Smaland Hound
Smaland Hound | |||||||||||||||
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Other names | Smålandsstövare | ||||||||||||||
Origin | Sweden | ||||||||||||||
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Dog ( domestic dog ) |
Smaland Hound (Swedish: Smålandsstövare) is a breed of dog that originated in Sweden in the 16th century. Thought to be the oldest scent hound breed native to Sweden, it was first recognized by the Swedish Kennel Club in 1921. They are the smallest of the Swedish hound breeds, and have black and tan markings similar to the rottweiler. Internationally, it is recognized by a number of kennel clubs and registries including the Fédération Cynologique Internationale and United Kennel Club. It is considered rare, even in its native Sweden where only around sixty puppies are registered each year.
History
The breed has existed in Sweden since the 16th century.[1] The name originated from the breed's links with Småland in southern Sweden. During the time of the Swedish Empire a number of wars were fought, with soldiers returning to their native country bringing a variety of hound breeds with them.[2] These hounds were bred with local spitz type dogs, and the offspring became the foundation stock of the modern Smålandsstövare.[1]
Farmers in Sweden preferred an all around hunting dog as they could often only afford to feed a single hunting dog,
The breed was first recognized by the
Outside of Sweden, it is recognized by the American Rare Breed Association,[5] Continental Kennel Club,[6] and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale.[4] The United Kennel Club recognized the breed as the Smaland Hound in 2006.[7]
Description
Often confused with the Rottweiler breed due to common coat coloring, the Smålandsstövare is the oldest scent hound breed native to Sweden.[1] They have a medium length top coat with a shorter, dense undercoat; longer hair grows on the fringed tail and thighs. The most common coloring of the breed is a mostly black coat with tan markings, although the markings can range in color from shades of amber to a reddish brown.[1]
They have a tough, robust body which is compact and almost square in shape. It is the smallest of the Swedish hounds,[8] on average they measure between 16–21 inches (41–53 cm) at the withers with males being slightly larger than females. Average weight is around 33–44 pounds (15–20 kg) for both genders.[1] The Smålandsstövare has a natural bobtail due to this being specifically bred into the breed, and a typical member of the breed should be well muscled in proportion throughout.[1]
The facial features include wide nostrils on a black nose, the jaw closes in a scissors bite and the eyes are typically dark brown. The skull itself is lean with a well defined stop. The ears have rounded tips, and are set fairly high on the skull, hanging flat down the sides.[1]
Temperament
A popular Swedish hunting dog, members of the breed can form strong attachments to their master; but are also seen as household pets due to their gentle and protective nature.[1] In hunting, they are used to drive the quarry for the hunter.[8] They are a highly intelligent breed, and require a high level of exercise. They therefore are not best suited to living in a small apartment. Smålandsstövare are wary of strangers and can be territorial, but this can also make a Smålandsstövare a good watchdog.[1] Participation in field trials for Smålandsstövares are becoming increasingly common.[3] They remain active up until around twelve years old.[8]
Health
The Swedish breed club for the Smålandsstövare commissioned genetic tests on a number of dogs between 1994 and 2008. The tests showed that there were no specific health issues unique to the breed, nor any major generic issues. They recommended that where rare health issues present themselves, that the dog involved should not be bred from in order to prevent that health issue from spreading through the breed.[9] They have an average life expectancy of twelve to fifteen years.[1]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "Smålandsstövare Information". Sarah's Dogs. Retrieved 19 May 2011.
- ^ a b c d "Sveriges hundraser" (PDF). Svenska Kennelklubben. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 September 2011. Retrieved 20 May 2011.
- ^ a b c "Historik över Smålandsstövaren" (in Swedish). Svenska Smålandsstövareföreningan. Archived from the original on 18 April 2013. Retrieved 19 May 2011.
- ^ a b c d "Smålandsstövare". Fédération Cynologique Internationale. Archived from the original (DOC) on 5 November 2010. Retrieved 19 May 2011.
- ^ "Smålandsstövare". American Rare Breed Association. Archived from the original on 26 September 2011. Retrieved 19 May 2011.
- ^ "Smalandsstovare". Continental Kennel Club. Retrieved 19 May 2011.
- ^ "Smaland Hound (Revised July 1, 2009)". United Kennel Club. Archived from the original on 4 January 2011. Retrieved 19 May 2011.
- ^ a b c "Smålandsstövare" (in Swedish). Svenska Jagareforbundet. Archived from the original on 21 November 2011. Retrieved 19 May 2011.
- ^ "Avel med smålandsstövare åren 1994 - 2008" (in Swedish). Svenska Smålandsstövareföreningan. Archived from the original (DOC) on 26 August 2010. Retrieved 19 May 2011.
External links
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