntaway was developed in New Zealand as a response to the need for a capable and hardy herding dog that used their voice, as well as their vision when shepherding. Highly intelligent with a dedication to their work, they make fantastic farm hands. Gentle by nature, they also tend to get along well with family pets and children.
The Hush Basset (or Cocker Basset) is a hybrid dog, a mix between a Basset Hound and Cocker Spaniel. They are a sturdy, medium-sized dog with a laidback attitude to life and other pets with the potential to make a great family dog. They have moderate exercise demands but can be difficult to train. Potential drawbacks include shedding, skin problems, slipped discs, bloat, and eye issues.
Loyal, alert and sensitive are three adjectives commonly used to describe the Huskita. An attractive mix of the active, intelligent Siberian Husky and the faithful, protective Shiba Inu, the Huskita requires a switched-on owner who has plenty of time to spend on training and can keep up with their high exercise demands. This is not a breed for the first-time pet owner.
A spirited and energetic dog that loves to run about in the great outdoors, the Husky Inu can become quickly bored and requires a dedicated owner. Their thick coat keeps them warm in colder weather but can cause quite a mess during moulting season. Sometimes too intelligent for their own good, some breed members may develop anxieties and behavioural issues.
A Norwegian dog that was deliberately developed by a breeder called Hans Hygen, the Hygen Hound should have the ability to hunt small prey with good endurance and enthusiasm, even in poor weather conditions. Their extensive exercise requirements can become a burden in an ill-equipped household, and if not met, will likely result in this dog acting out.