Drever

The Drever incorporates all the best qualities of a hound and a companion dog. Hunting excitement is combined with poise and composure in the family circle. The rigorous Scandinavian climate in which Drevers have been forced to exist has tempered their stamina and endurance. With proper training, this breed also makes an excellent watchdog.

Breed Photos

Origin History

The Drever, or Swedish Dachsbracke, has appeared on the orbit of canine breeds relatively recently, as it is also called. In the early twentieth century, representatives of the Westphalian dachshund breed came to Sweden from Germany. For the sake of an experiment, the breeders decided to cross them with the local hound dogs. The puppies looked very much like dachshunds and beagles put together. Until 1947, the breed was even called Dachbrak, which in Swedish translates as a dachshund. But with the help of a poll in the newspaper, the locals chose a new name for the breed: Drever. It was formed from the Swedish word “drev”, which means a special hunting type with a dog.

The breed was recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1953. Thanks to its unusual appearance, endurance, and excellent sense of smell, it quickly became popular among Scandinavian hunters.

Appearance

The Drever is a short-legged hunting dog breed with an elongated body. It is sturdy and strong, with a fairly muscular build. The large head with elongated muzzle and long neck shows off its dachshund genes. The characteristic flat ears are rounded to medium size. Paws are short but sturdy enough with thick pads. The tail is usually thick at the base, always kept low. The Swedish Dachsbracke can be up to 38 cm high at the withers. The coat is short and close to the body; it is allowed any, except pure white. Most often, white-golden, white-red, and tricolored pups are born.

Character

The Drever incorporates all the best qualities of a hound and a companion dog. Hunting excitement is combined with poise and composure in the family circle. The rigorous Scandinavian climate in which Drevers have been forced to exist has tempered their stamina and endurance. With proper training, this breed also makes an excellent watchdog. Potential detractors will not scare away, but its loud barking will warn the owners of the danger. The Drever is a confident breed. Courage, tenacity, and willpower accompany a Swedish Dachsbracke through life, but such dogs are not suitable for all owners. When choosing this breed, pay attention to this.

Care

The tree perceives long walks in the yard at the cottage as a gift from heaven. It is much more pleasant to be in the fresh air than in a city apartment’s four walls. But if the situation of life is such that you can’t give your dog a free walk, then provide them with good exercise.

You don’t have to face many difficulties when taking care of the drill. You should only perform many standard care procedures. Brush the coat with a special glove as needed. Keeping an eye on the pet’s long ears is just a masthev for the Swedish Dachsbracke. Manicures for the Drever should be done at least once a month. Special pet treats can help get rid of plaque.

Training

Hard-working Drevers are willing to perform any exercise in ingenuity and dexterity, training often to please their owner. Such amazing obedience can only be achieved with early socialization. The longer you procrastinate with training or a visit to a professional dog trainer, the more difficult your life with your dog will be. To keep the Swedish Dachsbracke mentally healthy, you need to allow him to exercise his innate talents as a hunter and predator. Organize him a hunt in the woods or mimic it in the form of a game – after that, he will be ready not only to sniff but also to kiss the sand you walked on.

Common Diseases

The Swedish Dachsbracke breed is a strong and hardy breed with good health. Their solid immune system helps them to survive and work hard in the harsh Scandinavian climate. On average, can live up to 14 years. Ear infections and overweight are the main problems very often encountered by owners of these pets. Problems with the joints of the limbs (arthritis, arthrosis) in adulthood are also common.

Nutrition

Particular attention should be paid to the diet of the dog. If the feeding regimen is disrupted and there is not enough exercise, the dog quickly becomes overweight. The Drever breed’s small dog consumes 200 grams of meat products per day: lamb, beef, chicken, and by-products. Avoid fatty pork and excessive other fats in your dog’s menu. He needs a variety of nutrients, also contained in vegetables and cereals. In spring and early summer, it is advisable to add finely chopped fresh herbs to dog soup – sorrel, nettles, etc. If it is possible to resort to vitamin supplements in the form of drops or capsules, don’t be afraid, they only make your dog feel better and improve his coat’s appearance.