The Smaland Hound is a versatile breed that originated in Sweden, where it was used for hunting small game like hare and fox. Its origins date back to the 19th century.
This breed is known for its strong instincts and independent nature, which makes it a great companion for active families or individuals. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
The Smaland Hound is a medium-sized dog with a muscular build and a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming. Their average weight is around 35-45 pounds and their height is between 18-22 inches.
They are generally a healthy breed with an average lifespan of 12-14 years, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues if not properly cared for.
General Information
The Smaland Hound is a Swedish breed that originated in the Småland region of Sweden. It's a medium-sized dog with a short, dense coat.
The Smaland Hound is known for its friendly and outgoing personality. They are highly social dogs that thrive on interaction with their family and other animals.
History
The Smaland Hound has a rich history that dates back to the 16th century in Sweden. The breed was created by breeding local spitz type dogs with hound breeds brought back by soldiers from wars fought during the Swedish Empire.
The Smaland Hound was originally bred to be a versatile hunting dog, capable of hunting a variety of quarry including hares, squirrels, foxes, birds, and larger game such as moose. This was because farmers in Sweden could only afford to feed one hunting dog.
The breed was first recognized by the Swedish Kennel Club in 1921, and the first breed standard was drawn up the same year. The breed was initially allowed to have both long and short tails, but breeders worked to restore the breed to its original type with a naturally occurring short tail.
The Smaland Hound is considered a rare breed, with around sixty puppies registered with the Swedish Kennel Club per year. This is a significant decrease from previous years, and the breed is now mostly found in Sweden.
Here are some key dates in the history of the Smaland Hound:
Description
The Smålandsstövare is often confused with the Rottweiler breed due to common coat coloring.
They have a distinctive medium length top coat with a shorter, dense undercoat. The coat comes in a variety of colors, but the most common is a mostly black coat with tan markings.
On average, they measure between 16–21 inches at the withers, with males being slightly larger than females. The Smålandsstövare has a compact and almost square body shape.
Their facial features include wide nostrils on a black nose and a scissors bite jaw. The eyes are typically dark brown.
The Smålandsstövare has a natural bobtail, which is specifically bred into the breed.
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Physical Characteristics
The Smaland Hound is a breed that's known for its elegant and robust appearance. Its size is typically medium, with males ranging from 18 to 21 inches (46 to 53 cm) in height and females ranging from 17 to 20 inches (43 to 51 cm) in height.
The neck of a Smaland Hound is moderately long, powerful, and clean, fitting smoothly into the shoulders. The body is square in proportion, with a well-developed chest and well-sprung ribs. The back is short and powerful, and the loin is muscular and slightly arched.
Here's a breakdown of the Smaland Hound's size and weight:
Muzzle
The muzzle is a distinctive feature of this breed, and it's worth taking a closer look. The muzzle is the same length as the skull.
Its well-developed shape is a key characteristic, and it's something you'll notice right away. The nasal bridge is straight and parallel to the top of the skull.
The cheeks are lean and don't add any bulk to the muzzle. The upper lips only slightly overhang the lower, giving the muzzle a clean and streamlined look.
The Neck
The neck is a vital part of the body, and its physical characteristics are quite impressive. It's moderately long, which allows for a good range of motion.
A powerful and clean neck is a great asset, as it can support the head with ease. This is especially important for activities like sports or heavy lifting.
The neck fits smoothly into the shoulders, creating a seamless transition between the two. This is due to its parallel shape.
A strong and long neck is also beneficial for reaching high shelves or looking over crowds. This is a result of its long-reaching design.
Body
The body of a Smaland Hound is quite impressive, with a square proportion that's well-balanced. The chest is well developed, which is a great indicator of overall health and athleticism.
The withers, or the highest point of the dog's shoulder blades, are well defined, giving the Smaland Hound a strong and sturdy appearance. The back is short and powerful, which is perfect for a hunting breed.
The loin, or the area between the ribs and the hips, is muscular and slightly arched, indicating a strong and agile body. The croup, or the area just above the tail, is broad and slightly sloping, which is a characteristic of a well-balanced dog.
Here are the average height and weight ranges for Smaland Hounds:
The belly of a Smaland Hound is only slightly tucked up, which is a desirable trait for a breed that's meant to be agile and nimble.
Coat
The coat of a Smaland Hound is a distinctive feature. It's medium in length, with a harsh texture.
You'll notice that the hair on the backs of the dog's thighs and under their tail is slightly longer than the rest of the coat. This is completely normal.
The coat is close-fitting, which means it's well-suited to the dog's athletic build. This close fit also helps to protect the dog from the elements.
Here are the key characteristics of a Smaland Hound's coat:
Overall, the Smaland Hound's coat is a beautiful and functional feature that suits its active lifestyle.
Size and Weight
Smaland Hounds are a medium-sized breed, typically ranging from 16.5 to 21 inches in height, with males being slightly taller than females.
On average, a male Smaland Hound weighs around 38.5 pounds, while a female weighs the same amount. This makes them a relatively small to medium-sized breed.
Smaland Hounds usually weigh between 33 to 44 pounds, with males and females having the same weight range.
Here's a breakdown of the average height and weight of a Smaland Hound:
Frequently Asked Questions
Are hound dogs good family pets?
Hound dogs can make great family pets, especially with children, but proper socialization and supervision are key to ensuring a harmonious household. With the right care, hounds can thrive in families with other pets, too.
Sources
- "Historik över Smålandsstövaren" (archive.today)
- "Smålandsstövare Information" (sarahsdogs.com)
- Smaland Hound - Breed Standards (ukcdogs.com)
- Smaland Hound (europetnet.org)
- Smaland Hound Information & Dog Breed Facts (dogell.com)
- https://www.dogbreedslist.info/all-dog-breeds/Smaland-Hound.html (dogbreedslist.info)
- https://www.dogzone.com/breeds/smaland-hound/ (dogzone.com)
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