Smaland Hound

Advanced intelligence and malleable character, along with great affection for the owner – excellent characteristic of the Smaland Hound. Mountain plains and dense forests will be this dog’s favorite terrain. The hound has a hunting gift in its blood, so active movement and interaction with other breed members are necessary. The hound can chase small animals such as hare, fox, and squirrel.

Breed Photos

Origin History

The Smaland Hound was born in an area of Sweden called Smaland. The breed originated from a cross between English and German hounds by farmers.

Interesting fact: Smaland Hound had different size and lengths of tail. It is all due to the lack of a standard for this breed. But by the twentieth century, it had been improved. Its improvement is attributed to Baron von Essen. The breed became hardier and acquired graceful features, became hardy to any weather conditions, and quickly cover long distances. Therefore, the future owner of the Smaland Hound must love long, active walks and, of course, hunting because this is the main passion of the Smålandsstövare.

The main game of this breed is fox or hare. The hound tracks the game with great pleasure and can orientate on the terrain. Despite its size, the dog is very active, and it is not recommended to keep it in an apartment.

Appearance

The compact size of the dog does not mean it lacks strength and stamina at all. The body is square, and the head is narrow in shape. The teeth are strong, and the nostrils are wide open. The dark eyes are necessarily round in shape.

The chest is deep, and the short back has a powerful loin. The paws are large and muscular. The tail is usually short from birth. The color is black and tan, and the coat is shiny, smooth, and dense.

Character

Advanced intelligence and malleable character, along with great affection for the owner – excellent characteristic of the Smaland Hound.

Mountain plains and dense forests will be this dog’s favorite terrain. The hound has a hunting gift in its blood, so active movement and interaction with other breed members are necessary. The hound can chase small animals such as hare, fox, and squirrel. During the hunt, the breed reveals all of its best character traits and emphasizes its graceful appearance. The compact size of the dog can be a reason to buy the breed. But do not forget that the Smaland Hound has an incredible reserve of energy and strength, so fresh air along with plenty of walking is just necessary for them.

The big disadvantage of the dog is the lack of ability to live in an apartment. It is not adapted to the small space; constant movement is just necessary for the life of Smålandsstövare. A devoted friend and companion is easy to contact, literally at the first minutes of acquaintance, and gets on well with children. It’s worth remembering that introductions are best made from puppyhood.

The hound gets along with other pets, but sometimes the hunting instinct can take over. Therefore, a demanding upbringing will help to eliminate such behavior.

The main thing for Smålandsstövare is only the owner. Due to its purposeful character, the hound can do well in training.

Care

There are no special instructions on how to care for the Smaland Hound. To keep the coat shiny and smooth, it should be periodically combed. It is necessary to remember the hygiene of teeth and ears. It is advisable to trim the claws once every few months. This procedure is mandatory if the dog does not sharpen them on its own. Bathing, like other breeds, is necessary not often, mainly after molting in the warm season.

Training

The Smaland Hound is an insanely intelligent dog capable of learning many commands. It is necessary to allow the pet to discover the most basic commands at puppy age, which can be refined in the future. However, like all hounds, the Smaland is not without stubbornness, affecting the entire learning process. Therefore, encouragement, approval from the owner, and goodies will motivate the dog to better results. The main thing is not to let the dog get distracted by extraneous noise or smell.

Common Diseases

A distinctive advantage of the breed is a strong immune system. But you should not allow hypothermia in mainly cloudy weather. Particular attention should be paid to the ears and checked for dirt. After every walk, the dog should be checked for ticks and other pests.

Smaland Hound is prone to:

• hematoma of the ear;
• appearance of tartar;
• eczema;
• conjunctivitis.

Nutrition

The portion size of the Smaland Hound should depend on the amount of exercise. It is not recommended to give too fatty food, as the dog has a good metabolism. Protein should be present in the diet. Liquid porridges and soups can be an excellent alternative to one meal. Solid and liquid foods can perfectly satiate the pet and allow him to get all the necessary components and develop the right bite. Sweets, on the other hand, should be avoided, as they can lead to negative consequences. It is best to leave fresh water available for the dog and take it with you on long walks.