Småland HoundCharacteristics, history, training and care
Småland Hound. · Canarian / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. Cropped and resized.
The Småland Hound (Smålandsstövare) is a medium-sized Swedish hound, black or brown with tan markings, used for hunting hares and foxes. Wikipedia says it is considered Sweden's oldest native hound and the smallest of the Swedish hounds. The FCI standard describes it as a calm, friendly dog, loyal and keen, which does not hunt in a pack and never hunts deer.
Quick facts
| Common name | Småland Hound (Smålandsstövare) |
| Scientific name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Country of origin | Sweden |
| Official recognition | FCI, definitively since 12 January 1955 (group 6, scent hounds; standard no. 129); Swedish Kennel Club since 1921 |
| Lifespan | No published data for the breed; medium-sized breeds usually live 10–13 years |
| Size (males) | 46–54 cm at the withers (ideally 50 cm) |
| Size (females) | 42–50 cm at the withers (ideally 46 cm) |
| Coat type | Medium length, harsh, close-lying, with a short, dense undercoat |
| Common colours | Black or liver brown with tan markings |
| Energy level | High |
| Suited to an apartment? | No |
| Temperament | Calm, friendly, loyal, keen |
| Tendency to aggression | Low |
| Good with children | No specific data; the standard describes it as friendly |
| Good with other animals | Good with dogs; poor with small animals |
| Genetic predispositions | No breed-specific diseases are known |
- Primary category:Dog breeds
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History and origin
The FCI standard says that in the 19th century there were many hounds in the county of Småland. Some, with German, Polish and Baltic ancestors, had come with soldiers returning from the great wars between 1611 and 1718. These dogs, together with local Spitz-type farm dogs and a little English hound blood, formed the basis of the breed.
In the early 20th century great efforts were made to restore the old Smålandsstövare, especially the short-tailed variety. The first standard, from 1921, accepted both a natural short tail and a long tail. Wikipedia says the breed is rare even in Sweden, with about 60 puppies registered a year.
How the breed developed
- 1611–1718 – Hounds are brought back by soldiers returning from the wars.
- 19th century – There are many hounds in Småland.
- 1921 – The first standard; recognition in Sweden.
- 12 January 1955 – The FCI recognises the breed.
Breed rating
| Feature | Stars |
|---|---|
| Training and intelligence | ★★★★☆ |
| Easy to train | ★★★★☆ |
| Intelligence | ★★★★☆ |
| Independence | ★★★☆☆ |
| Stubbornness | ★★★☆☆ |
| Behaviour and temperament | ★★★★☆ |
| Affectionate with family | ★★★★★ |
| Friendly with children | ★★★★☆ |
| Good with other dogs | ★★★★☆ |
| Good with cats and other animals | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Loyalty | ★★★★★ |
| Tendency to be aggressive | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Tendency to bark | ★★★★★ |
| Needs and care | ★★★☆☆ |
| Shedding | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Needs frequent grooming | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Activity and lifestyle | ★★★★☆ |
| Energy level | ★★★★☆ |
| Daily exercise needs | ★★★★★ |
| Suited to apartment life | ★★★☆☆ |
| Health and longevity | ★★★☆☆ |
| Life expectancy | ★★★★☆ |
| Predisposition to genetic diseases | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Working abilities and uses | ★★★☆☆ |
| Good hunting dog | ★★★★★ |
| Good companion dog | ★★★★☆ |
Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. The breed has no AKC profile, so the rating is based on the FCI standard.
Physical characteristics
The standard describes it as a hardy, versatile hound with a good voice. The tail may be long, straight or slightly curved like a sabre, half-length, or naturally short from birth.
General appearance
The coat is of medium length, harsh and close-lying, harsher on the back and neck, with a short, dense, soft undercoat. On the head, ears and front of the legs the hair is short and smooth.
| Feature | Småland Hound |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Height at the withers | males: 46–54 cm; females: 42–50 cm |
| Coat | Medium, harsh |
| Colour | Black or brown with tan |
| Tail | Long, half-length or naturally short |
| Type | Hound |
The standard accepts black or liver brown with tan markings, in any shade from amber to warm copper. Wikipedia says the markings resemble those of a Rottweiler.
Training and socialisation
The standard describes it as a calm, friendly dog with a loyal, keen temperament. It hunts hares and foxes, giving tongue on the trail, but it is not a pack hound.
Like any hound, it needs a lot of patience with the recall and activities for its nose.
Tips for effective training
- Practise the recall. On a scent, it forgets about you.
- Keep it on a lead. Its hunting instinct is strong.
- Be calm and consistent. It is a well-balanced dog.
- Think of the neighbours. It barks on a scent.
Activity needs and lifestyle
As a hardy hunting hound, it needs plenty of exercise and nose work every day.
| Activity | How often | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Long walks | daily | Stamina |
| Scent work | several times a week | Hound instinct |
| Running in a fenced area | several times a week | Energy |
Tips for a balanced life
- It is best suited to hunters.
- Check the ears often.
- The fence must be secure.
Care and health
Coat and skin care
The coat is brushed once a week, more often during moulting. The ears are checked regularly, especially after hunting.
Common health problems
There are no published health studies for the breed and no specific diseases are known. As with any active hound, worth watching for:
| Condition | Description | Common symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Ear infections | Infections of the ears | Head shaking, bad smell |
| Hip dysplasia | The hip joint forms incorrectly and, over time, arthritis develops | Limping, difficulty getting up or jumping, hip pain |
Other care
- Check for ticks after every outing.
- Check the paws.
- Clean the ears regularly.
Diet and nutrition
An active hound needs good-quality food, adapted to its level of effort.
Tips for a healthy diet
The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.
| Dog's weight | Calories per day (neutered) | Calories per day (not neutered) | Dry food per day (approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 kg | 850 kcal | 960 kcal | 210–270 g |
| 18 kg | 980 kcal | 1,100 kcal | 240–310 g |
| 21 kg | 1,100 kcal | 1,240 kcal | 280–350 g |
- Split the food into two meals a day.
- Do not let it run right after a meal.
- A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.
Foods to avoid
Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.
Reproduction and development
Physical and emotional maturity
In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Most breeds become adults at around 13–15 months.
Mating and pregnancy
Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.
Caring for the puppies
In dogs, a litter has 5–6 puppies on average, and the number rises with the size of the breed. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.
Interesting facts
- Short-tailed from birth. Some puppies are born with a short tail.
- The smallest Swedish hound. So says Wikipedia.
- Brought by soldiers. Its ancestors came with soldiers from the wars of 1611–1718.
- It does not hunt deer. The standard says it is not used on deer.
- Very rare. About 60 puppies a year in Sweden.
Frequently asked questions
What does it hunt?
Hares and foxes.
Does it have a short tail?
Some are born with a short tail, others with a long one.
How big does it get?
Males measure 46–54 cm, females 42–50 cm.
Is it a rare breed?
Yes, even in Sweden.
