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Dog Breed

Drever

Breed Overview

Breed Name: Drever

Origin: Sweden

Breed Group: Hound (AKC Foundation Stock Service)

Physical Characteristics

Size: Small to Medium

Height: Male: 12–15 inches (30–38 cm), Female: 12–15 inches (30–38 cm)

Weight: Male: 35–40 lbs (16–18 kg), Female: 30–35 lbs (14–16 kg)

Coat Type: Short, dense, and harsh

Coat Colors: All colors with white markings (commonly tricolor, black & tan, or fawn & white)

Grooming Needs: Low

Shedding: Moderate

Behavioral Traits

Temperament: Calm, alert, friendly, determined, independent

Intelligence Level: Moderate to High

Energy Level: Moderate

Health Information

Lifespan: 12–15 years

Common Health Issues: Generally healthy; may be prone to back issues due to long body, and obesity if under-exercised

Care

Nutrition Needs: High-quality, balanced diet; monitor intake to avoid weight gain

Exercise Needs: Moderate – enjoys daily walks, sniffing games, and tracking activities

Space Requirements: Adaptable to both apartments and homes with secure outdoor space

Noise Sensitivity: Moderate (can be vocal when tracking)

Socialization and Training

Socialization Needs: Moderate

Socialization Tips: Can be independent but responsive to patient, consistent, reward-based training

Good with Children: Yes, typically friendly and non-aggressive

Good with Other Dogs: Yes, typically friendly and non-aggressive

Good with Other Pets: Yes, with early socialization—though may chase small animals

Training: Can be independent but responsive to patient, consistent, reward-based training

Description

The Drever is a Swedish scent hound known for its determination, steady pace, and low-slung body, originally bred for tracking deer, foxes, and hares in rough terrain. Despite their working roots, they are calm and friendly at home, making them excellent family companions as well. Their short, dense coat is easy to maintain, with moderate shedding throughout the year. Training a Drever requires patience, as they are smart but independent, and easily distracted by scents. With medium to high energy, Drevers benefit from daily walks, scent-based games, and mental stimulation.

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History

Origins: The Drever descends from the Westphalian Dachsbracke, a German hound imported to Sweden around 1910. Swedish breeders crossed the Dachsbracke with local hounds to create a slightly larger dog suited for hunting in Scandinavian landscapes. Its short legs and elongated body were ideal for navigating dense underbrush and snowy terrain while moving at a slower pace conducive to deer hunting.
Development: By the 1940s, two distinct sizes of Dachsbracke existed in Sweden. A newspaper contest in 1947 named the larger variety "Drever," derived from the Swedish word drev, meaning "drive" or "chase," reflecting its primary function of driving game toward hunters. The breed was officially recognized by the Swedish Kennel Club that same year.
Recognition: The Drever gained international recognition in 1953 and has since been acknowledged by organizations such as the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and the United Kennel Club (UKC). It remains popular in Sweden and neighboring countries like Norway and Finland but is relatively rare outside Scandinavia.
Today, the Drever is primarily used as a hunting dog in Sweden but can also adapt to family life with active owners who meet its exercise needs. While rare outside Scandinavia, it is gaining recognition internationally as both a reliable working dog and a loyal companion.

Ideal Owner

Families or individuals who enjoy outdoor time and want a calm, scent-driven companion

Similar Breeds

Beagle, Basset Hound, Dachshund, Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen