black and white smalandsstovare adult

Smålandsstövare

These elegant Swedish hounds are strong and sturdy but lacking any heaviness. Smålandsstövare are calm, gentle, loyal and attentive.

About the Smålandsstövare

The breed is a hardy, versatile hound with a good tongue and is mainly used for hunting foxes and hares. It has also traditionally been used for different small game, but never deer.

The province of Småland was home to a large variety of dogs in the 19th century. Some of them had German, Polish and Baltic origins, having arrived in Sweden with soldiers returning from one of the many wars that ravaged Europe in the 17th century. These hunting dogs were crossed with local spitz-type farm dogs and English hounds.

Source: key facts and characteristics sourced from Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)

Breed specifics

Country
Sweden
Group
FCI Group 6
Size category
Medium
Avg life expectancy
12–15 years

Loving / Calm / Friendly / Intelligent / Obedient

Key facts

  • Requires minimal grooming
  • Needs a lot of exercise
  • Makes a great watchdog

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