Smålandsstövare
Smaland Hound
The Smålandsstövare is a scenthound that was developed primarily for hunting hare and fox. This breed works singly rather than in packs. Their name is derived from Småland, a province in southern Sweden. Today the Smålandsstövare remains rare, even in their homeland.
Smålandsstövare Standards
- FCI (Group 6)
- UKC (Scenthound)
- 18-21.5"
- 33-40 lbs
- small scenthound
- ears are small and hang flat
- tail may be long, half length, or bobbed
- coat is short, harsh, and close fitting
- black and tan
- may have small white markings on chest and toes
History of the Smålandsstövare
Dogs similar to the Smålandsstövare have existed in Sweden since at least the 16th century. These scenthounds were a mix of European hounds including German, Polish, and Baltic dogs brought back to Småland from the great wars (1611-1718). These dogs were crossed with local spitz farm dogs and English hounds to create the foundation stock. An effort to revive the breed in the 20th century brought the first standard in 1921, but numbers remained low. In the 1950s an influx of dogs similar in appearance but with unknown ancestry were used to strengthen the bloodline.