Smalandstövare Dog Breed Information, Puppies & Breeders

Are you considering adding a Smalandstövare breed dog to your family? If so, you are in for a loyal and loving companion that is full of energy and enthusiasm. Smalandstövares are a medium-sized breed that originated in Sweden and are known for their excellent hunting skills. They are also great family dogs that are friendly, playful, and affectionate. If you are looking for a dog that can keep up with your active lifestyle and provide you with endless love and companionship, the Smalandstövare may be the perfect breed for you.

Breed Category: Hound
Country of Origin: Sweden
Average Size:45-50 cm
Average Weight:16-20 kg
Average Life Span: 12-14 years
Grooming Requirements: Low
Exercise Requirements:High

History and Origin

The Smalandstövare is a breed of dog that originated in the Småland region of Sweden. The breed is known for its hunting abilities, particularly in tracking and retrieving game. The Smalandstövare is a medium-sized dog that is muscular and agile, with a short, dense coat that is typically black and tan in color. The breed is also known for its intelligence and loyalty, making it a popular choice for hunting and as a family pet.

The history of the Smalandstövare can be traced back to the 16th century, when hunting was a popular pastime in Sweden. The breed was developed by crossing various local hunting dogs, including the Dunker, the Hamiltonstövare, and the Schillerstövare. The goal was to create a dog that was well-suited for hunting in the rugged terrain of Småland, which is known for its dense forests and rocky hillsides.

Over time, the Smalandstövare became a popular breed among hunters in Sweden, and it was recognized by the Swedish Kennel Club in 1921. The breed was also exported to other countries, including the United Kingdom, where it gained a following among hunters and dog enthusiasts. Today, the Smalandstövare is still primarily used for hunting, but it is also kept as a companion animal in many parts of the world.

One of the defining characteristics of the Smalandstövare is its strong sense of smell. The breed is known for its ability to track game over long distances, and it is often used to hunt small game such as rabbits and hares. The Smalandstövare is also a skilled retriever, and it is often used to retrieve birds that have been shot by hunters.

In addition to its hunting abilities, the Smalandstövare is also known for its intelligence and trainability. The breed is quick to learn new commands and is eager to please its owner. This makes it a popular choice for obedience training and other dog sports, such as agility and flyball.

Despite its popularity among hunters and dog enthusiasts, the Smalandstövare remains a relatively rare breed. This is due in part to its specialized hunting abilities, which make it less suitable as a general-purpose dog. However, for those who appreciate

Size and Breed Category

The Smalandstövare is a medium-sized breed of dog that originated in Sweden. They are classified as a hound and were originally bred for hunting small game such as hare and fox. The breed is known for its strong sense of smell and excellent tracking abilities. They have a muscular build and a short, dense coat that comes in shades of black, tan, and brown. The breed is known for its endurance and agility, making them well-suited for hunting in rough terrain.

In terms of size, the Smalandstövare typically stands between 45-50cm at the shoulder and weighs between 16-20kg. They have a square-shaped head with a strong jaw and a long, straight muzzle. Their ears are medium-sized and hang down close to their head. The breed is known for its friendly and loyal nature, making them a popular choice as a family pet. However, due to their hunting instincts, they may not be suitable for households with small pets such as cats or rabbits. Overall, the Smalandstövare is a versatile breed that excels in both hunting and companionship.

Fur Length and Colour

The fur of this breed is typically short and dense, providing excellent protection against the harsh weather conditions of its native Sweden. The fur is also water-resistant, making it ideal for hunting in wet environments. The fur colour can vary, but the most common colours are black and tan, with some dogs having white markings on their chest and feet. The black fur can range from a deep, glossy black to a lighter shade with a brownish tint. The tan fur is usually a rich, warm colour, and can be found on the dog’s face, legs, and underbelly. The combination of black and tan fur creates a striking contrast that is both beautiful and functional.

In addition to the black and tan colouring, some Smalandstövare can also have a reddish-brown fur. This colour is less common but equally stunning. The reddish-brown fur can be found on the dog’s face, ears, and legs, and is often accompanied by white markings on the chest and feet. The fur is still short and dense, providing the same protection against the elements as the black and tan fur. The combination of reddish-brown and white markings creates a unique and eye-catching appearance that is sure to turn heads. Overall, the fur of the Smalandstövare is not only beautiful but also functional, providing the dog with the protection it needs to thrive in its native environment.

Termperament and Trainability

Smalandstövare is a breed of dog that is known for its high energy and lively temperament. They are very active and require a lot of exercise to keep them happy and healthy. They are also very intelligent and have a strong desire to please their owners, which makes them highly trainable. They are quick learners and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods. However, they can be stubborn at times and may require a firm and consistent approach to training. Overall, Smalandstövare is a breed that is well-suited for active families who are willing to provide them with plenty of exercise and training opportunities.

In terms of temperament, Smalandstövare is known for being friendly and affectionate towards their owners. They are also very social and enjoy being around people and other dogs. However, they can be wary of strangers and may require proper socialization to prevent any aggressive behavior. They are also known for being vocal and may bark excessively if not properly trained. As for trainability, Smalandstövare is a breed that requires a lot of mental stimulation to keep them engaged. They excel in activities such as agility, obedience, and tracking. They are also known for their strong hunting instincts and may require additional training to prevent them from chasing after small animals. Overall, Smalandstövare is a breed that requires a lot of attention and training, but they make great companions for active families who are willing to put in the effort.

Known Health Conditions

Smalandstövare is a breed of dog that is known to be prone to certain health conditions. One of the most common health issues that affect this breed is hip dysplasia. This condition occurs when the hip joint does not develop properly, leading to pain and discomfort in the affected dog. Smalandstövare with hip dysplasia may experience difficulty walking, running, or jumping, and may also develop arthritis as they age. To prevent this condition, it is important to ensure that Smalandstövare puppies come from parents with healthy hips, and to provide them with a balanced diet and regular exercise throughout their lives.

Another health condition that can affect Smalandstövare is progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). This is a genetic condition that causes the retina to degenerate over time, leading to vision loss and eventual blindness. Smalandstövare with PRA may initially show signs of night blindness, and may eventually lose their vision completely. Unfortunately, there is no cure for PRA, but affected dogs can still lead happy and fulfilling lives with the help of their owners. To prevent this condition, it is important to only breed Smalandstövare with healthy eyes, and to have regular eye exams done on all breeding dogs.

Openness to Strangers

The Smalandstövare is a breed of dog that is known for its friendly and welcoming nature towards strangers. This breed is often described as being very sociable and outgoing, making them a great choice for families or individuals who enjoy having guests over. They are not typically shy or reserved around new people, and will often approach strangers with a wagging tail and a friendly demeanor. This openness to strangers is a trait that is highly valued by many owners of Smalandstövares, as it makes them great companions for social events and gatherings.

In addition to their friendly nature, Smalandstövares are also known for being very curious and inquisitive. They are often eager to explore new environments and meet new people, which can make them great travel companions. This breed is also known for being very adaptable, and can easily adjust to new situations and environments. Whether they are meeting new people in a bustling city or exploring a quiet countryside, Smalandstövares are always eager to learn and experience new things. Their openness to strangers and new experiences is a trait that makes them a beloved breed among many dog owners.

Playfulness Level

The Smalandstövare is a highly energetic and playful breed of dog that loves to be active. They are known for their love of play and their ability to keep up with their owners during long walks or runs. This breed is highly intelligent and requires plenty of mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. They are known for their love of games and will often invent their own games to play with their owners. The Smalandstövare is a great choice for families with children as they are very patient and gentle with kids. They are also great with other dogs and pets, making them a great addition to any household.

The Smalandstövare is a breed that loves to have fun and is always up for a game. They are highly active and require plenty of exercise to keep them happy and healthy. This breed is known for their love of play and their ability to keep up with their owners during long walks or runs. They are highly intelligent and require plenty of mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. The Smalandstövare is a great choice for families with children as they are very patient and gentle with kids. They are also great with other dogs and pets, making them a great addition to any household.

Suitability as a Pet for Children

Smalandstövare is a medium-sized dog breed that originated in Sweden. They have a friendly and playful nature, making them a great pet for children. Their high energy levels mean they require regular exercise and playtime, which can be a fun activity for kids to participate in. Smalandstövare are also known for their intelligence and trainability, making them easy to teach new tricks and commands. However, they do have a strong prey drive and may chase after small animals, so it’s important to supervise them around other pets. Overall, Smalandstövare can make a wonderful addition to a family with children who are willing to provide them with the exercise and attention they need.

Exercise Needs

Smalandstövare is a breed that requires a moderate amount of exercise to maintain their physical and mental health. They are a highly active breed that enjoys running, playing, and exploring. A daily walk of at least 30 minutes is necessary to keep them happy and healthy. Additionally, they enjoy participating in various activities such as hiking, jogging, and swimming. These activities not only provide them with physical exercise but also mental stimulation, which is essential for their well-being. It is important to note that Smalandstövare is a breed that can become destructive if they do not receive enough exercise and mental stimulation. Therefore, it is crucial to provide them with enough physical and mental activities to keep them happy and healthy.

In addition to physical exercise, Smalandstövare also requires mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They are an intelligent breed that enjoys learning new things and participating in various activities. Training sessions, puzzle toys, and interactive games are excellent ways to provide them with mental stimulation. These activities not only keep them mentally stimulated but also strengthen the bond between the dog and their owner. It is important to note that Smalandstövare is a breed that thrives on human interaction and attention. Therefore, it is crucial to spend quality time with them and provide them with enough mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.

Suitability for a Multi-Pet Family

Smalandstövare have a reputation for being friendly towards other pets in the household. They are known to be sociable and enjoy the company of other animals. However, as with any breed, it is important to introduce them to other pets slowly and carefully to ensure a positive relationship. It is also important to supervise interactions between pets to prevent any potential conflicts. Overall, Smalandstövare can coexist peacefully with other pets if introduced properly.

Housing Requirements

Smalandstövare dogs require a living space that is large enough for them to move around freely. They are active dogs that need plenty of exercise, so a house with a garden or access to a park is ideal. The garden should be securely fenced to prevent the dog from escaping. Smalandstövare dogs are known for their love of digging, so it is important to provide them with a designated digging area to prevent them from ruining the garden. The living space should also be well-ventilated and have plenty of natural light. A comfortable bed or crate should be provided for the dog to rest in.

In terms of feeding, Smalandstövare dogs require a balanced diet that is appropriate for their age and activity level. They should be fed twice a day, with the amount of food depending on their weight and energy requirements. Fresh water should be available at all times. Smalandstövare dogs are prone to obesity, so it is important to monitor their weight and adjust their diet accordingly. Regular visits to the vet are also important to ensure the dog’s health and wellbeing.

Summary

The Smalandstövare has a lively and energetic personality, making them a great companion for active individuals or families. They are known for their intelligence and trainability, making them suitable for a variety of activities such as hunting, agility, and obedience training. However, their high energy levels and need for regular exercise may not be suitable for those with a more sedentary lifestyle. Overall, the Smalandstövare can make a great pet for the right owner who is willing to provide them with the exercise and mental stimulation they require.

Smalandstövare Dog FAQS