Overview
The Drever is a sturdy Swedish hound built low to the ground, with a long body and short legs that are never exaggerated. It was developed as a practical hunting partner for the forests of northern Europe.
In Sweden it is kept mostly as a hunting hound rather than a family pet, though it has found some fans abroad as a rare companion breed.
History
The Drever descends from the Westphalian Dachsbracke, a small German tracking hound brought to Sweden around 1910 and crossed with other hounds to suit Swedish terrain and game. By the 1940s two sizes had emerged, and a newspaper contest in 1947 chose the name Drever for the slightly larger one, taken from the Swedish word for a drive hunt.
The Swedish Kennel Club recognised it that same year. It is now listed by the FCI among the small scenthounds, and by the Canadian and United Kennel Clubs.
Appearance
The Drever has a long, strong body on short legs, a long tail and the typical hanging ears of a hound. It stands up to about 38 cm at the withers, a little taller than its Westphalian cousin.
The coat is short and may be any colour as long as there are white markings; an all-white dog is not wanted, as it has been linked to deafness.
Temperament
A Drever is a determined, patient worker with a good nose and a lot of stamina. It tends to move at a steady pace, which suits the nervous roe deer it was bred to follow.
At home it is generally calm and affectionate with its people, though like most hounds it can be independent and easily led off by an interesting scent.
Care and exercise
This is an active hound that needs daily exercise and plenty of time to sniff and explore, ideally in secure areas where it cannot follow a trail out of sight. It does best with a job or a very active household.
The short coat needs only occasional brushing. Check and clean the drop ears regularly.
Health
A 2005 Swedish insurance study found that 45 percent of Drevers had died by the age of 10, compared with 35 percent of dogs overall. Long-backed dogs should be kept lean and not made to jump from heights.
