{"id":52437,"date":"2014-11-11T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2014-11-10T22:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/?p=52437"},"modified":"2025-09-12T11:24:16","modified_gmt":"2025-09-12T08:24:16","slug":"drever","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/breed-drever-swedish-dachshund","title":{"rendered":"Drever"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Drever<\/strong>, also known as the Swedish Dachsbracke<\/strong>, is a relatively young, but already firmly established breed of hunting dog that serves as a national source of pride in Sweden. These low-set yet sturdy and resilient hounds have won the hearts of hunters and families across Scandinavia, thanks to their unparalleled sense of smell, persistence in the field, and a wonderfully calm temperament at home. The Drever is a perfect example of a blend between hunting passion and family devotion\u2014a dog capable of being both a tireless tracker in the woods and a gentle companion by the fireside. Its elongated, powerful body on short legs is easy to spot, allowing it to navigate the thickest undergrowth with confidence. Read more about this unique breed on Tvaryny<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This dog makes a reliable watchdog, jealously guarding its territory without any undue aggression. Balanced and patient, the Drever gets along famously with children, making it a wonderful choice for active families. It doesn’t require complex grooming and is easily trainable, but for complete happiness, it needs space. It’s best suited to a country house with opportunities for regular and lengthy walks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Characteristics of the Drever Breed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Characteristic<\/strong><\/td>Description<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Origin<\/strong><\/td>Sweden<\/td><\/tr>
FCI Recognition Year<\/strong><\/td>1953<\/td><\/tr>
Lifespan<\/strong><\/td>12-15 years<\/td><\/tr>
Height at Withers<\/strong><\/td>Males: 32-40 cm (ideal 35 cm)
Females: 30-38 cm (ideal 33 cm)<\/td><\/tr>
Weight<\/strong><\/td>14-18 kg<\/td><\/tr>
FCI Group<\/strong><\/td>Group 6: Scent Hounds and Related Breeds. Section 1.3: Small Scent Hounds.<\/td><\/tr>
Purpose<\/strong><\/td>Hunting deer, roe deer, fox; companion dog<\/td><\/tr>
Temperament<\/strong><\/td>Alert, balanced, energetic, never aggressive or shy<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The History of the Drever Breed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Drever’s history doesn’t stretch back centuries like many other hunting breeds, but it’s a prime example of targeted selection for specific conditions. It all began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Swedish hunters needed a dog that was low enough not to startle large game (especially roe deer) but also had the stamina, an excellent nose, and the loud voice of a large hound. This dog turned out to be the Westphalian Dachsbracke<\/a><\/strong>, imported from Germany in the 1910s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These German dogs became the foundation for the new breed. They were actively crossed with local Swedish hounds, aiming to cement the desired traits: short stature, a sturdy frame, and tireless energy. Initially, these dogs were simply called “Dachsbracke”, which translates from German as “Dachshund-like hound”. However, over time, the Swedish line diverged so much from its German ancestors that a new, distinct name was needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1947, the name “Drever”<\/strong> was proposed, derived from the Swedish word “driva”, which describes a specific hunting tactic\u2014slowly driving the game towards the hunter with a constant bark. This name perfectly captured the essence of the dog’s work. The first breed club was founded in Sweden in 1949, and just four years later, in 1953, the F\u00e9d\u00e9ration Cynologique Internationale (FCI) officially recognised the Drever as an independent Swedish breed. Today, the Drever is one of the most popular hunting breeds in Sweden, Norway, and Finland, but remains quite rare outside Scandinavia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What the Drever Looks Like: Standard and Appearance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Drever’s appearance is a testament to its functionality. It looks like a strong, stretched-out dog with a powerful body on short legs. Its look conveys strength and endurance, not elegance. The ratio of height at the withers to body length is approximately 1 to 1.6.<\/p>\n\n\n\n