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Drever - MAIN HUB

Meet the Drever: a loyal Swedish scenthound with a big heart and steady spirit. Perfect for active families seeking a tenacious yet loving companion!

BREED GROUP

Hound Dogs

Country of origin

Sweden

BREED SIZE

Medium

BREED HEIGHT

12 -

15 IN

30 -

38 cm

BREED WEIGHT

33 -

40 LB

15 -

18 KG

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Drever is a robust, short-legged Swedish scenthound known for its tenacity in hunting and its even-tempered nature as a companion. Loyal and affectionate, they make excellent family dogs but possess a stubborn streak that requires early, consistent training. Due to their high stamina and strong prey drive, they need regular vigorous exercise and mental stimulation, preferably in a secure area. While relatively low-maintenance in grooming, they are vocal and may be prone to weight gain and spinal issues. They generally get along well with other dogs.
american kennel club (AKC) recognition

No

Breed was recognized in 0.

International Canine Federation (FCI) recognition

No

Breed was recognized in 0.

WHAT DO OWNERS WANT TO KNOW?

Are Drevers good family dogs?

Fair

4 out of 10

Drevers make excellent family companions because they are loyal, affectionate, and even-tempered by nature. However, potential owners should be aware of their stubborn streak and high stamina, which necessitate early, consistent training and regular vigorous exercise. They also tend to get along well with other dogs, making them suitable for multi-pet homes.

Fair

4 out of 10

Drevers are generally excellent with children, displaying a patient, tolerant, and affectionate nature. Their sturdy build and even temperament make them well-suited for family life and capable of handling active play. As with any breed, supervision is recommended to ensure interactions remain respectful and safe for both the dog and the child.

Below Average

4 out of 10

Drevers may be challenging for first-time owners due to their high stamina and stubborn nature, which require a significant commitment to consistent training and vigorous exercise. While they are loyal and even-tempered companions, novices must be prepared to manage their strong prey drive and vocal personality to ensure a well-behaved household pet.

Good

6 out of 10

Drevers are good apartment dogs due to their manageable medium size and even-tempered nature. While they have high stamina and a vocal scenthound heritage, they can adapt well to smaller spaces if owners commit to regular vigorous exercise and mental stimulation. Consistent training is necessary to manage their stubbornness and barking to ensure they remain considerate neighbors.

Below Average

6 out of 10

A yard is not strictly required for a Drever, as they can adapt to various living situations if their physical and mental needs are met. However, a securely fenced yard is highly beneficial for this energetic scenthound, providing a safe space to manage their high stamina and tracking instincts. Consistent daily walks and vigorous activity are necessary to keep them healthy and prevent boredom-related behaviors.

Average

5 out of 10

Drevers can typically handle being left alone for moderate periods due to their steady and somewhat independent nature. However, because they are vocal scenthounds with high exercise needs, they may become restless or bark excessively if left for too long without proper physical and mental stimulation.

Poor

2 out of 10

Drevers may struggle to coexist with cats due to their strong prey drive and history as tenacious hunting scenthounds. While they are even-tempered with people and other dogs, their instinct to chase smaller animals is significant. Success in a multi-pet household depends on early socialization and very slow, supervised introductions, but they are often noted to get along well with other household pets if introduced properly.

Balanced

5 out of 10

Drevers are typically even-tempered and friendly companions, not inherently known for aggression. While they are loyal and affectionate with their families, their history as tenacious hunting hounds means they can be determined and occasionally stubborn. Early socialization and consistent training are important to ensure they remain well-behaved and confident around strangers or other animals.

Energetic

7 out of 10

Drevers are energetic scenthounds that require regular vigorous exercise and mental stimulation to manage their high stamina. They thrive when given opportunities to explore and follow scents in secure areas, as their strong prey drive and hunting instincts keep them active and alert. Without appropriate outlets for their energy, they may become bored or prone to vocalizing, making consistent physical and mental engagement essential for their well-being.

1-2 hours a day

5 out of 10

Drevers require approximately 45 to 60 minutes of daily exercise to manage their high stamina and satisfy their strong hunting instincts. This should include vigorous activities such as brisk walks, jogging, or playtime in a securely fenced area. Because they are scenthounds, allowing time for sniffing and providing mental stimulation is essential to keep them engaged and prevent boredom-related behaviors.

Fair

4 out of 10

Drevers have a fair tolerance for hot weather but are at risk of overheating due to their thick coats and physical exertion. Owners should provide ample shade and fresh water, and limit vigorous exercise to the cooler morning or evening hours. It is crucial to monitor for signs of heat exhaustion and never leave them in a parked vehicle, as temperatures can rise to dangerous levels quickly.

Fair

4 out of 10

Drevers have a fair tolerance for hot weather but are at risk of overheating due to their thick coats and physical exertion. Owners should provide ample shade and fresh water, and limit vigorous exercise to the cooler morning or evening hours. It is crucial to monitor for signs of heat exhaustion and never leave them in a parked vehicle, as temperatures can rise to dangerous levels quickly.

Moderate Risk

6 out of 10

Drevers are rarely subject to breed-specific bans, as they are not typically classified as an aggressive breed. However, because they are vocal scenthounds with high exercise needs, they may face restrictions in some apartments or be subject to general weight and size limits. Always verify specific landlord policies or insurance requirements before moving in.

WHAT DO OWNERS WANT TO KNOW?


Photo
Reviewed by
Dr. Vojtech Gabriel
DVM · PhD · MBA
Veterinarian Researcher Dog breed specialist
Verified
"Drevers are robust and generally healthy, but their unique physical structure requires specific veterinary attention. As a scenthound with a short-legged, long-backed build, they are predisposed to Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), making weight management and the use of ramps to avoid jumping from high surfaces critical to their long-term health. Owners should also monitor for ear infections due to their drop ears and potential spinal strain. Because they are prone to obesity, which exacerbates joint and back issues, I recommend a strict diet and regular, low-impact exercise. Early screening for hip dysplasia and maintaining a consistent dental care routine are also essential for this long-lived Swedish breed."

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