"Hogue" was designed to displace . The ship had an overall length of , a beam of and a deep draught of . She was powered by two 4-cylinder triple-expansion steam engines, each driving one shaft, which produced a total of using steam provided by 30 Belleville boilers. The engines were designed to give a maximum speed of , although "Hogue" reached with on her sea trials. She carried a maximum of of coal and her complement ranged from 725 to 760 officers and enlisted men.