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Hamiltonstovare

The Hamiltonstövare is a Swedish scent hound created in the late nineteenth century by Count Adolf Patrick Hamilton, founder of the Swedish Kennel Club, from English Foxhound and German hound stock.

It is always tricolour and works alone rather than in a pack.

It stands 46 to 60 centimetres, weighs 23 to 27 kilograms and lives twelve to fourteen years, with a short hard coat. In Sweden it is used to hunt hare and fox by tracking them and driving them back toward the hunter, baying as it goes. It is friendly and even-tempered at home and a determined, vocal, wide-ranging hound in the field.

Origin
Sweden, late 19th century; created by Count A. P. Hamilton
Size
46–60 cm; 23–27 kg
Lifespan
12–14 years
Coat
Short and hard, always tricolour
Temperament
Friendly at home; determined and vocal when hunting
Health
Generally sound; hip dysplasia, ear infections, epilepsy

Related: English foxhound

2 hamiltonstovare photos, newest first

  • Custard II, a hamiltonstovare

    Custard II

    Custard II was promoted to stage manager during a curtain emergency; unfortunately, a stack of empty bowls wobbles dangerously.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Custard II, a hamiltonstovare

    Custard II

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

    SunnyHeron · 2 weeks ago

Living with a hamiltonstovare

They hunt alone and range widely, which means recall is unreliable and a Hamiltonstövare will follow a trail for miles. Secure fencing and long lines are the norm.

They bay on a scent, loudly.

They need real exercise — an hour or more of running — plus scent work to occupy the nose.

Health is generally good. Ask for hip scores and about epilepsy in the lines.

The short coat needs almost nothing. Ears are pendulous and need weekly checking. They are easy-going and sociable at home, which is why they suit rural households well and suburban ones badly.

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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