The Drever - The charming short-legged man from Sweden
History of the Drever
The Drever, also known as the Swedish Dachsbracke, has its roots in the early 20th century. This breed was created by crossing German and Westphalian Dachsbracken with local Swedish dogs. The aim was to create a hunting dog that was suited to the specific needs of the Swedish countryside - especially for hunting roe deer and hare in densely wooded areas. In 1947, the Drever was officially recognized by the Svenska Kennelklubben (SKK) and has been a valued companion of Swedish hunters ever since.
Who is the Drever suitable for?
The Drever is ideal for active people who enjoy outdoor activities and hunting trips. He is a dedicated and persistent hunter who does well both in the city and in the countryside as long as he gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. Families with children and other pets can also benefit from his friendly and patient nature.
Character and behavior
Drevers are known for their friendliness, intelligence and independence. They are alert and have a strong passion for hunting, which is why they can often show a certain stubbornness. Nevertheless, they are very loyal to their families and show impressive patience, especially when dealing with children. Their social nature makes them great companions for people of all ages.
Appearance of the Drever
The Drever is a small to medium sized dog with an elongated body and short legs. It has a dense, short coat that can come in a variety of colors, including red, black with tan markings, and more. Its eyes are expressive and often show a watchful and friendly look.
Grooming the Drever
Grooming a Drever is relatively easy. Its short coat only needs to be brushed occasionally to remove loose hair and keep the coat shiny. Regular teeth brushing, ear cleaning and claw trimming are also important to promote overall health.
Health of the Drever
The Drever is generally a healthy breed that can reach a lifespan of 12 to 15 years with good care. As with many breeds, there are some health issues to watch out for, such as hip dysplasia and eye problems. Regular veterinary examinations help to identify and treat potential health problems at an early stage.
Size and weight
An adult Drever reaches a shoulder height of around 30 to 38 cm and weighs between 14 and 16 kg. Despite their small size, Drevers are robust and strong, with impressive stamina.
Movement and exercise
Drevers are very active dogs that need a lot of exercise. Daily walks, games and hunting trips are ideal to keep them physically and mentally fit. They are also suitable for life in the city as long as they get enough exercise and are not left alone all day.
Training recommendations
Training a Drever requires patience and consistency. Due to their intelligence and independence, they can sometimes be stubborn, so early socialization and positive reinforcement is essential. Hunting training can also be beneficial to channel their natural instincts and provide them with meaningful activity.
Behavioral characteristics and interaction with children and other animals
Drevers are social and generally get along well with other dogs and pets. Their patience and friendliness make them excellent playmates for children. However, due to their hunting instinct, they should be introduced to smaller animals slowly and carefully to avoid misunderstandings.
FCI recognition
Yes, the Drever is recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and is listed in Group 6 - Running Dogs, Welding Dogs and Allied Breeds, Section 1.3 - Small Running Dogs.
