Drever
The Drever is Sweden's second most popular breed — a short-legged scent hound developed from the German Westphalian Dachsbracke imported to Sweden in the early 20th century.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
Sweden
Lifespan
12–14 years
Weight
14–16 kg (31–35 lbs)
Height
30–38 cm (12–15 in)
Diet
Omnivore — high-quality small-to-medium breed food.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Drever is Sweden's second most popular breed — a short-legged scent hound developed from the German Westphalian Dachsbracke imported to Sweden in the early 20th century. The Drever was bred to drive deer and roe deer toward waiting hunters by relentlessly following the trail at a pace the deer can outrun but not fully escape — keeping the deer moving in a circle that brings it back toward the hunter. The short legs allow it to work through dense Swedish forest undergrowth more easily than longer-legged hounds. Despite being a working hunting dog, the Drever is also a beloved family companion in Scandinavia.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
A short-legged, long-bodied scent hound similar in proportions to the Basset Hound but with a straighter, more athletic build. The coat is short, dense, and close-lying. Any colour with white markings on the face, chest, neck, and tail tip — a well-defined white collar is preferred.
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Moderate
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Determined, friendly, and good-natured — the Drever is a pleasant companion. Sociable with people and other dogs. Calm indoors when adequately exercised. The scenting instinct is strong — secure fencing required.
Living Profile
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •1–1.5 hours exercise daily. Low grooming needs. Due to the elongated back and short legs, avoid excessive stair climbing and jumping — same spinal care as Dachshunds.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Health Overview
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) — elevated due to the short-leg, long-back conformation. Hip dysplasia. Ear infections from pendant ears. Ramp access recommended to reduce disc stress.
Common Conditions
Fun Facts
The Drever is the second most registered dog breed in Sweden — behind the Hamiltonstövare — demonstrating that Swedes have a strong cultural attachment to their native hunting hound breeds.
The Drever's hunting technique of "driving" deer in circles rather than chasing them down is unique among scent hounds and requires specific hunting training — the dog must maintain a pace the deer can comfortably escape while keeping it moving rather than pushing it too hard.
