Drever
🧠 Temperament & character
The Drever is even-tempered, attentive and friendly – a sociable pack dog with a calm, affectionate nature. It has a fine nose, plenty of stamina and works persistently and reliably on the trail. With children and other dogs it usually gets on well, but its hunting drive remains clearly present. In the house it is calm and even-tempered, but outdoors a passionate hunter that needs plenty of nose work.
📜 Origin & history
The Drever emerged in Sweden from the Westphalian Dachsbracke, which was imported from Germany at the beginning of the 20th century. A short-legged, enduring hound was specifically bred that drives the game slowly and steadily so that the hunter gets it in front of the gun. In 1947 the breed received its present name 'Drever' through a competition. In Sweden it remains a very popular hunting dog to this day, but outside Scandinavia it is rare.
✂️ Grooming, care & training
The Drever's short, dense coat is weatherproof and very easy to care for; occasional brushing is enough. It needs regular, extensive exercise and above all plenty of nose work to be physically and mentally satisfied. Because of its long back, attention should be paid to a healthy weight and excessive jumping avoided. In training it is comparatively pleasant thanks to its even-tempered, cooperative nature, but follows its nose; the ears should be checked regularly.
🩺 Health
The Drever is mostly a robust, healthy breed with a life expectancy of about twelve to fourteen years. As with all long-backed, short-legged dogs, the spine is the most important weak point: disc problems can occur, which is why a healthy weight and back-friendly exercise are important. In addition, the drop ears should be checked regularly for inflammation. Responsible breeders pay attention to functional proportions, healthy backs and an even temperament.
🏡 Who is this breed right for?
The Drever suits active people and families who appreciate a compact, friendly hunting dog with a calm nature and can offer it enough exercise and nose work. Thanks to its size and its even-tempered character it also copes with a smaller home, provided it is kept busy. For very comfort-loving owners it is less ideal because of its hunting drive. In Switzerland it is rare and found above all among hunters; outdoors, securing and observing the leash rules are important because of its tracking drive.