Hamiltonstövare

The Hamiltonstövare is a Swedish scent hound in the tricolour foxhound pattern — bred to hunt alone rather than in a pack, which is unusual for its type.

History

It was created in the late nineteenth century by Adolf Patrick Hamilton, the founder of the Swedish Kennel Club, from English foxhounds and German hounds. Swedish hunting law and terrain favour a single dog working a hare and driving it back towards the gun, so the breed was built for solitary work.

Temperament

The breed is known for being even-tempered, affectionate and calm indoors, with the hound's stamina and single-mindedness once it is working. It is sociable and not a guard dog.

Care and training

It needs a great deal of exercise and secure fencing, and recall is the perpetual challenge of a scent hound. The short coat is easy to keep.

Health

Generally robust, with hip dysplasia and ear infections among the known tendencies. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.