Drever
Also known as: Swedish Dachsbracke
The Drever is a Swedish hunting dog breed originating from the country's forests. The Drever comes from Sweden. Individual Drevers vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- Sweden
- Other names
- Swedish Dachsbracke
About the Drever
The Drever is a Swedish hunting dog breed originating from the country's forests. Known for its exceptional tracking abilities, it is a versatile and energetic breed.
Overview
The Drever is a breed of dog , a short-legged scenthound from Sweden used for hunting deer and other game. The Drever is descended from the Westphalian Dachsbracke , a type of German hound called Bracke . The breed name Drever was chosen through a contest in 1947.
Health
In a 2005 Swedish study of insurance records 45% of Drevers died by the age of 10, higher than the overall rate at 35% of dogs dying by the age of 10.
Hunting
Most breeds with similar physical traits are bred for a single purpose, but the Drever has been bred to hunt sizes of game, both hares and roe deer , and fox and red deer . The Drever has a lot of stamina, and has become a popular hunting hound for deer hunters in northern Norway, Sweden, and Finland as a change in legislation allowed the use of Drevers in deer hunting. Roe deer are nervous quarry, and the hounds which are used to hunt them must move slowly, especially in areas where heavy snow can be expected in late autumn. This is given as the reason for breeding of a dog with a medium-sized body but short legs. The Drever in Sweden is usually kept as a hunting hound and is not usually found as a pet .
Appearance
The Drever''s most noticeable characteristics are its long body and short legs, inherited from the Westphalian Dachsbracke , but as a working dog, these features are not exaggerated. It has short fur, and is of any color with white markings (but not all white, which has been linked to deafness. ) The breed has the typical drop (hanging) ears of a hound, and a long tail. The maximum height of a Drever is 38 cm (15 ins) at the withers , which is about 15 cm (approx. 6 ins) shorter than a long legged hunting hound with the same size body. The Westphalian Dachsbracke is about 2 cm (less than an inch) shorter than the Drever.
History and recognition
The Drever is a Swedish breed originating with the Westphalian Dachsbracke (a small hound for tracking deer), brought from Germany to Sweden around 1910, and crossbred with other hounds to adjust "to Swedish terrain and game." By the 1940s, there were two distinctive sizes of the Dachsbracke, and a newspaper contest was held in 1947 to choose the new name for the slightly larger variety; Drever was chosen, from the Swedish word drev , referring to a type of hunt where the dogs drive the game towards the hunter. The Drever was then recognised by the Swedish Kennel Club as a separate breed in 1947. The breed is recognised internationally by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale , in Group 6 Scenthounds and related breeds , Section 1.3, Small-sized Hounds . The Drever was recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club in 1956 in the Hound Group , and in 1996 by the United Kennel Club (UKC, USA) in its Scenthound Group . The breed is also recognized by a long list of minor registries, rare breed groups, hunting clubs, and internet registry businesses, and is promoted in North America as a rare breed pet. It is not currently recognized by The Kennel Club (UK), the Australian National Kennel Council , or the New Zealand Kennel Club . The American Kennel Club currently recognizes Drever in its Foundation Stock Service program.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Drever?
The Drever is a short-legged scenthound originating from Sweden, bred for hunting deer and other game. They have a distinctive build, with a short, sturdy body and short legs. Their coat is typically brown or black, with a distinctive white marking on the chest. Drevers are known for their strong hunting instinct and energetic nature.
Is the Drever a good family dog?
Drevers are a high-energy breed that requires regular exercise and mental stimulation. They can be suitable for families with older children who can provide the necessary exercise and attention. However, their strong hunting instinct and independent nature may make them less suitable for very young children or families with limited space.
What health problems do Drevers have?
Drevers are prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia and eye problems. A 2005 Swedish study found that 45% of Drevers died by the age of 10, which is higher than the overall rate. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help identify potential health issues early on.
How much does a Drever puppy cost?
The cost of a Drever puppy can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. On average, a Drever puppy can cost between $1,000 to $3,000. It's essential to work with a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs.
Where do Drevers come from?
The Drever comes from Sweden. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Drever, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.