Chien Courant Smaland
Breed Description

The Chien Courant Smaland is more widely known internationally by its Swedish name, the Smalandsstovare, which translates to the Smaland Hound. This name derives directly from the Smaland province in southern Sweden where the breed was refined and perfected. The breed is also sometimes called the Smaland Hound in English-speaking countries, though this designation is less commonly used among serious breed enthusiasts.

Regionally within Sweden, the breed has been known by various affectionate local names that reflect its working heritage. Historically, it was simply referred to as a Swedish scenthound before breed standardization efforts began in earnest during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Some breeders and hunters in rural areas of Smaland called them by descriptive names related to their physical characteristics, particularly their distinctive naturally bobbed tail.

The breed is recognized by several major kennel organizations worldwide. The Federation Cynologique Internationale officially recognizes the Smalandsstovare and places it in Group 6, Section 1.2 as a medium-sized hound. The United Kennel Club in the United States granted recognition to the breed, acknowledging its historical significance and unique characteristics among scenthound breeds. The Swedish Kennel Club was the first to officially recognize the breed in 1921, establishing the foundation for international recognition.

Despite this recognition, the Smalandsstovare remains rare even in its homeland of Sweden, where only approximately sixty puppies are registered annually with the Swedish Kennel Club. This rarity contributes to limited awareness of the breed outside Scandinavia. The American Kennel Club does not currently recognize the Smalandsstovare, which limits its presence in American dog shows and competitions. However, the breed is recognized by the American Rare Breed Association and the Continental Kennel Club, organizations that support and promote rare and uncommon dog breeds.

The primary breed organization overseeing the Smalandsstovare is the Swedish Kennel Club, which has maintained breed standards since first recognizing the breed in 1921. This organization works closely with Swedish breed clubs to preserve the breed's working abilities while maintaining genetic health and proper conformation. The breed club in Sweden actively promotes the Smalandsstovare through field trials, conformation shows, and educational programs about the breed's heritage.

Internationally, the Federation Cynologique Internationale provides the overarching breed standard that is followed by member countries around the world. The FCI standard emphasizes the breed's hunting capabilities, describing it as a hardy, versatile scenthound with good voice that works primarily on fox and hare. The standard specifies the breed's square, compact build, distinctive black and tan coloration, and naturally short tail as defining characteristics.

The United Kennel Club in the United States has established its own breed standard based on the FCI guidelines. This standard details the ideal physical characteristics, temperament, and working abilities expected in the breed. It emphasizes that the Smalandsstovare should be capable of working in all weather conditions and terrain types, reflecting its Swedish origins where it hunted across varied landscapes.

Breed standards consistently describe the ideal Smalandsstovare as standing between 16 and 21 inches at the withers, with males typically at the upper end of this range. Weight should be proportionate to height, generally ranging from 33 to 45 pounds. The coat must be short to medium in length with a dense undercoat, colored predominantly black with tan markings above the eyes, around the muzzle, on the chest, and on the lower legs. The distinctive naturally occurring bobtail is a breed hallmark, though some individuals are born with longer tails.

The breed standard emphasizes temperament as much as physical form. A proper Smalandsstovare should demonstrate calmness and gentleness when not working, combined with enthusiasm and stamina in the field. The standard calls for a dog that is loyal, attentive, and intelligent, capable of forming strong bonds with family while maintaining the independence needed for solo hunting work.

• American Kennel Club (AKC): "Not Recognized"
• United Kennel Club (UKC): "Recognized - Scenthound Group"
• Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI): "Recognized - Group 6, Section 1.2"
• The Kennel Club (UK): "Not Recognized"
• Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): "Not Recognized"

The Smalandsstovare presents as the smallest of the Swedish hound breeds, with a distinctly square and compact build that belies its considerable stamina and strength. Males typically stand between 18 and 21 inches at the withers, while females measure slightly smaller at 16 to 19 inches. Despite their moderate size, these dogs are powerfully built with well-developed musculature that enables them to work tirelessly across challenging terrain. Their weight ranges from 33 to 45 pounds, with proper specimens showing a balanced, athletic appearance without heaviness or excessive refinement.

The breed's most distinctive physical characteristic is its naturally occurring bobtail, a trait that has been selectively bred into the line since the early 20th century. This short tail, carried high when the dog is alert or working, distinguishes the Smalandsstovare from other Swedish hounds. Some individuals are born with slightly longer tails, but the breed standard strongly favors the naturally abbreviated tail that has become synonymous with the breed.

The head is lean and proportionate to the body, with a well-defined stop between the skull and muzzle. The muzzle itself is broad and strong, housing a scissors bite and a black nose with wide nostrils suited for scenting work. Dark brown eyes convey an alert, intelligent expression, while the ears are set fairly high on the skull, hanging flat against the sides of the head with slightly rounded tips. When the dog is attentive or interested, the ears straighten slightly, adding to the alert appearance.

The coat consists of a short to medium-length outer coat that is smooth, dense, and glossy, providing protection against harsh Swedish weather. Beneath this lies a thick, soft undercoat that provides insulation. The breed's coloration is consistently black with tan markings, creating a pattern often compared to that of a Rottweiler. Tan markings appear above the eyes, around the muzzle and cheeks, on the chest, and on the lower portions of all four legs. The tan can range from light amber to rich reddish-brown, though darker shades are generally preferred. Small white markings may appear on the chest and toes, though extensive white is not desirable according to breed standards.

The Smalandsstovare's history reaches back to the 16th century in Sweden, making it the oldest native Swedish scenthound breed. Dogs similar to the modern Smalandsstovare existed throughout the Smaland province of southern Sweden, where they were valued by farmers and hunters as versatile, hardy working dogs. These early dogs were not standardized in appearance, varying in size, color, and tail length, but they shared exceptional scenting abilities and stamina.

The breed's development was significantly influenced by the Swedish Empire's military campaigns during the 17th and early 18th centuries. Swedish soldiers returning from the Great Wars brought various European hound breeds back to their homeland, including German, Polish, and Baltic hounds. These imported dogs were crossed with local Swedish spitz-type farm dogs and native hounds, creating the foundation stock from which the modern Smalandsstovare descended. This mixture of bloodlines produced a dog that combined the scenting abilities and voice of European hounds with the hardiness and adaptability of local Swedish breeds.

These early Smalandsstovare served a crucial role in rural Swedish life. Farmers in Smaland and surrounding provinces typically could afford to keep only one hunting dog, which needed to be versatile enough to hunt various game species. The Smalandsstovare excelled in this role, proving capable of tracking foxes, hares, squirrels, and even larger game like moose. The breed worked independently rather than in packs, suiting the needs of individual farmers who hunted alone. This independent working style remains a defining characteristic of the breed's temperament today.

The first formal recognition of the breed came in 1889 when several Smalandsstovare were entered in Sweden's first major dog show. Out of 444 dogs entered in the show, 189 were hound-type dogs, demonstrating the importance of hunting breeds in Swedish culture at the time. However, these early examples showed considerable variation in appearance, as selective breeding had not yet standardized the type.

Breed standardization efforts began in earnest during the early 20th century when Swedish dog fanciers recognized the need to preserve and refine their native hound breeds. The Swedish Kennel Club officially recognized the Smalandsstovare in 1921, the same year the first breed standard was written. The first registered Smalandsstovare was a dog named Skoj av Myren 789 V, owned by Mary Stephens from the Torne valley, marking the beginning of documented pedigrees for the breed.

During this period, Baron Frederik von Essen played a pivotal role in developing the naturally short-tailed trait that has become emblematic of the breed. Working primarily in Jonkoping County, von Essen selectively bred dogs born with naturally short tails, gradually establishing this characteristic throughout the breed. The original breed standard allowed both long and short-tailed dogs, but the naturally bobbed tail became increasingly preferred and eventually became a defining breed feature.

The breed faced challenges during the mid-20th century when changing agricultural practices and declining interest in traditional hunting methods reduced the demand for working scenthounds. To preserve genetic diversity and prevent inbreeding problems, breeders in the 1950s introduced carefully selected dogs of similar hound types into breeding programs. This was the last time that dogs of unknown background were permitted to be registered as Smalandsstovare. The current breed standard was finalized in 1952, establishing the type recognized today.

Despite these preservation efforts, the Smalandsstovare remains rare even in its Swedish homeland. Modern registration numbers hover around sixty puppies per year with the Swedish Kennel Club, making it one of the least common Swedish breeds. The breed is seldom seen outside of Scandinavia, though small populations exist among rare breed enthusiasts in North America and Europe who appreciate its combination of working ability, manageable size, and gentle temperament.

The Smalandsstovare possesses a temperament that beautifully balances working drive with family companionability. At home, these dogs are remarkably calm, gentle, and attentive to their family members. They form extraordinarily strong bonds with their owners, demonstrating deep loyalty and a desire to remain close to their people. This attachment is so pronounced that they are not suited to kennel life and truly need to be integrated into family activities and living spaces.

Their gentle nature makes them particularly excellent with children. Unlike some hunting breeds that can be too rough or intense for young family members, the Smalandsstovare combines sturdiness with patience. They tolerate the noise, quick movements, and occasional clumsiness of children without becoming stressed or reactive. Their high energy levels mean they rarely tire before children do, making them enthusiastic playmates for active youngsters. Many families report that their Smalandsstovare naturally assumes a protective role over family children without displaying aggression toward visitors.

However, this breed's temperament transforms when engaged in hunting or tracking activities. The calm house dog becomes an enthusiastic, focused worker with remarkable stamina and determination. They possess excellent scenting abilities and will follow a trail with single-minded concentration. Their voice, so quiet at home, becomes loud and melodious in the field as they bay to alert hunters to their location and progress. This working drive is deeply ingrained and cannot be eliminated through training, though it can be channeled into activities like tracking sports or scent work.

The Smalandsstovare's independence is both an asset and a challenge. Bred to work alone rather than in packs, they are capable of making decisions without human guidance when pursuing quarry. This independence translates to occasional stubbornness during training, particularly if they perceive a command as unreasonable or if they are distracted by an interesting scent. They are intelligent dogs who understand what is being asked of them but may choose to prioritize their own judgment over obedience.

With strangers, the breed tends toward wariness rather than immediate friendliness. They are naturally protective of their home and family, making them excellent watchdogs who will bark to alert their owners of unusual activity or approaching strangers. This territorial instinct needs to be managed through early socialization to prevent it from developing into problematic guarding behavior. Once properly introduced to visitors and assured that these people are welcome, most Smalandsstovare will accept them politely, though they may remain somewhat reserved.

Their relationship with other dogs reflects their preference for independent work. While not typically aggressive toward other canines, they do not possess the pack mentality common in some hound breeds. They may be territorial toward strange dogs, particularly on their home property. Successful integration with other household dogs requires careful introduction and ongoing management. Many Smalandsstovare do best as only dogs or with canine companions of the opposite sex.

Integrating a Smalandsstovare into family life requires understanding and accommodating their dual nature as both gentle companion and driven working dog. These dogs need to live as full family members rather than outdoor kennel dogs. They thrive on human companionship and can become destructive or develop behavioral problems if isolated from their family for extended periods. Their attachment to their people is profound, and they should be included in daily activities whenever possible.

The ideal living situation for a Smalandsstovare includes access to substantial outdoor space. While they can adapt to apartment living if provided with extensive daily exercise, they are much better suited to homes with securely fenced yards where they can move freely. The fencing must be secure and high enough to prevent escape, as their strong prey drive will compel them to pursue any interesting scent or movement they detect. Many owners find that six-foot fencing is necessary to contain these determined hounds.

Exercise requirements for this breed are substantial and non-negotiable. A Smalandsstovare needs far more than a quick walk around the block. They require at least one hour of vigorous exercise daily, preferably more. Long walks, jogs alongside a bicycle, or hiking on trails provide the physical activity they crave. Without adequate exercise, they will find their own outlets for their energy, typically through destructive chewing, excessive barking, or attempts to escape in search of adventure.

Mental stimulation is equally important to physical exercise. These intelligent dogs become bored easily when not challenged, and boredom leads to problem behaviors. Tracking activities, scent work, and puzzle toys that engage their problem-solving abilities help keep their minds occupied. Many Smalandsstovare owners participate in competitive tracking or trailing events, which allow the dogs to use their natural abilities in a structured way.

Family routines should accommodate the breed's tendency to bark. As vocal hounds bred to announce their presence while hunting, Smalandsstovare bark frequently and loudly. They will alert to passing pedestrians, wildlife, unusual sounds, and anything else they deem worthy of announcement. This vocalization is intrinsic to the breed and cannot be trained away, though it can be managed to some degree. Prospective owners living in apartments or areas with strict noise ordinances should carefully consider whether this breed is appropriate for their situation.

With children, the Smalandsstovare excels as a family companion. Their gentle, patient nature combined with their playful energy makes them wonderful playmates for kids. They tolerate the rough-and-tumble play that children enjoy without becoming overly excited or rough themselves. However, as with any dog, interactions between Smalandsstovare and young children should always be supervised to ensure safety for both parties.

Integrating a Smalandsstovare into a multi-pet household requires careful planning. Their strong prey drive means they may view small pets like rabbits, guinea pigs, or hamsters as potential quarry. Cats can be problematic partners unless the dog is raised with them from puppyhood, and even then, careful supervision is wise. The Smalandsstovare's independent nature means they often prefer being the only dog in the household, though they can learn to coexist with other dogs through proper socialization and management.

Training a Smalandsstovare requires patience, consistency, and an understanding of the breed's independent working heritage. These dogs are highly intelligent and capable of learning quickly, but their breeding for independent decision-making while hunting means they may not see the point of immediate obedience if they have other priorities. The key to successful training lies in establishing yourself as a fair but firm leader while maintaining the dog's respect through positive, reward-based methods.

Early socialization is absolutely critical for this breed. Puppies should be exposed to a wide variety of people, animals, environments, and situations from the earliest possible age. Without proper socialization, their natural wariness of strangers can develop into problematic shyness or defensive aggression. Puppy kindergarten classes provide excellent opportunities for socialization while teaching basic obedience skills in a controlled environment. Continuing socialization throughout the dog's life helps maintain their confidence and appropriate responses to novel situations.

Basic obedience training should begin as soon as the puppy comes home. Smalandsstovare respond best to positive reinforcement methods that reward desired behaviors with treats, praise, and play. Harsh corrections or heavy-handed training techniques will backfire with this sensitive breed, potentially creating a dog that shuts down or becomes distrustful. However, permissiveness is equally problematic; these dogs need clear, consistent rules and boundaries to understand their place in the family structure.

Recall training deserves special attention with this breed due to their powerful prey drive and tendency to follow interesting scents. A Smalandsstovare on a trail will often ignore even the most reliable recall command, prioritizing their hunting instinct over obedience. For this reason, they should never be trusted off-leash in unfenced areas, no matter how well-trained they seem. Using a long line during training sessions allows them freedom to explore while maintaining control. Many owners teach an emergency recall using a unique sound and extremely high-value rewards, reserved only for genuinely urgent situations.

The breed's independence means they may test boundaries, particularly during adolescence. Consistency becomes paramount during this developmental period. All family members must enforce the same rules and expectations, or the clever Smalandsstovare will quickly learn to exploit inconsistencies. When they choose to ignore a command, patient repetition combined with management of the environment to prevent rehearsal of unwanted behaviors works better than frustration or confrontation.

Exercise for the Smalandsstovare must be both physically demanding and mentally engaging. A minimum of one hour of vigorous activity daily is essential, though most dogs will happily participate in much more. Long walks provide necessary physical activity but should be supplemented with opportunities to run in secure areas. Many owners find that jogging or cycling with their Smalandsstovare provides excellent cardiovascular exercise while strengthening the human-dog bond.

Tracking and scent work activities are ideal for this breed, as they utilize their natural abilities while providing intense mental stimulation. Introducing nose work games at home, hiding treats or toys for the dog to find using their scenting ability, can provide satisfying mental exercise even on days when weather or schedules limit outdoor activity. Some owners participate in competitive tracking or trailing events, allowing their dogs to demonstrate the abilities for which the breed was developed.

Field trials specifically designed for scenthounds provide the ultimate outlet for the Smalandsstovare's working drive. In Sweden, participation in these trials is increasingly common, allowing dogs to work on actual game trails while being evaluated on their tracking ability, voice, stamina, and general hunting aptitude. For owners outside Scandinavia where such trials may not be available, similar satisfaction can be derived from hunting with the dog on appropriate game species where legal, or from tracking sports adapted for non-hunting contexts.

The Smalandsstovare is generally considered a healthy, hardy breed with few major genetic health issues. This robust health is partly attributable to the breed's rarity and careful management by dedicated breeders who have worked to maintain genetic diversity. Between 1994 and 2008, the Swedish breed club commissioned comprehensive genetic testing on numerous dogs, which revealed no specific health issues unique to the breed nor any major common genetic problems. This gives the Smalandsstovare an advantage over many more popular breeds that struggle with inherited health conditions.

Despite their overall excellent health, prospective owners should be aware of conditions that can affect the breed, even if they occur infrequently. Hip dysplasia, a malformation of the hip joint that can cause pain and lameness, has been documented in the breed, though at lower rates than in many other medium-sized dogs. Responsible breeders screen their breeding stock through radiographic evaluation and only breed dogs with good hip scores to minimize the risk of producing affected puppies. Elbow dysplasia, a similar developmental problem affecting the elbow joint, can also occur but is quite rare in the breed.

Progressive retinal atrophy, an inherited degenerative eye disease that eventually leads to blindness, has been identified in some Smalandsstovare lines. This condition typically manifests first as night blindness, with affected dogs showing reluctance to navigate in dim lighting. As the disease progresses, daytime vision deteriorates as well. Genetic testing is available to identify carriers of PRA mutations, allowing breeders to make informed decisions about which dogs to breed. Responsible breeders test their stock and avoid breeding combinations that could produce affected puppies.

Epilepsy, a neurological disorder causing seizures, has been reported occasionally in the breed. These seizures can range from brief, mild episodes to more severe convulsions. While epilepsy can often be managed with medication, it requires lifelong treatment and monitoring. The genetic component of epilepsy in dogs is complex and not fully understood, making it difficult to screen for and eliminate from breeding programs.

Hypothyroidism, an endocrine disorder where the thyroid gland produces insufficient hormones, can affect Smalandsstovare. Symptoms include weight gain, lethargy, skin problems, and coat changes. This condition is relatively easy to diagnose through blood testing and can be effectively managed with daily thyroid hormone supplementation. Regular monitoring ensures the medication dosage remains appropriate.

Regular veterinary care forms the foundation of maintaining a Smalandsstovare's health throughout their life. Annual wellness examinations allow veterinarians to detect emerging problems early when they are most treatable. These visits should include thorough physical examinations, discussion of any behavioral or health changes noticed at home, and updating vaccinations according to the veterinarian's recommendations based on the dog's lifestyle and local disease risks.

Parasite prevention is essential for maintaining optimal health. Monthly heartworm preventative medication protects against this potentially fatal parasitic infection transmitted by mosquitoes. Many heartworm preventatives also protect against intestinal parasites. Regular fecal examinations help ensure the dog remains free of intestinal worms. Flea and tick prevention is important both for the dog's comfort and to prevent transmission of tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease.

Dental care throughout the dog's life helps prevent periodontal disease and the systemic health problems it can cause. Professional dental cleanings by a veterinarian, combined with home dental care, keep teeth and gums healthy. The average lifespan of a Smalandsstovare is twelve to fifteen years, with many individuals remaining active and healthy well into their senior years. Providing appropriate nutrition, maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise, and ensuring regular preventive veterinary care gives each dog the best chance of reaching or exceeding the upper end of this lifespan range.

Regular veterinary check-ups and preventive care are essential for maintaining your Chien Courant Smaland's health and longevity.

One of the Smalandsstovare's most appealing qualities for busy families is its relatively minimal grooming requirements. The breed's short to medium-length coat is designed to be low-maintenance, reflecting its heritage as a working dog that needed to be functional rather than decorative. Regular but not excessive attention to grooming keeps a Smalandsstovare looking and feeling their best while also providing opportunities to check for health issues.

Brushing should be performed weekly using a firm bristle brush or rubber curry comb. This removes loose, dead hair before it can be shed throughout the house and helps distribute the natural oils that keep the coat glossy and healthy. The process typically takes only ten to fifteen minutes for a thorough brushing session. During seasonal coat changes in spring and fall, the frequency of brushing should increase to every other day or even daily, as the dense undercoat is shed to prepare for changing temperatures. More frequent brushing during these periods significantly reduces the amount of hair deposited around the home.

Bathing requirements for the Smalandsstovare are minimal. The breed's coat has a natural ability to shed dirt and water, staying relatively clean even after outdoor adventures. Most dogs need bathing only three or four times per year, or when they encounter something particularly messy or smelly. Over-bathing strips the coat of its natural protective oils and can lead to dry skin and a dull coat. When bathing is necessary, use a mild dog shampoo and ensure thorough rinsing to prevent residue buildup.

Ear care deserves particular attention with this breed due to their hanging ear structure. The ears should be checked weekly for signs of redness, odor, or excessive wax buildup, all of which can indicate developing infections. Gently cleaning the visible parts of the ear with a veterinarian-approved ear cleaning solution helps prevent problems. Never insert anything into the ear canal itself, as this can cause damage. Dogs that swim or work in wet conditions need more frequent ear checks and cleaning.

Nail trimming should be performed every three to four weeks, or whenever the nails click audibly on hard floors. Long nails are uncomfortable for the dog and can affect their gait and joint health over time. Many Smalandsstovare dislike nail trimming, so introducing the procedure gradually during puppyhood, using positive reinforcement and taking breaks as needed, helps create a more tolerant adult dog. Some owners prefer to use a nail grinder rather than clippers, finding it easier to achieve smooth edges without risking cutting the quick.

Dental care is an often-neglected aspect of grooming that significantly impacts long-term health. Brushing teeth several times weekly with dog-specific toothpaste helps prevent periodontal disease, which can lead to tooth loss and systemic health problems if bacteria enter the bloodstream. Starting dental care early in the dog's life makes it an accepted part of routine maintenance. Providing dental chews and appropriate chew toys supplements brushing by mechanically removing plaque.

Regular grooming sessions provide valuable opportunities to examine the dog's body for lumps, skin problems, parasites, or injuries. Running your hands over the dog while grooming allows you to detect changes early when they are most treatable. Pay particular attention to the paws, checking between the pads for cuts, foreign objects, or irritation, especially after outdoor activities in rough terrain.

If you're looking to adopt a Chien Courant Smaland, consider contacting these breed-specific rescue organizations:

"Don't Shop... Please Adopt" - There are many wonderful Chien Courant Smalands waiting for their forever homes.