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.32
how to spot oneSchillerstövare coat and colours
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.32
Comes intan with a clearly defined black mantlesmall white marks on chest and toes allowed3
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
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
how busy a day looksSchillerstövare exercise needs
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
who they like aroundSchillerstövare with people and other pets
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 hands-on bitsSchillerstövare grooming and care
The short, harsh coat is easy to keep: a regular brush-over is enough.32
the things everyone asksOwner questions
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.34
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.35
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.36
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.36
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.36
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
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.36
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.32
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.
per year, in your countryWhat a Schillerstövare costs
Running costs for a Schillerstövare, 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.
by countryIs the Schillerstövare legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Schillerstövare in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
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
for the dinner tableFun facts
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
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
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 1907.7
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.
where it all beganSchillerstövare history
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 1907.31
Hamiltonstövare
Smaland Hound
Harrier
Schweizer Laufhund