{"id":39431,"date":"2014-10-31T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2014-10-30T22:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/?p=39431"},"modified":"2025-08-25T14:38:00","modified_gmt":"2025-08-25T11:38:00","slug":"smaland-hound","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/us\/breed-smaland-hound-smalandsstovare","title":{"rendered":"Sm\u00e5land Hound"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Sm\u00e5land Hound<\/strong>, or Sm\u00e5landsst\u00f6vare<\/strong>, is a unique and the oldest Swedish scent hound breed, a true national treasure of Scandinavia. This compact yet robust hunting dog combines exceptional working qualities, a calm disposition, and a deep devotion to its family. Despite its rich history and wonderful traits, the breed remains quite rare outside its homeland. A key feature of the Sm\u00e5land Hound is its incredibly sharp sense of smell, which aids it in the relentless pursuit of game, especially foxes and hares. They are superbly protected from harsh weather and can work in challenging forest and mountain landscapes. Their value, however, isn’t limited to hunting; their innate wisdom, gentle nature, and ability to get along with children set this breed apart from other hounds, making them a fantastic companion. You can discover more about this amazing dog by reading on at Tvaryny<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sm\u00e5land Hound Breed Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Breed Name<\/strong><\/td>Sm\u00e5land Hound (Sm\u00e5landsst\u00f6vare)<\/td><\/tr>
Country of Origin<\/strong><\/td>Sweden<\/td><\/tr>
Time of Origin<\/strong><\/td>Middle Ages, officially recognized in 1921<\/td><\/tr>
FCI Classification<\/strong><\/td>Group 6 (Scent hounds and related breeds), Section 1.2 (Medium-sized hounds)<\/td><\/tr>
Height at the Withers<\/strong><\/td>Males: 18-21 inches, Females: 16.5-20.5 inches<\/td><\/tr>
Weight<\/strong><\/td>33-44 lbs<\/td><\/tr>
Lifespan<\/strong><\/td>12-15 years<\/td><\/tr>
Primary Use<\/strong><\/td>Hunting fox and hare, companion dog<\/td><\/tr>
Temperament<\/strong><\/td>Loyal, calm, intelligent, vigilant, friendly<\/td><\/tr>
Activity Level<\/strong><\/td>High<\/td><\/tr>
Grooming Needs<\/strong><\/td>Low<\/td><\/tr>
Attitude Towards Children<\/strong><\/td>Very good<\/td><\/tr>
Attitude Towards Other Animals<\/strong><\/td>Good with other dogs, but early socialization is needed; high prey drive toward small animals<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

History of the Sm\u00e5land Hound<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The history of the Sm\u00e5land Hound is deeply rooted in the centuries-old culture and traditions of the Swedish region of Sm\u00e5land, which is where the breed gets its name. The first mentions of similar dogs in this area date back to the 16th and 17th centuries. It’s believed that their ancestors were German, Polish, and Baltic hounds brought to Sweden by soldiers returning from various European wars. These dogs were then crossed with local spitz-type farm dogs, which helped form a hardy, climate-adapted, and versatile hunting breed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For centuries, breeding was mainly carried out by farmers and hunters who valued working qualities above all else: a keen nose, a resonant voice, persistence in chasing game, and the ability to work independently. Appearance was secondary, which led to a significant variety in type and size. One of the unique traits that emerged at the time was the naturally occurring short tail (bobtail)<\/strong>, which is still a characteristic feature of many members of the breed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the start of the 20th century, the breed was on the verge of extinction due to a lack of a unified standard and chaotic breeding practices. The revival of the Sm\u00e5land Hound was led by Baron Johan Fredrik von Essen, who dedicated over 30 years of his life to it. He carefully selected the best representatives of the breed from all over Sm\u00e5land, aiming to solidify desirable traits. To improve their hunting skills, he conducted experimental crossbreeding with other breeds, including the Schiller Hound<\/a> and some German Hounds<\/a>. Thanks to his efforts, in 1921, the Swedish Kennel Club officially recognized the Sm\u00e5landsst\u00f6vare breed, and the first standard was established. Despite this, the population remained small. The Second World War dealt another blow to the breed. It was only due to the passion of Swedish breeders that the breed was preserved in the post-war years, and in 1951, the standard was updated to allow for greater variability in height and coat color. Today, the Sm\u00e5land Hound is a beloved hunting dog in Sweden, but outside its borders, it remains a true rarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Breed Standard and Appearance of the Sm\u00e5land Hound<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The Sm\u00e5land Hound is a medium-sized dog with a strong but elegant build and an almost square body. It gives the impression of a powerful and durable hunter, capable of long workdays in difficult conditions. Its appearance combines functionality with a noble look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n