Drever breed: the short-legged deer hunter

It is a dog breed specifically used for hunting, and although it would make a good social and family dog, but he prefers to be out in the field and follow its instincts.

The Drever is a calm hunting dog, who despite his small size, is the perfect companion for deer hunting. Also known as a Swedish dachshund, which is apt as it looks like the love child of a beagle and a dachshund. It is a family-friendly breed, curious and non-aggressive, and rarely nervous, and gets on well with children.

History

The Westphalian Dachsbracke was first imported from Germany to Sweden in 1910, and the Drever is a descendant of this breed. It was introduced in the country in the 1930s, and was popularised for its excellent scent and courage. The larger, more robust types were found to be excellent for deer hunting because of their hardy nature, and in 1947 they were named the Drever. Relatively soon, 5 years later, they were officially recognised as a Swedish dog breed. Although primarily used for deer hunting in his native country, he is also a tenacious hunter of rabbits and foxes, and even wild boar. Despite its short coat, it can withstand colder climates, having been bred for Swedish weather.

Breed standard

The Drever is robustly built, long-bodied and short-legged, just like a dachshund, only bigger and more powerful. Height at the withers 30-38 cm, weight about 15 kg. Its thick, short and dense coat protects it from the cold. Its coat is usually red and white, but other combinations are also acceptable. The back is straight, the loins are muscular and the chest is deep, further enhancing the robust appearance. Despite this, it is surprisingly agile. The head is relatively large, tapering with an elongated nose and dark brown eyes. His ears are characteristically close to his head, hanging downwards. The long tail is held straight.

Character

The Drever is a lovely, devoted companion who gets on very well with children and other dogs due to his calm nature. He would make a good family dog, is social and reliable. Drever is playful and active, but adapts well to everyday life when regularly tired. This dog does not need hours of exercise to meet the physical and mental needs of the breed. He makes an excellent companion on long walks and hikes, but doesn’t mind the occasional snuggle with his owner. A well-balanced routine does him no harm, but he will adapt to changes if necessary. He is not a barker, but he will give regular signals and it is not uncommon for him to bark during play.

He is teachable and obedient if the owner starts training him early enough. Like all hunting dogs, he has independence and stubbornness and will follow his nose.

Ideal environment

He is a great companion, loyal, but rarely considered just a family dog, typically requiring his skills to be put to good use. Not very common outside Sweden. If the owner is not a hunting type, it is worth choosing a tracking type of dog sport for the Drever to release his instincts. He’ll be much happier doing what’s in his blood, so it’s best recommended for hunters.

Well adapted to both indoor and outdoor environments, it is not a particularly flighty breed, but a sturdy fence never hurts. If handled regularly, it will not get bored and resort to creative pursuits. He can be easily socialised with children, other dogs and pets.

Care

Easy to care for dog breed. Although it sheds, the amount is not unmanageable at all, and with frequent combing it will not be a problem. It’s worth washing it occasionally to keep your skin healthy, but not on a weekly or even monthly basis, just when it gets muddy or rubs up against something it shouldn’t. Ears should be checked often, and nails and teeth should be kept tidy.

Common health problems

It is a healthy breed of dog, with no specific breed-related diseases. One thing to be aware of is that it can overheat more quickly in warmer climates.

(Literature: János Szinák – István Veress: Dogs of the World I.)