Hamiltonstövare — breed guide
Sweden's hound, bred by the founder of the Swedish Kennel Club to hunt hare and fox alone rather than in a pack.
At a glance
- Group
- hound
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 23–27 kg (51–60 lb)
- Life span
- 12–14 years
- Coat
- Short, close, weatherproof tricolour coat
Living with a Hamiltonstövare
- High energy — needs real exercise every day, not a stroll.
- Light grooming — a brush now and then.
- Moderate shedding.
- Trainable with consistency.
- Barks readily.
- 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
Even · Friendly · Hardy · Independent on scent
Health to watch
- Hip dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Ear infections
Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.
Questions people ask
Is a Hamiltonstövare good with kids?
Generally yes. Hamiltonstövares are usually good with children when raised with them and given their own quiet space.
Is a Hamiltonstövare 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 Hamiltonstövare need?
An hour or more of proper exercise every day.
Can a Hamiltonstövare handle hot weather?
About average — use normal hot-day sense.
Leash Life keeps a Hamiltonstövare'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.