Småland Hound

The history of the Småland Hound is deeply rooted in centuries past and is closely intertwined with the culture and traditions of the Swedish region of Småland, from which the breed takes its name. The first mentions of similar dogs in this area date back to the 16th and 17th centuries. It is believed that their ancestors were German, Polish, and Baltic hounds brought to Sweden by soldiers returning from numerous European wars. These dogs were crossbred with local spitz-type farm dogs, which contributed to the formation of a hardy, climate-adapted, and versatile hunting breed.

For centuries, the selection was carried out mainly by farmers and hunters who valued working qualities above all else: a keen nose, a resonant voice, persistence in pursuing game, and the ability to work alone. Appearance was secondary, which led to a significant diversity in type and size. One of the unique traits that emerged during this time was the naturally short tail (bobtail), which is still a characteristic feature of many representatives of the breed.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the breed was on the verge of extinction due to the lack of a single standard and chaotic breeding. Baron Johan Fredrik von Essen took on the revival of the Småland Hound, dedicating over 30 years of his life to this cause. He carefully selected the best representatives of the breed from all over Småland, trying to fix the desired traits. To improve hunting qualities, at the beginning of the 20th century, he conducted experimental crossbreeding with representatives of other breeds, including the Schiller Hound and some German Hounds. Thanks to his efforts, in 1921, the Swedish Kennel Club officially recognised the Smålandsstövare breed, and the first standard was created. Nevertheless, the population remained small. The Second World War delivered a second blow to the breed. Only thanks to the enthusiasm of Swedish breeders was the breed preserved in the post-war years, and in 1951, the standard was updated to allow for greater variability in height and coat colour. Today, the Småland Hound is a beloved hunting dog in Sweden, but outside of its borders, it remains a true rarity.

The Småland Hound is a medium-sized dog with a robust yet elegant build, of an almost square format. It gives the impression of a strong and hardy hunter capable of prolonged work in difficult conditions. Its appearance combines functionality and nobility.

• Head: Lean, of medium length, with a well-defined stop. The skull is slightly domed. The muzzle is roughly the same length as the skull and is not pointed.
• Eyes: Dark brown, round, with a calm and intelligent expression. The light markings above the eyes, the so-called “spectacles,” create the impression of a “four-eyed” dog, which is a characteristic feature.
• Ears: Set high, hanging, flat, and lying close to the cheeks. The tips of the ears are rounded.
• Body: Compact, almost square. The back is short and strong. The chest is deep, well-developed, with oval ribs.
• Tail: One of the most interesting features is the tail. Småland Hounds can be born with either a long tail or a naturally short one (bobtail). Both variants are acceptable according to the standard. A long tail reaches the hock joint, while a short one can vary in length.
• Coat: Double, which provides reliable protection from the weather. The undercoat is short, dense, and soft. The guard hairs are of medium length, harsh, and lie close to the body. On the tail and the back of the thighs, the coat can be slightly longer.
• Colour: The main colour is black with tan markings. The tan markings (shades from reddish to brown) are located on the muzzle, above the eyes, on the chest, the lower parts of the legs, and under the tail. Small white markings on the chest and toes are permissible.

The character of the Småland Hound is a harmonious combination of hunting drive and domestic calm. It is a dog with two faces: on the hunt, it is persistent, energetic, and independent, while at home, it transforms into a gentle, balanced, and devoted family member.

At home, the Småland Hound exhibits a calm and stable temperament. It forms a strong bond with its owners and strives to be part of family life. This breed is not prone to unprovoked aggression or nervousness. Småland Hounds get along wonderfully with children, showing them patience and affection, which makes them excellent family dogs, provided they get enough physical exercise. They are vigilant and will always announce the arrival of guests with a loud bark, but they are not aggressive guard dogs.

On the hunt, their behaviour changes drastically. They are passionate and relentless trackers with amazing stamina. Their main task is to find a scent, flush out the game, and chase it with their voice towards the hunter. The Småland Hound works mostly alone, which requires high intelligence and the ability to make decisions. Its loud, melodious bark is an important part of the hunt, allowing the hunter to track the movement of the dog and the game.

Regarding other animals, the Småland Hound usually gets along well with other dogs, especially if they were raised together. However, its strong prey drive can pose a threat to small domestic pets such as cats, rabbits, or rodents. Early and proper socialisation can help to manage this behaviour, but complete trust in this matter is unwise. It is important to remember that the character of a hound deprived of freedom of movement and confined within the walls of an apartment can noticeably worsen. Unspent energy can turn into destructive behaviour and excessive barking.

The Småland Hound is a low-maintenance breed that does not require complex care. However, to ensure a happy and healthy life, a few key needs related to its hunting origin must be met.

Grooming

Grooming the Småland Hound’s coat is minimal. Its harsh, dense coat has dirt-repellent properties. It is sufficient to brush the dog once a week with a rubber brush or glove to remove dead hairs and keep the coat in good condition. Shedding is seasonal, usually in spring and autumn, and during this period, more frequent brushing will be necessary. Bathe the dog only when absolutely necessary, as frequent washing can damage the skin’s natural protective layer. Regularly check and clean its ears, as their floppy shape can promote the development of infections. Also, do not forget about clipping its claws (if they do not wear down naturally) and dental care.

Living Conditions

Apartment living is strictly unsuitable for the Småland Hound. This energetic dog needs space. The ideal option would be a private house with a large, securely fenced garden where it can run freely. The fence must be high and secure, as a hound, upon catching an interesting scent, can easily set off in pursuit, ignoring commands. These dogs tolerate the cold well thanks to their thick coats but require a warm and dry place to sleep and rest.

Physical Exercise

This is the most important aspect of owning the breed. The Småland Hound needs daily, intense physical exercise to stay healthy and happy. Ordinary walks on a lead will not be enough. It needs long walks (1.5-2 hours a day), runs, and the opportunity to run off-lead in a safe area. Ideal activities for it include scent games, tracking work, or participation in hunting trials. Insufficient activity leads to boredom, weight gain, and behavioural problems.

Among other hunting dogs, the Småland Hound is distinguished by its relative ease of training and education, but this process has its nuances. They are intelligent and eager to please their owner but also have an independent nature, characteristic of all hounds. If your pet feels respected and well-treated, it will happily learn commands.

The key to success is early socialisation and consistency. From a young age, introduce the puppy to different people, sounds, places, and other animals. This will help to raise a confident and well-balanced dog. Positive reinforcement should be the foundation of training: praise, treats, and toys. Harsh methods and punishment can lead to stubbornness and a loss of trust.

Special attention should be paid to the “Come!” command. Due to its strong prey drive, the hound can ignore everything around it when following a scent. This command must be practised from a young age in a safe location, using the most desirable treats. Despite its natural obedience, you can never be 100% sure of the impeccable execution of this command in the woods or a field. Therefore, the Småland Hound should only be let off the lead in a well-fenced area or one very far from roads.

Småland Hounds are characterised by excellent health and high stamina. This is the result of many years of selection focused on working qualities rather than appearance. The breed has a strong immune system and is not burdened by a long list of hereditary diseases. Special studies initiated by the Swedish breed club have not revealed any serious genetic problems.

However, like any dog, the Småland Hound may be prone to certain conditions:

1. Ear infections (otitis): Drooping ears create a warm, moist environment conducive to the growth of bacteria and fungi. Regular checking and cleaning of the ears is the best prevention.
2. Hip dysplasia: Although this is not a widespread problem in the breed, it can occur in medium and large dogs. Responsible breeders test their breeding stock for dysplasia.
3. Hunting-related injuries: Cuts, sprains, and bites from wild animals are occupational hazards for any hunting dog. It is important to have a first-aid kit on hand and to check the dog after every walk in the woods.

With proper care, a balanced diet, and sufficient physical activity, the Småland Hound remains healthy and active into old age, often living to 14-15 years.

The Smålandsstövare has a high metabolism, so these active hounds require a high-quality and high-calorie diet. The diet should cover their high energy needs, especially during the hunting season or intense training. The portion size depends on the dog’s age, weight, physical activity level, and individual characteristics.

The basis of the diet can be either a high-quality dry food for active medium-sized breeds or a natural diet. When choosing dry food, pay attention to the ingredients: meat (chicken, beef, turkey) should be first on the list, and the protein content should be no less than 25-30%, with fat at 15-20%.

For a natural diet, the ration should consist of:

• Meat and offal (60-70%): lean beef, poultry, tripe, heart.
• Cereals (15-20%): rice, buckwheat, oatmeal.
• Vegetables and fruits (10-15%): carrots, pumpkin, courgette, apples.
• Fermented dairy products: kefir, low-fat cottage cheese.

It is important not to overfeed the dog to avoid obesity, which puts extra strain on the joints. An adult dog is recommended to be fed twice a day. Always ensure free access to fresh and clean drinking water.

• Natural Bobtail: The Småland Hound is one of the few hound breeds in the world where a naturally short tail is the standard.
• The name “Stövare”: The Swedish word “stövare” denotes a type of hound that drives game with its voice. Thus, Smålandsstövare literally means “hound from Småland that drives with a voice.”
• “Four Eyes”: The bright tan markings above the eyes create the illusion of an extra pair of eyes. According to old beliefs, such “eyes” never sleep and ward off evil spirits.
• The Oldest in Sweden: It is considered the oldest of all Swedish hound breeds.
• On the Verge of Extinction: In the early 20th century, the breed was so scarce that to revive it, the studbook had to be closed and dogs were registered based solely on their working qualities and phenotype.

To better understand the uniqueness of the Småland Hound, it’s worth comparing it with other, more common breeds. For example, unlike the Beagle, which is also an excellent hunter, the Smålandsstövare is calmer and more balanced at home. It is not as prone to stubbornness during training. Compared to larger hounds such as the Serbian Tricolour Hound, the Småland Hound is more compact and better suited for working in dense forests. Its working style is similar to that of other Scandinavian and Central European breeds, such as the Slovakian Hound or the German Hound, which are also versatile solitary hunters.

Is the Småland Hound suitable for an inexperienced owner?
Probably not. Although they are intelligent, their high energy, need for specific exercise, and strong hunting instincts can be a challenge for a novice.

How does the Småland Hound handle being left alone?
They are very family-oriented and can suffer from prolonged loneliness, which can manifest as destructive behaviour or excessive barking. This breed is not for people who spend all day away from home.

Do they shed a lot?
Shedding is moderate and increases twice a year (seasonally). Regular brushing helps to keep the process under control.

Can you keep a Småland Hound with a cat?
This is risky. If a puppy is raised with a cat, there is a chance of a peaceful coexistence. However, the hunting instinct can manifest unexpectedly, so leaving them alone unsupervised is not recommended.

How noisy are they?
Like most hounds, they have a loud and clear voice. They do not bark without reason but actively use their voice when hunting or to warn of guests.