"Follow my tail to the trail!"
With a history dating back hundreds of years, Hamiltonstövares are the most popular hounds in Sweden. They were bred for tracking small, quick animals like fox and hare. These happy-go-lucky hounds are pretty handsome and look like very tall Beagles. Friendly and playful, you really couldn’t find a better family pet!
These happy, handsome dogs love being around people – especially their family! Hamiltonstövares are affectionate, friendly dogs and don’t waver a bit meeting new people and pooches. When on the trail of a good scent, these dogs tend to listen to their nose first and their owners second. Firm, consistent training and handling can help them hear you again.
Hamiltonstövares are good-looking dogs, and it doesn’t take much to keep them looking that way. As with all hound breeds with drop ears, check them regularly for ticks and potential signs of infection. Wiping the inside of their ears with a cotton ball and a vet-approved solution is also a good idea. Hamiltonstövares are light shedders. A monthly bath and weekly brushing can help reduce hair found around the house.
With adequate exercise, Hamiltonstövares are pretty easy-going and can live in most settings. They do, however, love a good backyard. Outside your fenced yard, be sure to keep them on a leash, as they tend to follow their nose anywhere it goes. Hamiltonstövares were bred for hunting small critters, so where they do well making friends with large dogs, be sure to keep an eye on them around your smaller pets. Hamiltonstövares truly do make wonderful family companions and get an A+ around children.
As with many scent hounds, Hamiltonstövares have extra endurance, athleticism, and energy. They need to work up a sweat every day to maintain their even-mannered attitude. Two hours of aerobic exercise should do the trick. For example, hop on your bicycle and have them race alongside you. Be sure to keep them on a leash, though, in case a good scent catches their nose!