Smalandsstovare

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Breed Details

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Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Smalandsstovare is the oldest and smallest scenthound breed native to Sweden. Also known as Smaland Hound, this small to medium size dog originated in 16th century. Origination of this dog took place during Swedish Empire when soldiers returned home from great wars (1611-1718), bringing with them Polish, German, English and Baltic hounds which were crossed with local Spitz type farm dogs. The resulting litters became the foundation for Smalandsstovare.

This noble looking breed is a remarkable hunter of both furred and feathered game but its specialty lies in fox and hare hunting. This versatile and tireless hunter works alone and is undaunted by harsh weather and difficult terrain. Lively and tenacious when hunting, this adaptable breed makes a very calm and obedient family companion when it is with its human family.

The Smalandsstovare is a small to medium size dog with height and weight between 18-21 inches and 33-44 lbs respectively. It comes with a cobby yet compact body. The lean skull broadens between ears. Well developed muzzle with a straight nose bridge leads to black nose with wide nostrils. Dark brown eyes have calm expression. Moderate length ears are set high and hang down flat. Long and powerful neck blends smoothly into shoulders. This breed has a square body that comes with well developed chest having well sprung ribs, short and powerful back and slightly arched and muscular loin. The belly is slightly tucked up. Long tail is carried straight or slightly curved. Medium length, harsh and close-fitting coat has a well developed undercoat. It comes in black and tan colouring with or without white markings on chest and toes.

The Smalandsstovare breed is NOT recognized by AKC however it is recognized by FCI and UKC.

Color

This dog comes in black and tan coloring. Small white markings may be present on chest and toes.

Coat

The Smalandsstovare has a double coat. Medium length topcoat is harsh and close-fitting. It is slightly longer under the tail and on the backs of the thighs. This dog has a well developed undercoat.

Personality

The Smalandsstovare is not only a remarkable dog, one that is an automatic choice for most Swedish hunters, it is also a great companion and family pet with its loving, gentle and protective nature. While the dog performs its hunting duties with high energy and stamina, being a tireless hunter that can go on and on until its master calls it a day, it is calm and laid back when in the company of its human family. This dog loves children and gets along well with them. Instinctively reserved and suspicious of strangers, this dog is also territorial and makes an excellent watch and guard dog. This breed is obedient and forms strong bond with its family but needs a firm and confident owner due to its sometimes stubborn behavior that will be manifested when the dog has picked up an interesting scent. The Smalandsstovare can get along well with other dogs and pets if it is raised with them. Early socialization and obedience training is must for this breed.

Care

The short coat of this breed needs only once or twice a week brushing to keep the coat clean. Bathing should be done when necessary. Ears should be checked regularly for infection.

Training

This is an intelligent breed that can learn to perform impressive tricks but it does need a confident and strong trainer who can take time to train this dog through positive and consistent training methods. Obedience training is of utmost importance to make this dog a well rounded obedient family pet.

Activity

Though this dog is relatively laid back and calm when it is around its family, it does have high energy levels that need to be addressed through lots of exercise. Not a breed for apartment lifestyle, the Smalandsstovare would need atleast a yard to play and run though ideal setting would be in a rural or suburban area. Daily walking alone will not fulfill all the exercise needs of this dog. The dog enjoys the outdoors playing fetch with the kids, jogging and hiking with the master.