Drever

Summary

The Drever is a small to medium-sized dog breed originating from Sweden. Known for their excellent hunting skills, they were originally bred to track and drive game. Drevers are sturdy and compact, with a muscular build and short legs. They have a distinctive long, slightly curved tail and expressive, alert eyes. This breed has a friendly and affectionate nature, getting along well with both humans and other animals. They are intelligent, eager to please, and make great family pets. Drevers are moderately active dogs, requiring regular exercise to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. Overall, the Drever is a versatile and loyal companion, ideal for those seeking an energetic and sociable dog.

Usage areas

The Drever is a small to medium-sized dog breed that originated in Sweden. Known for its friendly and loving nature, they are often referred to as Scandinavian scent hounds. Despite their compact size, Drevers are quite versatile and have found usage in various areas.

Hunting: The Drever was primarily bred for hunting purposes, specifically for tracking and chasing game. With their exceptional scenting ability and endurance, they excel as hunting dogs. They are particularly skilled in tracking small game, such as hare and raccoons. Their short legs allow them to navigate through dense terrain, making them well-suited for hunting in the forests.
Family Companion: Apart from being skilled hunters, Drevers make wonderful family pets. They are known for their affectionate and playful nature, and they form strong bonds with their human family members. Drevers are good with children and can get along well with other pets if properly socialized. They love to be a part of the family's activities and enjoy spending time with their loved ones.
Search and Rescue: Due to their excellent scenting ability and determination, some Drevers are trained for search and rescue operations. They can effectively track missing individuals in various terrains, including forests and mountains. Their compact size allows them to navigate through narrow spaces and cover ground quickly, making them valuable assets in search and rescue missions.
Canine Sports: Drevers are also involved in various canine sports and competitions. Their agility, athleticism, and obedience make them suitable candidates for activities like agility trials, obedience trials, and scent work competitions. Their sharp senses and natural abilities enable them to excel in such events and showcase their skills.
Therapy Dogs: With their friendly and calm disposition, Drevers are also well-suited to be therapy dogs. They have a natural instinct to comfort and provide emotional support, making them excellent companions for individuals in need. Drevers can bring joy, comfort, and relief to people in hospitals, nursing homes, and other therapy settings.

It is important to note that while Drevers have a versatile skill set, individual dogs may have their own strengths and preferences. As with any dog breed, proper training, socialization, and exercise are essential to bring out their best qualities and ensure a happy and well-rounded companion.

Mentality

The Drever is a small to medium-sized dog breed known for its strong hunting instincts and friendly disposition. Originating in Sweden, this breed was primarily developed for hunting hare and other game in the Scandinavian forests.

In terms of mentality, the Drever is generally described as an intelligent and independent breed. They have a keen sense of smell, which makes them excellent trackers and search dogs. Their instinct to follow scents can sometimes lead them to become a bit distracted or single-minded, so early and consistent training is important to channel their energy in a positive way.

While the Drever is known for being driven and focused, they also have a gentle and friendly temperament. They are typically affectionate and sociable, getting along well with children and other pets when properly introduced and socialized. They are known to be loyal and devoted to their families, often forming strong bonds with their human companions.

Due to their hunting background, Drevers have a natural instinct to bark and howl. This can be managed through training and proper exercise, as they benefit from regular physical and mental stimulation. Providing them with outlets for their energy, such as daily walks or play sessions, can help ensure a happy and balanced Drever.

Overall, the Drever is a highly versatile and adaptable breed, excelling in both hunting and companion roles. Their intelligence, loyalty, and friendly nature make them well-suited for active individuals or families who enjoy spending time outdoors and providing mental stimulation for their furry friends.

Health

The Drever is a sturdy and generally healthy dog breed that originates from Sweden. With proper care, they can live a long and happy life. However, like any dog breed, they may be prone to certain health issues that potential owners should be aware of.

One common health concern in Drevers is hip dysplasia. This is a genetic condition that affects the hip joints and can potentially lead to lameness or arthritis. Responsible breeders will conduct health screenings and only breed dogs that are cleared of hip dysplasia.

Another condition to be mindful of in Drevers is ear infections. As they have long, droopy ears, proper care and regular cleaning is important to prevent moisture and debris buildup, which can lead to infections. Routine ear inspections, cleaning, and proper grooming practices can help minimize the risk of ear issues.

Drevers are known for their keen sense of smell and hunting ability, which makes them excellent working dogs. However, this breed's strong hunting instincts can pose a potential risk when it comes to road safety. Training and proper supervision are essential to ensure the Drever does not chase cars or wander off in pursuit of a scent.

Overall, the Drever is a generally healthy breed. However, it is important for potential owners to research reputable breeders who prioritize health testing and to ensure they provide proper care, including regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and sufficient exercise to keep them healthy and happy throughout their lives.

Size and looks

The Drever is a small to medium-sized dog breed that is known for its sturdy and compact build. They have a well-muscled body, with a balanced appearance and strong bone structure.

In terms of height, Drevers typically stand between 12 to 15 inches (30 to 38 cm) at the shoulder, and their weight ranges from 25 to 35 pounds (11 to 16 kg). While they may appear smaller in size, they are solid and robust dogs.

The head of a Drever is well-proportioned to their body, with a slightly rounded skull and a well-defined stop. They have a moderately long muzzle, usually black or dark brown in color, with a well-developed nose. Their round, dark eyes are full of expression, and their ears are medium-sized, set high, and slightly rounded at the tips.

The Drever has a short, dense, and weather-resistant double coat, offering good protection from various outdoor elements. Their coat colors can vary and include a combination of black, black & tan, red, fawn, or brindle. Some Drevers may have white markings on their chest, face, and feet.

Overall, the Drever is a charming and attractive breed, with a confident and alert expression.

History

The Drever is a small Swedish dog breed known for its friendly nature and strong hunting instincts. Originally called the Westphalian Dachsbracke, this breed was developed in the early 20th century by combining the German Drever and the Swedish Svensk Dachsbracke.

The history of the Drever can be traced back to Germany, where the breed was first developed as a scent hound for tracking small game, such as hare and fox. It was later brought to Sweden, where it gained popularity due to its hunting abilities and adaptable nature.

The breed's name was changed to Drever in Sweden to differentiate it from the German breed with a similar name. The word "drever" means "tracking dog" in Swedish, which perfectly describes this breed's main purpose.

Drevers are known for their excellent scenting abilities and stamina, making them well-suited for hunting in various terrains. With their short legs and sturdy build, they are able to navigate the dense forests and underbrush with ease. They are also highly intelligent and possess a strong desire to please their owners.

Outside of hunting, Drevers have become popular as family pets due to their loving and sociable nature. They are known to be good with children and get along well with other dogs. However, their strong hunting instincts should be kept in mind, and proper training and socialization are essential to prevent any behavioral issues.

In summary, the Drever is a versatile and resilient breed with a rich hunting heritage. Whether on the hunting field or as a loyal companion, they bring joy and loyalty to their owners.

Fur care

The Drever is a small to medium-sized dog breed with a short and dense double coat. The outer coat is weather-resistant, while the undercoat is soft and insulating. This type of fur helps to protect the Drever in various weather conditions.

As for fur care, the Drever's coat is relatively low maintenance. Regular brushing with a soft bristle brush or a grooming mitt can help remove loose hairs and keep the coat looking sleek. Bathing should only be done as needed, keeping in mind not to overdo it as excessive bathing can strip the natural oils from the dog's skin. Additionally, regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care are essential parts of overall grooming for the Drever, as is the case with most dog breeds.

Other info

The Drever is a small hunting dog breed that originated in Sweden. Here are some additional information and fun facts about the Drever:

Appearance: Drevers have a compact and sturdy build. They have short legs, a long body, and long, droopy ears. They come in various colors, with a dense and hard coat that is weather-resistant.
Hunting Background: Drevers were bred for hunting game, primarily foxes and deer. They have a strong sense of smell and are known for their extraordinary tracking abilities. They are excellent at following scents on the ground and barking to signal the hunter upon finding the prey.
Temperament: Drevers are known for being social, friendly, and affectionate. They are generally good-natured and get along well with other dogs and pets. They make great family companions and are known to be gentle with children.
Exercise Needs: Being a hunting breed, Drevers have moderate exercise requirements. They enjoy daily walks, mental stimulation, and some playtime. They should have access to a secure yard or outdoor area where they can explore and satisfy their curiosity.
Training: Drevers are intelligent dogs, but they can also be stubborn at times. Consistency, positive reinforcement, and patience are key when training them. They respond well to reward-based training methods, and early socialization is essential to help them become well-rounded dogs.
Laid-back Demeanor: Drevers have a generally calm and laid-back demeanor, which can make them suitable for apartment living if their exercise needs are adequately met. However, they will still require daily physical and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and potentially destructive behavior.
Health: The Drever is generally a healthy breed with no specific breed-related health issues. However, like any other dog breed, they can be prone to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia, ear infections (due to their droopy ears), and obesity if not properly cared for.

Remember that individual dogs may have different personalities and needs regardless of their breed. If you're considering a Drever or any other breed, it's always important to do thorough research, interact with the breed in person if possible, and consult with reputable breeders or rescue organizations to find a dog that will be the best fit for your lifestyle and preferences.