Is the Drever Dog Right For You?

 

Let Me Tell You About the Drever Dog Breed

The Drever is a charming and versatile dog breed from Sweden, known for its hunting prowess and affectionate nature. Here's a detailed look at this unique breed:

🐾 Overview

• Origin: Sweden

• Breed Group: Hound (specifically a scenthound)

• Size: Small to medium

• Height: 11–16 inches (28–40 cm)

• Weight: 32–34 pounds (14–16 kg)

• Lifespan: 12–15 years

🐕 Appearance

• Body: Long and low to the ground, with short legs—traits inherited from the Westphalian Dachsbracke, a German hound ancestor

• Coat: Short, dense, and weather-resistant; slightly longer on the back, neck, and rump

• Colors: Tri-color, red and white, fawn and white, black and white

• Face: Expressive with dark eyes and floppy ears

• Tail: Long and often wagging slightly, even when at rest

🧠 Temperament & Personality

• Disposition: Alert, even-tempered, friendly, and self-assured

• Family Life: Affectionate and playful; good with children and other pets

• Social Traits: Sociable and loyal; tends to bark when alerting or playing

• Trainability: Moderate—intelligent but may have an independent streak

🏃‍♂️ Activity & Exercise

• Energy Level: High; needs daily walks and playtime

• Hunting Instincts: Excellent tracker with a strong nose; used for deer, hare, fox, and even wild boar

• Ideal Environment: Adaptable to apartments but thrives with outdoor activity

🩺 Health & Care

• Grooming: Low maintenance; regular brushing and occasional rubdowns

• Health Issues: Generally healthy, but may be prone to:

  • Intervertebral disc disease

  • Otitis externa (ear infections)

  • Entropion (eyelid condition)

🌍 Popularity & Recognition

• Most Popular In: Sweden, Finland, Norway, and parts of Canada

• Recognition: Recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) and listed in the AKC's Foundation Stock Service

The Drever is a fantastic blend of working dog grit and family-friendly charm. If you're looking for a loyal companion with a nose for adventure, this Swedish scenthound might just be your match

Breed Standard

Here’s a detailed summary of the Drever breed standard, based on official sources like the United Kennel Club (UKC) and American Kennel Club (AKC):

🐕 General Appearance

• Build: Robust, strong, rectangular body with short legs

• Carriage: Proud and agile, with well-developed muscles

• Sex Characteristics: Clearly defined between males and females

🧠 Temperament

• Disposition: Keen, even-tempered, never aggressive or shy

• Behavior: Alert and self-possessed, with an affable nature

🐶 Head

• Size: Large in proportion to the body

• Skull: Slightly arched with minimal stop

• Muzzle: Strong and equal in length to the skull; straight or slightly convex bridge

• Nose: Black with open nostrils (flesh-colored nose is a fault)

• Eyes: Dark brown, expressive, tight-fitting rims (light or blue eyes are faults)

• Ears: Medium-long, broad, set low, hanging close to cheeks, rounded tips

🦴 Body Structure

• Neck: Powerful and fairly long, no dewlap

• Chest: Oval, well-developed, reaching below the elbow

• Topline: Level with a strong, arched loin

• Croup: Long, broad, slightly sloping

• Prosternum: Prominent

🐾 Limbs

• Forequarters: Long, broad, muscular shoulders; straight legs with strong bone

• Pasterns: Slightly sloping and springy

• Feet: Should not turn in or out (crooked legs are serious faults)

🐕‍🦺 Coat & Colors

• Coat: Short, dense, weather-resistant

• Colors: Fawn, brindle, red, tri-colored

• Markings: White markings are common; all-white is discouraged due to deafness risk

❌ Disqualifications

• Pronounced overshot or undershot bite

• Blue eyes

• Crooked legs or feet turning in/out

Origin

The Drever is a Swedish dog breed with a fascinating origin rooted in both German and Scandinavian hunting traditions. Here's a breakdown of its history:

🇸🇪 Origins in Sweden

• Early 1900s: The Drever's ancestors, the Westphalian Dachsbracke, were imported from Germany to Sweden around 1910. These were short-legged scenthounds used for tracking deer.

• Adaptation: Swedish hunters crossbred the Dachsbracke with other local hounds to better suit Sweden’s terrain and game, especially roe deer, which require slow-moving dogs in snowy conditions.

🐾 Naming & Recognition

• 1947: A national newspaper contest in Sweden chose the name “Drever,” derived from the Swedish word drev, referring to a type of hunt where dogs drive game toward hunters.

• Breed Status: That same year, the Swedish Kennel Club officially recognized the Drever as a distinct breed.

🌍 International Recognition

• Canada: Recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club in 1956

• United States: Recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1996 and listed in the AKC’s Foundation Stock Service

• Europe: Recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in Group 6 (Scenthounds)

🦌 Purpose & Use

• Bred primarily for hunting deer, hare, fox, and wild boar

• Valued for its stamina, slow tracking pace, and ability to work in snowy, rugged terrain

The Drever is still primarily used as a hunting dog in Sweden and neighboring countries, though it’s gaining popularity as a companion breed in North America.

Living with a Drever Dog

Living with a Drever is a rewarding experience—especially if you enjoy an active lifestyle and want a loyal, spirited companion. Here's what it's really like to share your home with one:

🧠 Personality & Temperament

• Friendly & Sociable: Drevers are affectionate and bond closely with their families. They’re great with kids and usually get along well with other pets.

• Independent Thinkers: As scent hounds, they have a strong instinct to follow their nose. This can make them a bit stubborn, so early training and consistent boundaries are key.

• Alert but Calm: They make excellent watchdogs without being overly vocal or anxious.

🏃‍♂️ Exercise & Activity

• High Energy: Drevers need at least an hour of exercise daily—walks, playtime, or scent games are ideal.

• Mental Stimulation: Puzzle toys, tracking games, and varied environments help prevent boredom and behavioral issues.

• Outdoor Adventures: They thrive in homes with access to secure outdoor spaces, but can adapt to apartment living if their exercise needs are met.

🐾 Training & Socialization

• Trainability: Intelligent but independent. Positive reinforcement works best, and early socialization helps them become well-rounded adults.

• Recall Challenges: Their strong prey drive means they may not always come when called—especially if they catch a scent.

🩺 Health & Grooming

• Generally Healthy: Lifespan is 12–15 years. Common issues include hip dysplasia, ear infections, and back strain if overweight.

• Low Maintenance: Weekly brushing and occasional baths are enough. Their short coat sheds minimally.

• Diet: A protein-rich diet supports their stamina and muscle tone, especially during active seasons.

🏡 Ideal Home

• Best For: Active individuals or families who enjoy outdoor activities and can commit to regular exercise and training.

• Not Ideal For: Sedentary households or those looking for a low-energy lap dog.

References: www.akc.org, www.dogbreedslist.info, www.dogtime.com, www.en.wikipedia.org, www.dogbreedpro.com