The Drever dog breed is a small, energetic hound that originated in Sweden. Known for their short legs and long body, these dogs were originally bred for hunting small game, such as rabbits and foxes. In this guide, we'll explore the history, characteristics, and temperament of the Drever breed, as well as tips for caring for and training these lovable dogs.
The Drever breed originated in Sweden in the early 20th century, when breeders sought to create a small, agile hound that could hunt small game in the dense forests of the country. The breed was developed by crossing the Westphalian Dachsbracke with the Swedish Hound, resulting in a dog with short legs and a long body that was well-suited for hunting in tight spaces. Today, the Drever is a popular breed in Sweden and other parts of Europe, and is gaining recognition in other parts of the world as well.These dogs are also referred to as “Swedish Dachsbracke”... but most people stick with Drever. The word “Drev” in Swedish directly translates to “to hunt” and this is definitely what these dogs were bred to do. They worked side by side with hunters and assisted them in tracking down prey, such as fox and deer, and driving them toward their partner so that they could have a clear shot. These are hardworking dogs and are always happy to be given a task to perform.
Physical Characteristics and Appearance
The Drever is a small to medium-sized dog, with a height of 12-16 inches and a weight of 30-35 pounds. They have short, smooth coats that come in a variety of colors, including black and tan, red and white, and tricolor. Their most distinctive physical feature is their long body and short legs, which give them a low-to-the-ground appearance. They also have long, droopy ears and a friendly, expressive face. Overall, the Drever is a charming and unique-looking breed that is sure to turn heads wherever they go.
This breed is extremely popular in Sweden, however, outside of the country, they are considered to be very rare. The Drever makes a great family dog and adapts well to different environments. They get along great with children and display tons of affection towards their people. As long as they have been given enough exercise, they will love to cuddle and relax at home. These dogs also make great watchdogs, they have an excellent intuition for when there is danger nearby and will bark to alert you. This isn’t to say their intuition is perfect, as the pizza delivery guy can surely tell you.
The Drever is known for being a friendly, outgoing, and affectionate breed. They are loyal to their owners and love spending time with their families. They are also known for being intelligent and easy to train, although they can be stubborn at times. Drevers are active dogs that enjoy exercise and outdoor activities, but they also love to relax and cuddle with their owners. Overall, the Drever is a happy and loving breed that makes a wonderful companion.
The Drever has maintained a lot of their hunting instincts, however, through firm consistent training you can curb a lot of their impulsive traits such as chasing after every animal they see. This is of course not a wise move if you are using them as a hunting dog, but if you are an urban dweller, it is safe to say that you would prefer to not have your dog pull hard on the leash every time a squirrel passes by!