The Ariegeois is a scenthound developed in 1912 and primarily used to hunt hare in the rocky French region of Ariege. He would drive the game towards the hunters, or would course and chase the game down himself. He was also used for tracking larger game like deer and boar. Like most pack hounds, this medium-sized fellow is good-natured both to other dogs and humans alike (including kids, although older kids are more compatible). While still capable of doing this job today, he also can make a friendly companion in the right home. This said, admirers of the breed may have a hard time finding a puppy – this is a fairly rare breed not often seen outside of France.

The smooth, low-shedding coat of the Ariegeois is always white with black markings (usually in patches although occasionally mottled). Tan markings may or may not be included. The coat is very easy to care for and requires only basic maintenance to keep clean and healthy. An owner of one of these hounds will trade ease of grooming for more difficult exercise requirements as they require lots of time to run, move and stretch their legs on a regular basis. At a bare minimum, they should be exercised at least an hour a day! When given enough exercise, they are generally low energy in the home and content to lounge around on the couch. Without this exercise… they are much more hyper and hard to live with.

The Ariegeois is an intelligent dog that is very capable of being trained. Naturally docile and easy-going, he may be a little slower to execute the commands than some breeds but is definitely capable. Although a bit of willfulness does exist, along with a penchant for getting distracted around interesting smells, many of them are extremely devoted to their owners and enjoy learning new things. In fact, his brain needs to be exercised just as much as his body so obedience training is definitely recommended! Bored hounds can become destructive, therefore training along with regular exercise and a given job to do are all paramount for a hound that is easy to live with.

An Ariegeois can be a somewhat loud dog, both in terms of “quality of voice” (they have impressive voice boxes) as well as “quantity of voice” (they enjoys hearing themselves howl). Like many scenthounds, they are better housed in places without close neighbors! Furthermore, although their howls may deter some intruders, their overly friendly natures means they do not make effective guard dogs. While some are at-first reserved around strangers, most quickly warm up to new people. Aggression is not really seen in this breed. Mostly, they want to be with their owners where they can give and get attention throughout the day. It should be added that they don’t do well when kept at home alone all day. Don’t obtain this breed if you work all the time and aren’t able to spend enough quality time with your dog!

The Ariegeois does have a strong prey drive to chase small animals, although often can live with indoor cats as long as he was raised with them. Furthermore there is almost never a problem with other dogs so multi-dog families are easy! The breed was used in large packs to hunt (often hunting with dozens of other hounds) and any hound that couldn’t get along with others would almost certainly “not make the cut”. Make sure to watch him around strange dogs that might not be as social around him, and also keep him on leash and unable to chase wild animals that he may see on walks – because he will chase them! This is especially prudent because the breed was built for running – meaning he is very fast and has lots of stamina and endurance. Better to be safe than sorry and risk him getting accidentally hit by a car while running after a squirrel!

When not socialized properly, the Ariegeois can tend toward being excessively timid so it’s extremely important to get him out into the world while still a puppy. The younger weeks (between 8-16 weeks) are the time to expose him to all sorts of people, places and situations so that he can grow up to be confident! When done right, he is just as happy out in the world as he is in his own home.

Photo By Bautt

The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is one of four ancient Bleu de Gascogne breeds. All hailing from France, the Griffon is the wirehaired breed of the bunch. Like his cousins, he sports a speckled blue coat although the overall look is different because of the longer, rough hair. For a period of time, population numbers became very low and these scenthounds were faced with extinction. Today, while still a rare breed they are nonetheless growing in numbers (particularly in France and Spain). In the U.S., they are recognized by the UKC. In the past, these hound dogs hunted hare and wild boar and are still very keen hunting dogs today.

The Griffon Bleu was used to hunt both in packs, as well as individually. This means that most of them get along well with other dogs. Like other scenthounds, they have voices that carry well… and they use them freely – so city dwellers or those with close neighbors may want to think twice before acquiring one! They also have gifted noses which can be either a blessing (for those who want to hunt or do scent-related sports) or a curse (for those who don’t want a highly-distractable dog).

The Griffon Bleu is trainable and learns quickly, particularly if the lessons have anything whatsoever to do with hunting. This is a natural hunting dog that is easy to work with in that regard. With formal obedience training, he can be sensitive, independent and may take a bit longer to train than other breeds. Patience and consistency is key. This breed does not tend toward lavish shows of dominance and is usually willing to do what the owner/trainer wants, as long as he is shown the way. Make sure to be soft with him – he will shut down if shouted at or treated harshly! After the groundwork of obedience has been laid down, it is highly recommended to introduce nose-related dog sports such as tracking and/or nosework!

As a hunting scenthound, the Griffon Bleu does require extensive exercise in order to be happy. This exercise should be done on lead as he can (and will!) follow his nose to the closest animal/object to chase! On-lead jogging, long hikes, swimming, opportunities to hunt and/or scent-related games/sports are all great outlets for this energetic breed. Without his exercise needs being fulfilled, he will likely become destructive and frustrating to live with. Furthermore, this is a dog that does much better in a rural environment and will not thrive in an apartment or small home. This said, after his physical needs are met for the day he is often happy to lay on the couch next to his owner – he does enjoy indoor life.

The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is loyal, affectionate and becomes very attached to his owner but can be high strung when excited (or when he hasn’t gotten enough exercise). While a lot of the time he can be fairly composed and peaceful, this is interjected with spurts of happy exuberance. He can be gentle with kids but his active nature means they can be accidentally knocked over. It may be best to wait until any children are older before introducing this breed to the home. With strangers, he is usually more cautious and needs plenty of socialization while young in order to build his confidence with them. It is normal for Bleus to bark at strangers when they first meet. Finally, unlike some of the more “drive-y” scenthound breeds, he can often live harmoniously with a cat as long as early introductions were done correctly.

The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne can be recognized by his medium sized frame, long hanging ears and of course his distinctive blue coat. The coat isn’t actually blue but instead is a mixture of black and white hair that comes together in such a way that it appears blue from a distance. Light tan markings on his face, legs and under the tail are also characteristic of the breed. The long tail is often held outward from the body and ends in a gentle curve. Finally, the eyes are a deep brown and, when combined with his eyebrows and beard, gives him an almost human-like expression.

The average lifespan of the Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is 13-14 years and they are generally a very healthy breed, staying active and alert for most of their lives. They don’t require a lot of grooming upkeep – only a weekly brushing and nail trim, and the occasional bath when needed. Once or twice a year, the coat should be plucked (have a groomer show you how) in order to keep the distinctive texture while still maintaining a neat and tidy appearance. Never shave this breed! The color will never be the same. Like most dogs with long hanging ears, they should be checked and cleaned regularly to avoid ear infections.

Photo By Alephalpha

The Istrian Coarse-Haired Hound was developed in the mid 19th century to hunt small game in Croatia. This scenthound, characterized by his wiry coat, is still mainly used as a hunting dog and not often kept strictly as a pet. While many breeders focus primarily on hunting ability and not on conformation, the non-hypoallergenic hair is always double-coated, rough-textured and white/orange in color. The breed is usually medium in size, with some members on the smaller side. This is usually a healthy breed with individuals often living 13-15 years – when vet bills occur they usually revolve around field injuries or ear infections.

Istrian Coarse-Haireds are known for being difficult to train because of their stubborn natures. They love to hunt and will work in the field all day with their masters but don’t always take quickly to formal obedience training. This said, without enough to occupy their time they can become destructive. Obedience is therefore a very good mental outlet for them that, while challenging, will exercise the mind. Getting the dog into a dog sport such as scentwork, hunting trials, competitive obedience and/or agility would be an even better project! These dogs are intelligent… but use their intelligence in their own way. Stay firm, yet fair and keep consistent in your training. They need strong leadership and won’t always work for wishy-washy trainers.

The ICHH is a rare breed and not readily known outside Croatia (or Slovenia – which also claims to be the country of origin). Because of their particular needs, many breeders will strongly favor a puppy-buyer who will take the dog hunting, which has also kept the numbers low in the United States. Add in the high prey drive and tendency to chase anything that moves (up to and including the family cat), and one can see that they only belong in specific homes.

The Istrian Coarse-Haired Hound is a loyal dog who forms a tight bond with those he loves, but he will take any opportunity he can to wander off and explore his surroundings. Make sure to have a securely fenced yard before bringing a member of this breed home! Also be sure to provide plenty of daily exercise to keep this active dog busy! He needs lots of physical stimulation with his family on a regular basis. His exercise needs and active lifestyle make him a poor choice for a first-time dog owner and he does better with those already experienced with scenthounds and/or hunting dogs. A home on a large property is a plus for this energetic and high-stamina fellow. Some ICHH’s suffer from separation anxiety when away from their owners for too long, particularly if they aren’t given enough things to do throughout the day, which means they do need homes in which the owner will be heavily involved.

Istrian Coarse-Haireds can be suspicious and aloof towards strangers, and many don’t like meeting new people (fun fact – they make good watchdogs but are not guard dogs). Also keep in mind that they tend to bond more strongly to one person in the family, which may or may be frustrating to those who are “left out”. They save their highest devotion for their favorite person. Finally, not all ICHH’s get along well with kids so this might not be the best pet for a young family. On the plus side, most do get along well with other dogs. They do best with single, active owners who plan to hunt and do activities with the dog in between exercise sessions. A ICHH that is fulfilled in this way will be calm and easy in the home, with a respectful and steady temperament.

Photo By Canarian

The Treeing Cur, like all cur breeds, was developed in the rural parts of America. These dogs were often owned and used by poorer folk who needed a dog that could serve many purposes (only one mouth to feed but capable of doing many jobs). Treeing Curs were used to hunt, in stock dog work, as well as to guard the home. Hunting was the most prized task and he was used both for smaller game (like squirrel and coon) as well as larger game when needed. Early breeders didn’t care what the dog looked like as long as he could do his job, and so there is a wide variation in the appearance of this breed – even more so than other cur breeds.

Speaking of variation, Treeing Curs can be any color or combination of colors, which can appear in any pattern according to the UKC. Size-wise, they can be rather small or range up to medium-sized dogs. Their tails are either long, very short, or somewhere in between. Coats are always short and smooth, and shed moderately. Grooming is an easy task as they don’t require anything more than the basics.

Treeing Curs are known to be intelligent and game for anything. This, combined with their athletic nature makes them great dogs to get into dog sports! They enjoy pleasing their owners and learning new things. This said, be aware that they can be “tough” dogs and definitely require firm rules. Those that live with zero boundaries can become overly protective or even aggressive, so they should only be owned by those who know what they are doing. These fearless and strong-willed dogs live to work, but can take over and become uncontrollable without proper knowledge. This is an independent breed who loves to work but may push to work on his own terms – don’t let him. In summary, this is a breed that must have a job and when done right, they are a joy to work with but are not for the faint-of-heart.

Treeing Curs tend to get along well with children as well as other dogs, and can make good family pets in the right setting (and in experienced homes). Keep in mind that they do bark (especially when excited or in hunting-mode) and are active, alert dogs who need plenty of tasks to do throughout their day. This is a dog who prefers to be given opportunities to hunt, and will do so enthusiastically at every opportunity! Furthermore, they need daily exercise and lots of it! Enough that will keep them moving at a brisk pace for at least an hour, if not more. This is not a dog who can live a sedentary life in a suburb with minimal attention!

Because they have been used as guard dogs, Treeing Curs make excellent protective animals for the home! This said, they must have been socialized from a young age and be given regular training and exercise so that they don’t become overly protective. This is also one of several reasons why they don’t fit in well to apartment life – lots of people walking around the property constantly can tend to rile them up. Treeing Curs are affectionate with family but suspicious of strangers – especially strangers who roam close to the home. This may also hold true for strange dogs as well. A Cur watching out the window of an apartment may become increasingly frustrated by passers-by, which would need to be addressed in the right way by an experienced owner. Easier (and less stressful for the dog) if he lived in a house with property instead.

Treeing Curs tend to be very healthy and rarely get sick. Their lifespan is normally 11-12 years. There is deafness in some lines but testing is available and should be taken advantage of both by breeders as well as future owners. Their small/medium size and general good health means that this is a relatively inexpensive breed to own and care for, however remember that any dog can suffer a random accident and it is important to have an emergency fund available for all pets, just in case.

All in all, the Treeing Cur is a playful and exuberant dog with a highly territorial nature and a strong hunting instinct. They are recommended only for people experienced both with hunting breeds as well as guarding breeds, and who have a household that can provide for the particular needs of this dog. This is not the typical “dog park buddy” or “casual socializing companion” in most instances. But he can be a great hunting companion or dog sport competitor when placed with a knowledgeable, active owner.

The Swiss Hound, also known as the Schweizer Laufhund, specializes in hunting hare although has been known to also hunt roe, rabbit, fox and even wild boar. This very old breed has four distinct varieties, separated by color: Bernese (tricolor), Jura (black/tan), Lucerne (blue) and Schwyz (white/orange) – but all are one breed with a single standard. Swiss Hounds are heavily influenced by French scenthounds that were brought to Switzerland at one point in time, although they are a distinct breed all to themselves.

Swiss Hounds are very active! They also have plenty of endurance ability and therefore need lots of exercise. This rare breed is kept mainly by hunters and isn’t as common as a pet, which means that most (if not all) bloodlines have a lot of energy! Because of their high hunting drives, they are also apt to follow interesting scents (with much passion) regardless of their owners wishes. They are also more likely to chase running animals and/or moving objects. This isn’t really the type of dog to take jogging off-leash in a city. They do much better with country living and plenty of wide-open spaces to run.

Some Swiss Hounds can be escape artists, particularly if they live in an area where “temptations” exist (such as rabbits and other prey animals). A very secure fenced area for the dog is paramount for this breed to keep them from getting hit by a car! Even though they love spending time with their owners, the smell or sight of a wild animal will cause most to immediately revert to hunting mode. In order to let them reach their average age of 13-14 years, make sure they are always kept in a safely fenced yard or on leash when in a potentially dangerous setting.

The Swiss Hound is characterized by his very long ears and medium-sized build. He is also characterized by his loud, melodious voice! Prospective owners should be aware of this latter trait and make sure that will fit into their lifestyle! Other than the typical scenthound quirks (voice, independent nature and prey drive), this is a sweet breed that is gentle with children and patient with other dogs. A friendly and social nature means he makes friends wherever he goes. Do take care when introducing this dog to small pets such as birds or pet rodents… for obvious reasons.

Swiss Hounds are known for their independent natures, which means training may be more difficult – particularly for novice scenthound owners. Furthermore they can be prone to testing their owner and/or “forgetting” obedience commands when they don’t feel like doing something. Make sure to utilize a trainer who is used to working with similar breeds and who can guide you through what to do when this happens. When given mental stimulation through obedience training (as well as physical stimulation through exercise), the breed is calm and well-behaved in the home. Just make sure that you start obedience training while the dog is still young, and stay on a consistent training schedule!

Swiss Hounds don’t require a ton of regular upkeep. They tend to housebreak easily and aren’t known for having excessive healthy problems which would require frequent vet visits. They also only require minimal grooming – a daily brush-through of the coat is a quick chore for this smooth coated dog. Otherwise make sure to clean the ears and trim the nails weekly, and give a bath only when needed. When their needs are fulfilled, and when in the right home, this uncommon breed can make an excellent companion.

The Porcelaine is a high-spirited scenthound from France, developed for hunting and tracking both small and large game. This medium-sized hound is one of the oldest French scenthounds (if not the very oldest) still around today. Records of the breed date back to the 1700’s! This is a rare breed in the United States, only recently becoming recognized by the UKC (in 2016) and AKC’s FSS program (in 2017).

Porcelaines have a number of good qualities which make them not only great hunting dogs, but awesome pets as well! They are hardy and healthy dogs not often afflicted by health issues, although hip dysplasia, eye and joint problems are occasionally seen. They are also easy-keepers and tend to crate-train and housebreak fairly swiftly. Easygoing and calm in the home, they aren’t prone to excessive barking (although when they do vocalize it is definitely a hound-y, melodic bay). Porcelaines do not require a lot of grooming and the coat only needs a quick rubdown with a grooming mitt every week at most. Make sure to clip their nails and clean the ears frequently, especially because long-eared dogs are more prone to ear infections.  Finally, this is a beautiful and elegant breed that will inspire comments wherever they go!

The Porcelaine originated from a series of very intelligent French and English scenthounds and is therefore quite clever himself – albeit also fairly independent and strong-minded. He has a high prey drive and will usually opt to sniff out or chase prey rather than participate in a training session if heavily distracted. Keep this in mind during training sessions, and be aware that without lots of advanced off-leash obedience training he will need to be kept on leash at all times! He will also need to be kept in a fenced yard and not allowed to roam. When trained, many are good candidates for various lines of work such as service dog or therapy dog work. They also enjoy other jobs and sports such as search and rescue, tracking, conformation, mantrailing, or… obviously hunting.

The Porcelaine is outgoing with people (strangers, friends, children, etc.) as well as other dogs, most likely due to his pack instincts. This said, he can be prone to jealousy issues so an owner in a multi-dog household should know what to look for and how to curtail any possessive behaviors. Porcelaines enjoy being around their people and want to take part in everything! They develop strong bonds with their owners and have great desires to please. They are very affectionate and not prone to aggression or fearfulness as long as socialized correctly. When their owners come home from work or other outings, many will “sing” in happiness!

Although generally calm in the home, the Porcelaine does require regular exercise – and not just a small amount! Without enough, he can become overly energetic if cooped up too long! Keep in mind the breed is surprisingly strong and will need training to keep from pulling on the leash during walks. Once he learns the basics he is usually gentle and easy to manage on lead. He appreciates (and requires) long walks, jogs or hikes and does best with athletic, outdoorsy owners.

It should go without saying that the Porcelaine is not the best candidate for apartment life and can end up becoming hyper and prone to behavior problems in an apartment lifestyle. He needs a home with a yard and room to roam, as well as lots of exercise with his owner, in order to develop correctly. Neither is he a good fit for homes with cats or other small pets because of his high prey drive (although smaller dogs are usually OK). In the wrong home, he can become frustrating to live with but in the right home, he can easily thrive! As with all breeds, do your homework.

Photo By Pleple2000

The Drever, with his steady temperament yet strong-minded nature, makes a faithful companion to those who can give him what he needs. A dwarf breed, he is small yet sturdy in stature. Like many other scenthounds, he is friendly and playful with other dogs and doesn’t normally have a problem getting along in groups. This affable nature extends to people and children as well as he tends to get along with everyone, making him a good candidate for therapy dog work! Shyness and aggression aren’t normally seen in the breed, especially as long as the dog has been socialized.

Drevers have a number of “scenthound quirks”. They can tend toward being loud, especially when there is a lot going on around them. They are also natural diggers. Finally (and often most importantly to know), they will follow their noses into danger if not properly supervised. This means they must be kept on leash and/or in a fenced yard at all times. Keep in mind that they were developed as hunting dogs and not companion animals. This means that the dog’s hunting abilities were far more important than their abilities to live in a city or suburban environment. While it is possible to keep a Drever in an apartment, make sure to give him lots of time outdoors on a leash, and hope your neighbors don’t mind the barking!

The Drever is fairly easy to keep. They do not require a lot of grooming, and are also not a high energy breed. As long as they are given regular exercise they are able to chill for long periods of time, especially if their owner is nearby. Don’t let their couch potato traits fool you into thinking they don’t need any exercise, however. These hunting dogs love to be given outdoor activities, particularly ones that challenge their noses and otherwise allow them to do what they were bred to do! They can be taken hunting or used to track wounded animals. They also enjoy dog sports such as scent work, lure coursing, agility, barn hunt, conformation and rally! Meet their basic needs and give them a solid routine and you will find they are not difficult to live with as long as you can put up with their quirks mentioned above.

When it comes to training, Drevers prefer to hunt more than anything! They may become very stubborn and determined if given a sit command while they’re trying to follow a scent outside. An owner must be patient and work on gradually upping the distraction level little by little. Don’t teach brand new commands outside under heavy distractions – start slow and build. Don’t take their difficult nature as reason not to train… they absolutely must learn the basics (at least)! They are intelligent and their brains must be challenged, which makes obedience a necessity.

The Drever is a very health breed, often living to the age of 14-16. There are no frequent health issues seen in the breed. Furthermore this is both a sturdy and agile dog that can run, jump and play with the best of them! Despite his short legs, he is also surprisingly quick and has a good deal of stamina, especially when hunting. This hardworking dog will be with you for a long time, so expect lots of affection, silliness and energy for years to come.

Although a rare breed in the United States, the Drever is very popular in his home country of Sweden, particularly among hunters. He is regarded as a powerhouse among hunting breeds, with an excellent nose and fantastic endurance. While not originally bred for companionship, the breed can surprisingly adapt to life as a pet quite well! Prospective owners should still do their homework – life with a Drever is markedly different than living with a toy breed – but it is definitely possible and even easier than many other scenthound breeds.

Photo By Svenska Mässan from Sweden

The Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound is an adaptable hunting dog and faithful companion. He is known for his tracking abilities and is able to find injured game even when the trail has gone cold. Aloof with strangers, this German breed nonetheless has a balanced temperament and a “good head on his shoulders”. The breed has a confident nature yet will listen to his owner for direction when needed. He is steady both physically as well as mentally – making an excellent dog for an owner who can meet his rather substantial needs.

The Bavarian is active, yet when properly exercised he is calm and easy to take out in public. His medium-sized build is athletic and he is able to handle as much vigorous exercise as you can give him! He doesn’t always fare well in crowded city life without lots of effort on the part of the owner (he prefers frequent access to nature and the great outdoors). Despite being used for tracking long distances and other utilitarian work, he should be allowed to live in the home with the rest of the family. Although a working dog, he is not a kennel or outside-only breed.

Mountain Scent Hounds are working hunters and must regularly do what they were bred to do. This is not a dog for someone looking for “just a pet”. He is even too much for some hunters! The breed is frequently owned by those who give the dog a daily job, such as game wardens. Prospective owners must take this into account to decide whether or not they can provide what this dog needs. If they are not hunters themselves, they must be willing to provide daily activities (such as tracking, scent work, search and rescue and/or training in other dog sports) along with increased exercise.

Bavarians are intelligent and they need training in order to keep their minds occupied. If they aren’t given this, they can become very destructive! The social aspect of the breed means that they crave attention – even negative attention is better than nothing. Better to train the dog in obedience and/or other sports in order to fulfill that need rather than let them destroy your belongings! The breed works best when given plenty of motivation and praise for doing things right.

Although smooth-coated, the Bavarian Mountain does shed fairly extensively and requires frequent brushing. Other than this, grooming is fairly simple. When it comes to vet care – most members of the breed are healthy although epilepsy and hip dysplasia are occasionally seen. Prospective owners should do their homework and only buy from a reputable breeder who health tests and can tell you the issues in their lines (unfortunately there are no tests for idiopathic epilepsy, however a good breeder should know what is in their line). When well cared for, many members of the breed live to 15 or beyond.

Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds can be escape artists. All fencing must be secured both top and bottom. These hounds normally either try to escape out of boredom (see above) or because they spy an animal outside the fence. Like all scenthounds, they have a high prey drive and desire to hunt. On a related note – they may not make the best choice for people who own cats or small animals. Families with kids and/or other dogs are usually OK.

The Bavarian Mountain is a fairly quiet breed although can be prone to barking if left alone for long periods of time. They aren’t known for being watchdogs, nor for being guard dogs as they don’t tend to show any sort of aggression even when pushed. These dogs are lovers and not fighters, as evidenced by their strong loyalty and affectionate nature towards those whom they know, love and trust. When it comes down to it, they live to work and hunt with their owners – everything else comes second.

Photo CC BY-SA 3.0

The Hanoverian Scenthound has an independent personality and tends to have a relaxed attitude about life. A faithful companion and steady hunting dog, he will become engaged when allowed to do what he was meant to do – hunt. This German breed is particularly adept at tracking and can do this task for hours on end if needed. The original purpose was to track and locate wounded game. If he is never given the opportunity to track or hunt in some fashion he may develop temperament issues or even neurotic behaviors. Hanoverians are not the best dogs for first-time dog owners.

Hanoverian Scenthounds do require daily exercise although not an overly excessive amount. The smaller the living space is, the more they will need to be given walks, jogs or similar activities. Those that aren’t given enough can become excessive barkers and overly destructive dogs – so exercise is definitely non-negotiable. The breed does best with people who are active themselves and want to take the dog with them on weekend hikes and excursions, in addition to daily walks. They really don’t make the best apartment dogs. As they also require regular mental exercise, providing them with opportunities to hunt and/or track will go a long way towards meeting the needs of the Hanoverian.

Hanoverians are a low-shedding breed that require very little coat care beyond the occasional bath and semi-regular quick brush-out. Using a grooming mitt or similar tool will stimulate new hair growth while pulling out dead hair, and really make the characteristic red or brindle coat shine! Beyond nail care and dental care, the dog also needs his ears checked and cleaned regularly as hanging ears are more prone to infection. Other than this, the dog is considered “wash and wear” (very easy to groom).

When it comes to training, the Hanoverian can be on the more difficult side because of his independent nature. Furthermore the dog likely won’t listen to an owner that is wishy-washy and unable to provide structure or enforce overall house rules. The breed pairs best with those who are able to take charge and establish their leadership position. It’s also important to note that this is a slow-maturing breed that may take a few years to fully come into their own. This is not to say that the dog can’t be trained until they are three years old (waiting that long will cause problems, to say the least), but it does mean that one must be patient and persistent.

Hanoverian Scenthounds are medium-sized dogs in height, but powerful and sturdy. When playing or overly excited, they have the propensity to bowl over small children (or even delicate adults) so they are not really recommended for those with toddlers. Because of their prey drive they are also not a great match for those who have cats or other small animals. They do tend to get along well with other dogs, however. With multiple people in a home, they will be friendly toward everyone but will choose one person in particular with whom they will bond the closest. With strangers they can be aloof and discerning. They also have a protective instinct and must be extensively socialized in puppyhood so that the instinct doesn’t morph into overly fearful or aggressive behavior.

Photo (Hannoverscher Schweisshund, Charlie, selbst fotographiert), CC BY-SA 3.0

The Hamiltonstovare is known as a versatile hound that can hunt with the best of them, but come home at the end of the day and be a great pet. That said, the breed is not for just any owner. Prospective buyers should realize that this Swedish scenthound will choose to follow his nose over just about any other option. Furthermore, the breed is not quiet whatsoever (those that love the breed call their distinctive baying “singing”). Do you research to make sure this breed fits your lifestyle!

When it comes to training, the Hamilton can be quite stubborn. They aren’t often seen in high levels of obedience competition since they can be difficult to train. This said, they tend to be quite food motivated and are capable of learning. Since they are agile and athletic, agility might be an avenue to work them in! Other areas that Hamiltons enjoy working are tracking, carting, nosework, dock diving, lure coursing, conformation, weight pull or barn hunt. They especially enjoy jobs in which they can use their bodies, their nose and/or their personalities (they make excellent therapy dogs and some even work as service dogs). Many get bored with the strict routines of competitive obedience, and would much prefer either hunting or the more physical dog sports mentioned above.

The Hamiltonstovare needs, and enjoys, plenty of room to run. As a hunting animal, he was bred to work for long hours and needs plenty of exercise. Make sure that any area he is running in is fully fenced or you may lose your hound once he catches the scent (or sight) of something interesting! (although scenthounds, he can be triggered by sight as well) Although they can be trained to come when called, the vast majority will ignore the command under the great distraction of a prey animal in the vicinity. Frequent training and lots of distraction-proofing can lessen the chances of him ignoring a recall, but many owners aren’t able to commit to the work. It is best just to keep him on leash or in fenced areas, “just in case”. In addition to free running time, he should be given multiple walks a day and/or other types of exercise with his owner.

Hamiltons shed very little,  have little to no odor, and are easy to maintain with barely any grooming required. A “lazy animal” when inside the house, they aren’t hard to take care of – assuming the owner is aware of their quirks. They are long-lived and fairly healthy, often living 13-14 years and sometimes up to 17! As the “cherry on top”, this is a striking and regal breed with a beautiful tricolor coat pattern. Despite their many perks, this medium-sized breed is very rare in America. It can take a while to get a puppy – whether choosing to wait for a litter in America or importing a dog from overseas. The best homes for this breed include people who are active and have at least some experience with scenthounds, understanding their quirks and willing to go the extra mile when it comes to training.

The Hamiltonstovare is a friendly and extroverted dog who rarely has a problem with anybody (except perhaps cats). As might be imagined from his laid-back and friendly temperament, this is not a guard dog! Extremely perceptive and sensitive, they form close bonds with the people in their family and become very devoted. Hamiltons are social creatures that don’t do well when left alone frequently – and can become destructive and loud when this happens! They can do well in homes with children although may be prone to knocking down toddlers when excited. They also get along great with other dogs despite the fact that they weren’t used as pack hunting hounds.

Photo By Sannse