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Drever

The Drever is a Swedish scent hound developed in the early twentieth century from the Westphalian Dachsbracke, bred to drive deer slowly toward waiting hunters rather than to chase them at speed.

It is one of Sweden's most popular hunting dogs.

It stands 30 to 38 centimetres, weighs 14 to 16 kilograms and lives twelve to fifteen years — short-legged and long-bodied, with a short hard coat, usually tricolour with white markings. It is a working hound with the corresponding voice and nose, and a calm, friendly disposition at home. The build brings the back problems that all long-and-low breeds share.

Origin
Sweden, early 20th century, from the Westphalian Dachsbracke
Size
30–38 cm; 14–16 kg
Lifespan
12–15 years
Coat
Short and hard, usually tricolour with white
Voice
A working hound — vocal on a trail
Health
Intervertebral disc disease; generally robust otherwise

2 drever photos, newest first

Drever feed
  • Nectarine, a drever

    Nectarine

    Nectarine was promoted to stern orchestra conductor; unfortunately, dozens of ping-pong balls escape at once.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Nectarine, a drever

    Nectarine

    This is Nectarine's chair now. It was mine on Tuesday.

    GentleFinch · 2 weeks ago

Living with a drever

Protect the back. A long body on short legs is prone to disc disease: discourage jumping down from furniture and cars, use ramps, and keep the dog lean. Weight is the risk factor you can actually control.

They are vocal on a scent, which is the job, and it carries.

The nose overrides recall. Fenced areas and long lines.

They are calm and friendly at home and need a good hour of exercise plus scent work.

Health is otherwise good — this is a working breed rather than a show one. The short coat needs almost nothing.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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