Smålandsstövare
🧠 Temperament & character
In temperament the Smålandsstövare is calm, balanced and pleasantly affectionate. On the trail he shows himself to be tough, brave and enduring, while in the house he is of uncomplicated composure. He bonds closely with his people and is comparatively easy to handle. His melodic voice on the trail and his fine sense of smell make him a passionate hunter.
📜 Origin & history
The roots of the Smålandsstövare reach far back into Swedish hunting history. In the forests of Småland, generations of frugal farm and hunting dogs shaped the breed. After deliberate breeding work it was officially recognised in 1921. Because the gene pool is still small to this day, responsible breeding is of particular importance.
✂️ Grooming, care & training
The Smålandsstövare's short, dense coat is easy to care for and needs only occasional brushing. As a hunting dog he needs plenty of exercise and, above all, the chance to follow his nose: long walks, tracking and search games keep him balanced. Mentally he is best challenged with scent tasks. He is easy to teach, but should learn a reliable recall early and consistently, as his prey drive is pronounced.
🩺 Health
The Smålandsstövare is considered a robust, inherently healthy breed with a life expectancy of around twelve to fifteen years. Notable breed-typical hereditary diseases are barely known. The greatest challenge lies in the small gene pool, which is why reputable breeders pay attention to the diversity and health of the parent animals. Anyone looking for a puppy should place value on well-considered matings and healthy breeding lines.
🏡 Who is this breed right for?
The Smålandsstövare is best suited to active, nature-loving people, ideally with an interest in hunting. He is little suited to a city apartment; a house with a garden and plenty of exercise in forest and field suits his nature. In Switzerland this rare scent hound finds a fitting home above all with hunters, but given good activity he can also be a calm family dog. Beginners should be aware of his prey drive and his need for exercise.