Hamiltonstovare
Complete Breed Guide
"Follow my tail to the trail!"
Quick Facts About Hamiltonstovares
Hound
40–75 lbs
19–24"
No
Overview
With a history dating back hundreds of years, Hamiltonstövares are the most popular hounds in Sweden. They were bred for tracking small, quick animals like fox and hare. These happy-go-lucky hounds are pretty handsome and look like very tall Beagles. Friendly and playful, you really couldn’t find a better family pet!
The most popular hounds in Sweden, the Hamiltonstövares’ history goes back hundreds of years but was first officially recognized in the early 1900s. They are named after Count A.P. Hamilton, who created the breed and the Swedish Kennel Club. Hamiltonstövares were bred for their fine noses, which help them track small, swift animals like fox and hare. These foxhounds look like Beagles with very long legs. They sure are a handsome bunch! Hamiltonstövares are also loving family dogs and make sweet, patient companions for children. These playful goofballs always bring a lot of laughs along with them!
Temperament and Behavior
These happy, handsome dogs love being around people – especially their family! Hamiltonstövares are affectionate, friendly dogs and don’t waver a bit meeting new people and pooches. When on the trail of a good scent, these dogs tend to listen to their nose first and their owners second. Firm, consistent training and handling can help them hear you again.
Coat & Grooming
Hamiltonstövares are good-looking dogs, and it doesn’t take much to keep them looking that way. As with all hound breeds with drop ears, check them regularly for ticks and potential signs of infection. Wiping the inside of their ears with a cotton ball and a vet-approved solution is also a good idea. Hamiltonstövares are light shedders. A monthly bath and weekly brushing can help reduce hair found around the house.
Lifestyle & Living Conditions
With adequate exercise, Hamiltonstövares are pretty easy-going and can live in most settings. They do, however, love a good backyard. Outside your fenced yard, be sure to keep them on a leash, as they tend to follow their nose anywhere it goes. Hamiltonstövares were bred for hunting small critters, so where they do well making friends with large dogs, be sure to keep an eye on them around your smaller pets. Hamiltonstövares truly do make wonderful family companions and get an A+ around children.
Exercise & Activity
As with many scent hounds, Hamiltonstövares have extra endurance, athleticism, and energy. They need to work up a sweat every day to maintain their even-mannered attitude. Two hours of aerobic exercise should do the trick. For example, hop on your bicycle and have them race alongside you. Be sure to keep them on a leash, though, in case a good scent catches their nose!
Characteristics at-a-glance
Ratings are on a scale of 1–10, based on breed standards and typical temperament.
Hamiltonstovare FAQs
Common questions about the Hamiltonstovare breed, answered by our editorial team.
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