Drever — breed guide
Sweden's short-legged deer hound — bred to push deer slowly toward a standing hunter rather than run them down.
At a glance
- Group
- hound
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 14–16 kg (31–35 lb)
- Life span
- 12–15 years
- Coat
- Short, close, harsh coat
Living with a Drever
- High energy — needs real exercise every day, not a stroll.
- Almost no grooming.
- Moderate shedding.
- Trainable with consistency.
- Very vocal.
- Good with children.
- Gets along with other dogs.
- Can live with a cat, with a slow introduction and an escape route for the cat.
- Not well suited to a flat — space, exercise need or voice works against it.
- A reasonable choice for a first-time owner.
- Average heat tolerance.
- Built for cold weather.
Temperament
Steady · Friendly · Persistent · Loud
Health to watch
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Ear infections
- Obesity
Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.
Questions people ask
Is a Drever good with kids?
Generally yes. Drevers are usually good with children when raised with them and given their own quiet space.
Is a Drever good with cats?
It can work, with management. Introduce them gradually, feed them apart, and make sure the cat has vertical space the dog cannot reach. Plan to manage it rather than assume it.
How much exercise does a Drever need?
An hour or more of proper exercise every day.
Can a Drever handle hot weather?
About average — use normal hot-day sense.
Leash Life keeps a Drever's day — walks, meals, meds, weight — in one shared feed for the whole household, and warns on the walk weather this breed can't take. Free to start.