The Drever dog is a relatively rare breed, originating from Sweden in the 1940s. They were bred as a hunting dog, specifically for hunting small game like rabbits and hares.
Their distinctive appearance features a muscular build, short coat, and a wedge-shaped head. They typically weigh between 35-45 pounds and stand between 18-20 inches tall.
Drevets are intelligent and energetic dogs that require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Physical Characteristics
The Drever is a small dog with a unique physique. It has a long, low body and short legs, making it muscular and agile.
Its height is around 32 to 36 centimeters tall, and it weighs about 13 kilograms. The Drever's coat lies close to its body and comes in different colors with white markings.
The Drever's ears are medium-length and floppy, rounded at the tip. Its tail is long and thick at the base, and it's preferred to be carried down but can be carried higher as long as it doesn't rise over the back.
Weight
Weight is an essential aspect of our physical characteristics. On average, adults typically weigh between 50-100 kg, depending on factors such as muscle mass and body composition.
For instance, a study found that athletes tend to have a higher muscle mass to body fat ratio, which can result in a higher weight.
The ideal weight for an individual is often determined by their height, with taller individuals generally weighing more than shorter ones.
For example, a person who is 1.8 meters tall may weigh around 70 kg, while someone who is 1.6 meters tall may weigh around 50 kg.
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for overall health and well-being, as it can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
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Forequarters
The Drever's forequarters are designed for agility and power. Their long, broad shoulders are a key feature, setting them apart from other breeds.
The upper arm is proportionally long and slopes backward, which helps set the front legs under the body. This unique anatomy allows the Drever to move with ease and precision.
The Drever's muscular build is evident in their forequarters, making them well-suited for hunting and other physically demanding activities.
Characteristics
The Drever is a small running dog, standing between 32 and 36 centimeters tall.
Its physique is probably its most striking feature, with a long, low body and short legs.
The Drever weighs around 13 kilograms, making it one of the smallest Swedish hunting dogs.
Its coat lies close to the body and comes in different colors with white markings.
The Drever has medium-length floppy ears that are rounded at the tip.
It has a fine nose, which is very useful for hunting.
The Drever is often used to hunt deer, hares, rabbits, and foxes.
It's a balanced and attentive dog, never aggressive or nervous.
The chest is oval in shape, well developed, and reaches below the elbow.
The distance from the sternum to the ground is 40% of the total height at the withers.
The prosternum is prominent, and the ribs are well developed and reach far back.
The withers are well defined in males, and the topline is level.
The loin is strong, arched, and rather short, while the croup is long, broad, and slightly sloping.
Tail
The tail is a distinctive feature of this breed, and it's essential to get it right. Long and thick at the base, the tail is typically carried down.
The tail should be carried down, but it's not a hard and fast rule. It can be carried higher as long as it doesn't rise over the back.
A kinked or deformed tail is a disqualification, so it's crucial to check for this.
Coat and Grooming
The Drever's coat is relatively low-maintenance. They have coarse hair that sheds, but a weekly brushing session is all they need to stay looking good.
A Drever's grooming routine should include trimming their nails, cleaning their ears, and brushing their teeth, as these are essential for their overall health.
A weekly brushing session is a must to keep their coat looking its best, and the occasional bath is also necessary to keep them clean.
Grooming
Drevers are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, requiring only a weekly brushing session to keep their coarse hair under control.
Their hair does shed, but a simple brushing session can help reduce the amount of loose hair.
Trimming nails is an essential part of every dog's grooming routine, regardless of breed.
Cleaning ears should also be done regularly to prevent infections.
Brushing teeth is another crucial part of grooming to keep your Drever's mouth healthy.
On a similar theme: Pembroke Welsh Corgi Haircut
Coat and Coloring
The Drever's coat is quite unique, and it's made up of short, coarse hair that's perfect for withstanding harsh weather conditions.
Their coats come in a variety of colors, including tri-color, which is a beautiful combination of colors.
Red and white is another striking color combination found in Drevers, and it's a popular choice among owners.
Fawn and white is also a common color variation in Drevers, and it's a great option for those who want a more subtle look.
Broaden your view: Pembroke Corgi Tri Color
Health and Genetics
The Drever breed can be prone to certain genetic health conditions. Chondrodystrophy (CDDY) is a skeletal disorder that affects the spinal discs, leading to shortened limbs and abnormal degeneration.
This condition can cause intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), which increases the risk of disc herniation. Knowing if your Drever is a carrier or at-risk for these conditions is crucial for planning their lifelong care.
With Wisdom Panel's Premium test, you can get results for over 200 genetic health tests, including those that identify carriers of CDDY.
Teeth
The Drever's teeth are a notable feature, with a complete set of evenly spaced, white teeth meeting in a scissors or level bite.
This is a desirable trait, as it indicates good dental health and a well-formed jaw.
A pronounced overshot or undershot can be considered a disqualification, which means the dog's teeth may not be suitable for breeding or showing.
Light eyes can also be a fault, although it's not a disqualification.
Blue eyes, however, are a disqualification, indicating a possible genetic issue.
Consider reading: Dogo Argentino Teeth
Genetic Health Conditions
The Drever is prone to a few genetic health conditions that can affect its quality of life. Chondrodystrophy (CDDY) is a skeletal disorder that can lead to shortened limbs and early degeneration of the spinal discs.
Knowing the genetic makeup of your Drever can help you and your veterinarian plan for its lifelong care. With genetic testing, you can identify potential issues early on.
One of the main concerns is intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), which can cause disc herniation. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian can help monitor for any signs of this condition.
Here are some genetic health conditions to be aware of in Drevers:
- Chondrodystrophy (CDDY)
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
Frequently Asked Questions
Are drevers good with cats?
Drevers can get along with cats, but may require extra time and patience to adjust. Socialization and training are crucial to ensure a harmonious household with feline friends.
What is the Swedish deer hunting dog?
The Drever is a popular Swedish hunting dog breed, originating from the German Westphalian Dachsbracke, adapted to Swedish terrain and game. It's a highly sought-after scent hound among Swedish hunters.
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