The Hamiltonstövare is a versatile Scenthound originating from Sweden. These dogs were first bred by a count! Count Count Adolf Hamilton that is. Hide your squirells and rabbits because this dog loves to give chase! People also know this dog by the name Hamilton Hound.
It’s a medium to large sized dog. This breed is a multi-purpose dog; they are hunters, shows dog and can be pet too. As a hound, they follow their nose wherever it goes and will not return for a good long while so needed a leash and fence are necessity to this breed.
Hamiltonstövare has an extremely high prey drive for both scent and sight. In the home, they are lazy and low maintenance. People can easily train this dog despite their stubbornness. They are also a good family dog for various reasons. because they are kid-friendly dogs. These are fairly healthy dogs and can live quite a long time if kept healthy!
The Hamiltonstovare History
The Hamiltonstövare a breed of dog, bred as a hunting hound. Breeders created the Hamiltonstövare by mixing German hounds with English foxhounds and Harriers. This dog was first shown in Sweden in 1921.
Where did the Hamiltonstovare Come From?
Late in the 1800s, Count Adolf Hamilton, the man who founded the Swedish Kennel Club, developed this breed. He used English Foxhounds, Harriers, and three now extinct breeds from Germany: the Curlandish Hound, Holsteiner Hound, and Heiderbracke. The Hamiltonstövare was first shown in Sweden in 1921. Most recently, Hamiltons have started to make an impact around the world outside of Sweden, though they are still very rare in the United States.
What Were They Bred For?
The Hamiltonstövare is a breed of dog, bred as a hunting hound. The breed was developed in Sweden by the founder of the Swedish Kennel Club, Count Adolf Hamilton. its ancestry includes several German hounds as well as English Foxhounds and Harriers. Breeders developed this breed to hunt as a solitary hunter or a pair. To this day, it still performs its original purpose in Sweden. The Hamiltonstövare have started to make an impact around the world outside of Sweden. They are still very rare in the United States.
AKC Org Breed Group: Foundation Stock Service (FSS)
Are They a Pure Breed?
Yes
Hamiltonstövare at a Glance
[table “Hamiltonstovare” not found /]Physical Traits
This is a strong and elegant dog. This is so because it’s tall, lean, with an upright posture. It has a rectangular head with longish shape. This dog has a fairly long muzzle that’s large and rectangular. It has long ears like you would expect for a hound.
Breed Standard
Hamiltonstövare Size
Height: 19-24 inches
Height measurements are always from the ground to the highest point of a dog’s shoulder blades. The highest point on a dogs shoulder-blades are known as the withers.
Weight
40-75 pounds
Grooming
These dogs are very easy to groom They have a short coat and yet they can tolerate a very cold climate! They requires little brushing although I’m sure they would enjoy it! Check their nails periodically and keep them trimmed when needed. Make sure to check their ears for any buildup of wax or debris.
Do They Drool?
No. Hamiltonstövare also do not drool.
Best Climate for the Hamiltonstovare
Prefers cold weather. The Hamilton can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
Temperament
Hamiltonstövare are sweet and friendly to all. It’s also a hardworking hunter. It loves being with a family or hunting. This dog loves to be active. It’s very open and enthusiastic to play and stimulation. It loves being around people and other animals. This dog will require a lot of stimulation due to it’s high energy.
How Easy are They to Train?
Hamiltons are quite easy to train, highly observant breed and love their owner. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you’re reliable in teaching new orders they will obey you. They make excellent service dogs, especially for medical alerts and psychological alerting. They are wonderful family dog and generally get along with everybody and everything.
Do They Tolerate Other Pets?
Hamiltonstövare are dog-friendly dogs. If you have other breed of dogs in your house, they can be great choice. They have a high prey drive, so they may not be the best dog with other small pets and cats.
Are They Good for Families?
Hamiltonstövare are wonderful family dogs, they are very child-friendly dogs. Generally, get along with everybody and everything.
Do They Have a Strong Prey Drive?
They were created to be a hunting dog. Because of it’s strong instinct they have a very high prey drive. They will chase and catch small animals or pets such as squirrel and cats they don’t know.
Are They Social With Other People?
Hamiltonstövare are a wonderful dog and generally can get along with everybody. They are a little wary of strangers but love being surrounded by people and other dogs. They are not happy being left alone.
Is The Hamiltonstovare Good for New Owners?
Hamiltonstovare are happy, lively, and easy to train. They can be good for novice owners due to their easy going personality. But make sure they have a yard to run in. They would not be good for apartment living.
Health
Hamiltonstovare are very healthy and rarely diagnosed with inheritable diseases. Hamiltonstovare can live 14 to 17 years but they can get hip dysplasia and epilepsy, but it rarely happens.
Care should be taken to not over-exercise them before their growth plates have closed. They are also sensitive to heat and cannot be outside for long periods of time in temperatures over 80 degrees.
The Hamiltonstovare Lifespan
14 to 17 years
Health Issues
Hamiltonstövare are very healthy but their are certain issues that you should check with your regularly. They can have joint issues later in life so make sure to work with your vet to monitor their health. Make sure to research your breeder and ask them question about the Recommended Health Tests from Parent Club for Breeding and/or Show Purposes. The following are some tests you could ask a breeder about for adult dogs:
- Hips: X-rays evaluated by OFA, PennHip, or the SKK
- Elbows: X-rays evaluated by OFA
- Thyroid testing: blood drawn and tested by an approved lab for OFA
- Dogs with evidence of epilepsy are not to be used for breeding and should be immediately spayed/neutered at the first confirmation of diagnosis.
- Optional* DM: DNA tested by an approved lab and recorded with the OFA
Exercise
Hamiltonstövare is an active breed and need a lot of exercise but they have off. Give your Hamiltonstövare one day rest and go for hike in the next day or any activities that you can let your dog do.
These dogs need a daily free-run for at least 20 minutes. They are a highly intelligent breed that thrives on being with their people and doing things that make their people happy.
Hamiltonstövare hounds and will follow their nose. A secure fence and leash are recommended when you want to control this behavior.
Hamiltonstovare Rescues
Other Great Resources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamiltonst%C3%B6 Vare
