Also called Smålandsstövare, Smalandsstovare · Sweden: the province of Småland
An even-tempered, good-natured hound that is devoted to its people and eager when working.
| Size | Medium |
|---|---|
| Height | 42 to 54 cm (17 to 21 in)males 46 to 54 cm, females 42 to 50 cm12 |
| Lifespan | 12 to 15 years3 |
| Coat | Medium-length harsh coat with dense soft undercoat |
| Origin | Sweden: the province of Småland412 |
| Group | FCI group 6 |
An even-tempered, good-natured hound that is devoted to its people and eager when working. It learns quickly, settles well into family life and reliably comes back to its owner after a hunt.123
medium-length harsh coat with dense soft undercoat
A sturdy, nearly square-built hound that manages to look a little elegant without being heavy. The weather-resistant outer coat lies close to the body over a thick, soft underlayer, and it is shorter and sleeker on the head, ears and front legs. The tail may be naturally long or naturally short and stumpy.12
A typical home-care rhythm for a Smaland Hound. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
High. Bred to follow hare and fox through forest for long stretches, so it needs plenty of daily exercise and ideally regular chances to use its nose outdoors.2
Best with an active household and access to the outdoors; the Swedish Kennel Club notes it does not suit being left alone in a kennel or apartment.2
A people-oriented dog that does well as a family companion when its working and exercise needs are met.23
The short, close coat is easy to keep; an occasional brush and a bath only when needed are usually enough.2
Adult Smaland Hounds do well with at least two meals a day, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. Follow the food label for amounts and check with your vet for a schedule that suits your dog's age and activity level.5
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and activity. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, so keep these well away from your hound.6
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty. The short coat only needs a bath when it's truly needed.2 Pet Wiki plan
A weekly brush is enough to keep the short, close coat in good condition. This helps remove loose hair and keeps the coat healthy.72 Pet Wiki plan
Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick, and ask your vet or a groomer to show you how if you're unsure.7 Pet Wiki plan
This breed has high exercise needs and thrives with daily walks and play, plus regular chances to use its nose outdoors. An active household with access to the outdoors is ideal.2 Pet Wiki plan
Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture or dirt, especially since floppy ears can trap moisture. Never push anything into the ear canal.7 Pet Wiki plan
The Smaland Hound typically lives between 12 and 15 years. With good care, regular vet check-ups, and a healthy lifestyle, they can enjoy a long life.3
Yes, this even-tempered, good-natured hound is devoted to its people and settles well into family life. It can be good with children and other pets when properly socialized, but always supervise interactions.123
This people-oriented dog does not suit being left alone for long periods, especially in a kennel or apartment. It's best for an active household where someone is home most of the time.2
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.
Running costs for a Smaland Hound, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
No breed-specific rule names the Smaland Hound in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
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
It is regarded as the oldest of Sweden's native scent hound breeds.3
Some dogs are born with a naturally short, stumpy tail, which the standard accepts alongside a full-length tail.1
Its black-and-tan colouring sometimes leads people to mistake it for a small Rottweiler.3
It drives game with a dense, varied bark and can keep hunting over several days in a row.2
It is uncommon even in its homeland, with only around sixty puppies registered each year by the Swedish Kennel Club.3
The breed name comes from the county of Småland in Sweden, where the breed originated. The Swedish name 'Smålandsstövare' combines 'Småland' with 'stövare', meaning hound.1
I woke to the scent of damp moss and bilberries. My human opened the door and I dashed into the forest, nose to the ground, tracking a hare's winding path. I came back when called, tail high. After a nap by the fire, we played fetch in the yard. At dusk, I curled beside my human, content and ready for tomorrow's adventure.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Småland had a wide mix of scent hounds in the 1800s, built from German, Polish and Baltic hounds that came home with Swedish soldiers and were blended with local farm dogs and English hounds. In the early 20th century breeders, notably Baron Frederik von Essen, worked to fix the type, favouring the naturally bobtailed dogs, and the Swedish Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1921.123
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
Text is written in our own words from these sources.
Hamiltonstövare
Schillerstövare
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