Schillerstövare

Also called Schiller Hound, Schiller Bracke, Schillerstovare

An alert, lively hound with a keen nose and a strong wish to work.

Size	Medium
Weight	18 to 25 kg (40 to 55 lb)1 2
Height	49 to 61 cm (19 to 24 in)males 53 to 61 cm, females 49 to 57 cm3
Coat	Harsh, close-lying
Origin	Sweden.3 1
Group	Scent hounds and related breeds (FCI group 6)

Recognised breedShort profile

lively and attentive

clear, far-carrying hunting voice

fast and enduring in the field

3 1

Personality what they are like

An alert, lively hound with a keen nose and a strong wish to work. It hunts alone rather than in a pack and is also kept as a companion by hunting families.3 2

Coat and looks how to spot one

harsh, close-lying

A balanced, slightly rectangular hound that looks both quick and strong. Its weather-ready coat is harsh and lies flat, short on the head, ears and front legs and a little longer under the tail and on the back of the thighs.3 2

Colourstan with a clearly defined black mantlesmall white marks on chest and toes allowed3

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Schillerstövare. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A working scent hound bred to follow hare and fox by voice over long distances, so it needs plenty of daily exercise and scent-based activity.3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short, harsh coat is easy to keep: a regular brush-over is enough.3 2

Company who they like around

Bred to work on its own with a hunter rather than in couples or packs; happiest with an active owner who gives it a purpose.3

The story where it all began

Farmer Per Schiller showed a pair of these hounds, Tamburini and Ralla I, at Sweden's first dog show in 1886. Their ancestors came from southern German hounds, later refined with Swiss hounds and English Harriers. The Swedish Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1907.3 1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
The breed is named after Per Schiller, the farmer who exhibited it at Sweden's first dog show in 1886.1
2
Two of the founding dogs were siblings named Tamburini and Ralla I.3
3
Its standard notes that it is not used in packs, in couples or for deer, but hunts hare and fox on its own.3

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after its creator, Per Schiller, a young farmer who established the strain in the late 1800s; the name 'Schillerstövare' was officially adopted in 1907.4

Name ideas for your new friend

SnifferTrackerBjörnLokeFrejaOdinStureSvenMajaHugoElsaAstrid

A day in the life told by a Schillerstövare

I wake up and the first thing I do is sniff the air. There's a fresh scent of rabbit from the forest. My human takes me for a long walk, and I follow the trail, my nose to the ground. I give a happy bark when I find the track. We don't catch anything, but that's not the point – it's the thrill of the chase. Later, I explore the garden, finding every interesting smell. At home, I curl up on the sofa, dreaming of tomorrow's adventures. Life is full of scents and joy, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI: Standard no. 131, Group 6 Scent hounds, Section 1.2 Medium-sized hounds, with working trial.3
Swedish Kennel Club: Recognised 1907.3
UKC: Recognised 2006.1

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

1 cooking pumpkin
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

1 egg
170g boiled chicken breast
100g cooked plain rice
60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Schillerstövare, and at what times?

Feed your Schillerstövare at least two meals a day for an adult, and three to four smaller meals for a puppy. Regular meal times help their digestion, and you can adjust based on your daily routine.3 5 Pet Wiki plan

What should a Schillerstövare eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food suitable for an active hound. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts; always check with your vet for a safe diet.3 6 Pet Wiki plan

How often should I bathe a Schillerstövare?

Bathing every eight weeks is a good starting plan, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty. Use a gentle dog shampoo to keep their harsh coat healthy.3 7 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Schillerstövare need brushing?

Brush your Schillerstövare weekly to keep their short, harsh coat in good condition. This helps remove loose hair and keeps them looking neat.3 7 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Schillerstövare's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every four weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time and stop before the quick to avoid pain.3 7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Schillerstövare need?

This active hound needs plenty of daily exercise and scent-based activity, like long walks and play. They were bred to hunt over long distances, so a tired dog is a happy dog.3 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Schillerstövare's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog-safe toothpaste, and check ears weekly since floppy ears trap moisture. Never push anything into the ear canal.3 7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Schillerstövare live?

The lifespan varies, but with good care they often live into their early teens. Your vet can give you more specific guidance based on your dog's health.

Is a Schillerstövare good with children and other pets?

They are alert and lively, and can be good with children if raised together, but they were bred to hunt alone. Early socialization helps, and always supervise interactions.3 2

Can a Schillerstövare be left alone?

This hound is happiest with an active owner and a purpose, so they may not enjoy long periods alone. Provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, and consult a good breeder for tips.3

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.