Drever
Breed Description

The Drever is known by several names that reflect its Swedish heritage and hunting specialization. In its native Sweden, the breed is simply called "Drever," a name that was chosen through a public newspaper contest in 1947. The term "Drever" derives from the Swedish word "drev," which refers to a specific type of hunting method where dogs slowly drive game toward hunters, perfectly describing this breed's primary function.

Historically, before gaining its distinctive name, the Drever was often referred to as the Swedish Dachsbracke or the larger variety of Westphalian Dachsbracke, acknowledging its direct descent from German hunting hounds. Some early references also used the term "Swedish Tracking Hound" to describe the breed's specialized abilities in following scent trails over long distances.

In international hunting circles, the Drever is sometimes called the Swedish Scent Hound, emphasizing its exceptional olfactory capabilities and methodical tracking style. Within Sweden, hunters often use affectionate nicknames such as "the hunting machine" in recognition of the breed's legendary work ethic and determination in the field.

Among breed enthusiasts and registries outside Sweden, the Drever may occasionally be referred to as the Swedish Deer Hound, highlighting its specialization in tracking deer and other large game. However, "Drever" remains the universally accepted and official name across all major kennel organizations, including the FCI, UKC, and AKC Foundation Stock Service, ensuring consistency in international breed recognition and registration.

The Drever stands as a masterpiece of functional breeding, representing the perfect balance between robust hunting capability and gentle family companionship. This compact Swedish scent hound combines the determination and stamina necessary for tracking large game with a temperament that makes them equally suited for life as devoted family members. The breed's distinctive short-legged, long-bodied profile immediately sets them apart from other hounds, creating a unique silhouette that speaks to their specialized hunting heritage.

Physical characteristics of the Drever reflect centuries of selective breeding for specific hunting conditions in Scandinavian terrain. The breed exhibits a well-proportioned, rectangular build with a strong, muscular frame that belies their medium size. Their proud carriage and alert expression convey both confidence and intelligence, while their sturdy construction enables them to work effectively in challenging outdoor environments for extended periods.

The Drever's head presents classic hound features with modern refinement. A moderately broad skull provides ample space for the enhanced scenting apparatus that makes this breed exceptional at tracking work. The well-developed muzzle houses large nostrils capable of processing complex scent information, while dark, expressive eyes convey the gentle yet determined nature that characterizes the breed. The trademark drop ears, hanging close to the head, serve both functional and aesthetic purposes, helping to channel scents while contributing to the breed's appealing appearance.

Coat characteristics in the Drever emphasize both protection and practicality. The short, dense, weather-resistant coat provides excellent insulation against harsh Nordic conditions while remaining easy to maintain. The coat texture is slightly harsh to the touch, offering protection from thorns and rough terrain during hunting expeditions. Color patterns typically feature combinations that include white markings, which serve the practical purpose of making the dog visible to hunters during work in dense cover.

Movement in the Drever demonstrates purposeful efficiency rather than flashy speed. Their gait reflects the breed's development for sustained tracking work, with smooth, ground-covering steps that can be maintained for hours without fatigue. The slightly longer body and shorter legs create a low center of gravity that enhances stability on uneven terrain while allowing the dog to follow scent trails close to the ground with maximum effectiveness.

American Kennel Club (AKC)

The American Kennel Club currently recognizes the Drever through its Foundation Stock Service program, established in 2015. This status allows Drevers to participate in AKC companion events while the breed works toward full recognition requirements. The AKC emphasizes the breed's dual nature as both an accomplished hunting dog and gentle family companion. Foundation Stock Service participation helps evaluate breed consistency and performance across different regions of the United States. The AKC recognizes the breed's robust and strong build rather than elegant and speedy characteristics, noting their proud carriage, well-developed muscles, and agile appearance. Temperament evaluation emphasizes the breed's affectionate, playful, and sweet nature, with particular attention to their ability to get along well with other breeds and excel in group situations. The Foundation Stock Service framework requires accurate record-keeping and pedigree documentation while promoting responsible breeding practices that maintain the breed's essential characteristics and working abilities.

Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)

Under FCI Standard No. 130, the Drever is classified in Group 6 (Scenthounds and related breeds), Section 1.3 (Small-sized Hounds). The standard establishes precise measurements with ideal height for males at 35 cm and females at 33 cm, with acceptable ranges of 32-38 cm for males and 30-36 cm for females. The standard describes a robust, strong, rather short-legged, rectangular breed that carries itself proudly with well-developed muscles and agile appearance. Head characteristics specify a rather long skull, well-developed nose, and hanging ears that are broad at the base and taper to rounded tips. Body structure should be slightly longer than tall with a strong, fairly long back and well-muscled neck of good reach. Coat requirements call for short, hard, and close-lying hair that may be any color in combination with white trimmings, though all-white or liver brown colors are not accepted. The most common acceptable color is tan with or without a black back and white trimmings. Movement should demonstrate good reach and drive with steady, ground-covering action. Temperament assessment requires a mentally stable dog with very strong hunting instinct, typically kept by hunters rather than as companion animals alone.

United Kennel Club (UKC)

The United Kennel Club granted full recognition to the Drever on January 1, 1996, placing the breed within the Scenthound Group. The UKC standard emphasizes the breed's development from German hounds imported to Sweden in 1910, noting their reputation as excellent deer trackers and their recognition as a Swedish breed in 1947. Physical characteristics described include a robust, strong, rather short-legged, rectangular build with proud carriage and well-developed musculature. The standard specifies that secondary sex characteristics should be strongly marked, with males appearing more substantial than females. Temperament requirements emphasize the breed's reputation as the first choice for deer tracking while also being suitable for hunting hare and fox. The UKC recognizes the breed's exceptional stamina and strong work ethic, noting their popularity among hunters in northern Scandinavia and Finland. Working characteristics highlighted include the breed's ability to move slowly and methodically, especially important in areas with heavy snow conditions during late autumn hunting seasons. The standard acknowledges the breed's nickname as a "hunting machine" due to their remarkable gameness and determination in the field.

Other Organizations

The Swedish Kennel Club (Svenska Kennelklubben) serves as the breed's parent organization and maintains the original breed standard established when the Drever received official recognition in 1947. The Swedish standard emphasizes the breed's development from the Westphalian Dachsbracke, adjusted specifically for Swedish terrain and game conditions. The Canadian Kennel Club recognized the Drever in 1956, placing it in Group 2 (Hounds), making it one of the earlier international recognitions outside Sweden. Various minor registries, rare breed groups, and hunting clubs worldwide have also recognized the breed, often promoting it as a rare breed pet option in North America. The Drever Association of America works to promote education and interest in the breed within the United States, focusing on the breed's gentle, loyal, high-endurance, and healthy characteristics. International breed clubs coordinate to maintain consistency in breed standards while adapting to different hunting conditions and regulations in various countries. All recognized organizations emphasize the importance of maintaining the breed's working ability alongside conformation and temperament, ensuring the Drever retains its essential characteristics and hunting heritage regardless of its role as companion or working dog.

The history of the Drever begins in the early 20th century with the importation of small German hounds to Sweden around 1910. These foundation dogs, primarily Westphalian Dachsbracke specimens, arrived during a period when Swedish hunters were seeking more effective methods for tracking deer and other game in the challenging Nordic terrain. The German hounds quickly gained recognition among Swedish hunters for their exceptional tracking abilities and methodical hunting style, proving particularly valuable for deer hunting in areas where stealth and persistence were more important than speed.

Development of the Swedish variety involved careful crossbreeding with local hounds to create dogs better adapted to Swedish terrain and game conditions. This selective breeding process aimed to produce a slightly larger dog than the original German ancestors while maintaining the essential characteristics that made them effective hunters. The breeding program focused on enhancing stamina, improving cold weather tolerance, and developing the distinctive temperament that would make these dogs suitable for both hunting and family life.

By the 1940s, two distinctive sizes of the Dachsbracke type had emerged in Sweden, creating the need to formally distinguish between the varieties. The larger variety, which would become the modern Drever, had developed into a distinctly Swedish breed with characteristics specifically suited to local hunting conditions and preferences. Recognition of this development led to the decision to give the larger variety its own identity and name.

The naming process for the breed occurred through a public newspaper contest held in 1947, reflecting the democratic nature of Swedish society and the widespread interest in the breed among hunters and dog enthusiasts. The winning name "Drever" derives from the Swedish word "drev," referring to the specific type of hunting method where dogs slowly drive game toward waiting hunters. This name perfectly captured the breed's primary function and hunting style, establishing an identity that reflected both their working heritage and Swedish cultural integration.

Official recognition came when the Swedish Kennel Club acknowledged the Drever as a distinct breed in 1947, followed by full Swedish breed recognition in 1953. This formal recognition established the foundation for breed standards, registration requirements, and organized breeding programs that would ensure the continuation and improvement of breed characteristics. The recognition process also facilitated the breed's expansion beyond Sweden's borders as other countries began to take notice of this exceptional hunting dog.

International expansion began gradually, with early recognition by the Canadian Kennel Club in 1956, making Canada one of the first countries outside Sweden to formally acknowledge the breed. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale later provided international recognition, classifying the Drever in Group 6 as a small-sized hound. The United Kennel Club in the United States granted recognition in 1996, and the American Kennel Club added the breed to its Foundation Stock Service in 2015.

Modern breed development has focused on maintaining the Drever's essential working characteristics while adapting to contemporary roles as both hunting companions and family pets. The breed remains most popular in its native Sweden, where it continues to be regarded as one of the top choices for deer hunting. However, growing international interest has led to the establishment of breed clubs and enthusiast groups in various countries, working to promote understanding and appreciation of this remarkable Swedish creation.

Today's Drever population remains relatively small but stable, with dedicated breeders working to preserve the breed's unique characteristics and abilities. The breed's history demonstrates the successful development of a specialized hunting dog that maintains its working heritage while adapting to modern roles, creating a living testament to thoughtful breeding practices and the enduring appeal of dogs bred for both function and companionship.

The Drever was specifically developed for a hunting method known as "drev" in Swedish, which involves slowly driving game toward positioned hunters rather than pursuing at high speed. This methodical approach requires dogs with exceptional stamina, unwavering determination, and the ability to maintain steady pressure on game while remaining within reasonable distance of hunters. The breed's short legs and longer body create the perfect physical configuration for this type of hunting, allowing them to follow scent trails close to the ground while moving at a pace that prevents game from panicking and fleeing erratically.

Deer hunting represents the Drever's primary specialization, with the breed being considered the first choice among Swedish hunters for tracking and driving deer. The nervous nature of roe deer requires hunting dogs that can apply steady, persistent pressure without causing the animals to bolt unpredictably. Drevers excel at maintaining contact with deer over extended periods, slowly moving them toward predetermined locations where hunters wait. This methodical approach proves particularly effective in areas with heavy snow cover, where the breed's lower profile and steady gait provide advantages over taller, faster hounds.

Beyond deer hunting, Drevers demonstrate versatility in pursuing various game species including hare, fox, and other small to medium-sized animals. Their exceptional scenting ability allows them to follow both fresh and older trails, adapting their approach based on the type of game and environmental conditions. The breed's stamina enables them to work for extended periods without fatigue, often tracking for hours across challenging terrain while maintaining focus and determination.

The tracking capabilities of the Drever extend beyond simple scent following to include sophisticated interpretation of scent information. These dogs can determine the age of tracks, the direction of travel, and even the physical condition of the animals they're pursuing. This analytical approach to scent work makes them invaluable partners for hunters who need detailed information about game movement patterns and behavior.

Communication represents another crucial aspect of the Drever's working function. The breed's natural tendency to vocalize serves important purposes during hunting activities, providing hunters with auditory information about the dog's location and the status of the hunt. Their distinctive baying patterns can indicate different types of game, changes in track intensity, and various hunting scenarios, creating an effective communication system between dog and hunter.

Modern applications of the Drever's working abilities extend beyond traditional hunting to include search and rescue operations, where their tracking skills and determination prove valuable for locating missing persons. Some Drevers participate in tracking competitions and scent work trials, demonstrating their abilities in controlled environments while maintaining their natural instincts and training responsiveness.

As family companions, Drevers transfer their working characteristics into household roles with remarkable success. Their natural alertness makes them excellent watchdogs, providing reliable warning of approaching visitors or unusual activities. The breed's stamina and enthusiasm for outdoor activities make them ideal companions for active families who enjoy hiking, camping, and other outdoor pursuits that can satisfy the dogs' exercise and mental stimulation needs.

The breed's gentle temperament and strong family bonds enable them to serve as emotional support animals and therapy dogs in appropriate settings. Their calm, steady nature combined with sensitivity to human emotions makes them particularly effective in providing comfort and companionship to people in various situations. However, their working heritage means they thrive best when given purposeful activities that engage both their physical and mental capabilities.

The behavioral profile of the Drever reflects generations of selective breeding for specific hunting tasks combined with integration into Swedish family life. This breed demonstrates a remarkable ability to compartmentalize behaviors, showing intense focus and determination during working activities while displaying calm, affectionate demeanor in domestic settings. Understanding these behavioral patterns enables owners to provide appropriate outlets for natural instincts while fostering positive relationships within family environments.

Intelligence in the Drever manifests through exceptional problem-solving abilities and environmental awareness that serves them well in both hunting and family situations. These dogs demonstrate advanced memory for scent patterns, terrain features, and routine activities, often anticipating needs and situations before they fully develop. Their cognitive flexibility allows them to adapt their approach based on changing circumstances, whether tracking challenging game or adjusting to family schedule variations.

The hunting drive in Drevers represents one of their most pronounced behavioral characteristics, influencing many aspects of their daily interactions and activities. This drive manifests as intense interest in tracking scents, investigating environmental changes, and pursuing moving objects or animals. While this instinct makes them exceptional hunting companions, it requires management in domestic settings to prevent inappropriate chasing behaviors or excessive focus on scent trails during walks.

Social behavior patterns in Drevers typically favor pack-oriented relationships that reflect their development as hunting dogs that work closely with both humans and other dogs. They naturally establish hierarchical relationships within family groups while maintaining individual personality and decision-making capability. The breed's social intelligence enables them to read human emotions and intentions effectively, adjusting their behavior to match family moods and expectations.

Communication styles in the Drever encompass a rich vocabulary of vocalizations, body language, and behavioral signals that convey detailed information about their emotional state and intentions. Their natural tendency to vocalize serves important functions in hunting scenarios, and this trait carries over into family life where they may use different types of barking, whining, or baying to communicate various needs and observations.

Territorial behavior in Drevers tends toward awareness and alerting rather than aggressive guarding, making them excellent watchdogs without creating problematic protective behaviors. They demonstrate clear understanding of property boundaries and family protection responsibilities, typically responding to potential threats through vocal alerts and positional blocking rather than aggressive confrontation.

Learning patterns in the breed emphasize understanding and cooperation rather than blind obedience, reflecting their development as thinking hunting partners rather than simple command followers. Drevers respond exceptionally well to training methods that engage their intelligence and natural desire to work cooperatively with humans. They show particular aptitude for activities that combine mental and physical challenges, such as tracking exercises, scent work, and problem-solving games.

Stress responses in Drevers typically involve seeking resolution through engagement rather than withdrawal or defensive behaviors. When faced with challenging situations, these dogs prefer to investigate and problem-solve rather than avoid or submit passively. This approach serves them well in hunting scenarios but requires guidance in domestic settings to ensure appropriate responses to household stresses and changes.

Play behavior often incorporates elements of their hunting heritage, with many Drevers preferring games that involve tracking, searching, or investigating rather than simple fetch or wrestling activities. They show particular enthusiasm for activities that engage multiple senses and require both mental and physical effort, reflecting their development as comprehensive working companions rather than specialized single-task performers.

The integration of Drevers into family life represents one of the breed's greatest strengths, reflecting their development in Swedish households where hunting dogs were expected to serve dual roles as both working animals and family companions. These dogs possess an intuitive understanding of family relationships and hierarchies, naturally adapting their behavior to support family harmony while maintaining their individual personality and working instincts.

Relationship formation within families typically follows patterns that emphasize loyalty and dedication to all family members rather than exclusive bonding with a single person. Drevers develop strongest connections with family members who participate most actively in their exercise and training, but they maintain affectionate relationships with all household members regardless of involvement level. This balanced approach to family bonding makes them excellent companions for families with varying schedules and activity levels.

Children relationships represent a particular strength of the Drever, with the breed showing natural protective instincts and gentle behavior around young family members. They instinctively moderate their energy and play style when interacting with children, demonstrating remarkable sensitivity to the differences between adult and child family members. This behavioral adaptability makes them particularly suitable for families with children of various ages, as they adjust their interaction style appropriately for each child's developmental stage.

The breed's response to family routines demonstrates their intelligence and desire to be useful family members. Drevers quickly learn household patterns and often position themselves to be helpful during daily activities such as meal preparation, outdoor maintenance, or family gatherings. They thrive on predictable schedules but adapt well to necessary changes when family circumstances require flexibility.

Exercise integration into family life proves crucial for successful Drever ownership, as these dogs require substantial physical activity to maintain optimal behavior and health. Families who incorporate the dog's exercise needs into family activities such as hiking, camping, or outdoor sports typically achieve the best results. The breed's enthusiasm for outdoor adventures and ability to maintain appropriate behavior during family activities makes them excellent companions for active families who enjoy spending time in nature.

Behavioral management within family settings requires consistency among all family members to maintain clear expectations and prevent confusion. Drevers respond best when all family members use similar commands and enforce consistent rules, though their intelligence means they quickly identify family members who may be more lenient with boundaries. This awareness can lead to testing behaviors if consistency is not maintained across all family interactions.

Multi-pet households can accommodate Drevers successfully with proper introduction and management protocols. The breed generally integrates well with other dogs, particularly when clear hierarchy is established early in the relationship. With cats and smaller pets, careful supervision and training are essential due to the breed's strong hunting instincts, though many Drevers learn to coexist peacefully with household cats when properly socialized from puppyhood.

The emotional support function of Drevers within families extends beyond simple companionship to active participation in family emotional well-being. These dogs demonstrate exceptional sensitivity to family stress levels and often serve as emotional regulators during difficult times. Their calm presence and affectionate nature provide comfort during family challenges while their enthusiasm enhances positive family experiences and celebrations.

Conflict resolution within families benefits from the Drever's natural peacemaking tendencies and strong desire for family harmony. These dogs often position themselves strategically during family discussions or tensions, providing a calming influence that can help diffuse emotional situations. Their neutral presence and affectionate behavior toward all family members can serve as a reminder of family bonds and shared love during challenging times.

The Drever enjoys a reputation as a generally healthy breed with impressive longevity, typically living 13 to 15 years when provided with proper care, nutrition, and preventive healthcare. This robust health profile reflects the breed's relatively recent development and careful breeding practices that have emphasized functional characteristics over extreme physical features. The breed's working heritage has contributed to overall soundness, as dogs with health problems would have been naturally selected against in hunting environments where stamina and endurance were essential.

Genetic health considerations in the Drever benefit from the breed's small population size and dedicated breeding community that emphasizes health testing and responsible breeding practices. The limited gene pool requires careful management to maintain genetic diversity while avoiding the concentration of harmful traits that can occur in rare breeds. Responsible breeders utilize health testing protocols and pedigree analysis to make informed breeding decisions that support both individual dog health and breed-wide genetic sustainability.

Preventive healthcare protocols for Drevers should follow standard veterinary recommendations with particular attention to conditions that may affect working hounds. Regular veterinary examinations allow early detection of potential problems when intervention is most effective. Vaccination schedules should reflect regional disease risks and individual lifestyle factors, particularly for dogs that participate in hunting activities where exposure to wildlife and environmental hazards may be increased.

Nutritional management plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal health throughout the Drever's lifespan. These active dogs require high-quality nutrition appropriate for their age, activity level, and individual metabolism. Working dogs engaged in hunting activities may need increased caloric intake during active seasons, while family companions require carefully managed nutrition to prevent obesity that can contribute to joint problems and other health issues.

Exercise-related health management proves particularly important for this active breed, as Drevers require substantial physical activity to maintain optimal health and behavior. However, exercise programs must be age-appropriate to protect developing joints in puppies and accommodate changing capabilities in senior dogs. Proper conditioning helps prevent injuries while maintaining the fitness necessary for hunting and other vigorous activities.

Environmental health considerations encompass both indoor and outdoor hazards that may affect Drevers due to their active lifestyle and hunting heritage. Their natural curiosity and strong prey drive can lead them into situations involving wildlife encounters, toxic plants, or other environmental dangers. Owners must balance the breed's need for outdoor activity with appropriate safety precautions to prevent injuries, poisoning, or infectious disease exposure.

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

Important Note: Due to the extreme rarity of Drevers outside Sweden, most rehoming situations are handled through breed clubs and breeder networks rather than traditional rescue organizations. Contact the Drever Association of America and Swedish breed clubs for the most current information about dogs needing placement.

Due to the changing nature of rescue organizations, please verify website functionality before contacting.

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