Sweden is the home to a purebred dog called the Drever. These young dogs have some of the best attributes of any canine: they are loyal, diligent, and attentive. One other name for the Drever is the Swedish Dachsbracke.
If you're an active urbanite, one of these dogs might be perfect for your apartment; nevertheless, they thrive in larger houses with yards where they can run around and burn off some of their boundless energy. In either a one-person or a multi-person home, these puppies will thrive. The Drever could be the ideal dog for you if you want a vigilant and devoted companion who never leaves your side. All information pertaining to the Drevers dog breed is shown below.
Highlights
- A Drever's coat is typically a combination of brindle, fawn, red, and tricolor. Sable or white marks are also possible. The coats of these animals are of little maintenance. One thorough weekly brushing is usually sufficient.
- Drevers are highly devoted domestic pets who were originally developed as hunting companions.
- A strong-willed trainer is required for the Drever. They make good guard dogs because they'll start barking at the first sight of trouble.
- Energy levels of Drevers are exceptionally high. Walk your dog for at least 30 minutes to an hour every day, with some vigorous playtime and shorter walks sprinkled in for good measure.
- Drevers aren't necessarily animal lovers, so you might want to consider keeping them as an only pet. However, there are many Drevers who get along perfectly with other dogs; the issue often boils down to lack of training, lack of socialisation, or just plain bad luck.
- Most Drevers tolerate children just fine, though they could be more comfortable with older youngsters who are more experienced with caring for animals.
Characteristics
Social Appearance
Adaptability
It's a common misconception that a little dog is better suited to living in a limited space. Many tiny dogs have too much energy and are too yappy to live in an apartment building. An apartment dog's best attributes include being quiet, low energy, somewhat peaceful indoors, and respectful to the other inhabitants. Your dog's personal space in your apartment can be improved by purchasing one of these fantastic dog cages.
Sensitivity Level
Depending on the dog, a strong rebuke can be taken in stride by some, while others regard even the tiniest hint of disapproval as a personal attack. If you have a loud or pushy owner, a chaotic home, or a routine that is unpredictable or variable, your low-sensitivity dog, often known as "easy-going," "tolerant," "resilient," or even "thick-skinned," will be able to handle it better. Do you have young children, host a lot of parties, or have a hectic lifestyle? Choose a dog that isn't overly sensitive.
Intensity
You can't tell from looking at them whether or not they're hyperactive, but when they do anything, they do it vigorously. They tug at their leashes (unless you teach them not to), they push their way through barriers, and they down their meals in huge, gobbling gulps. A home with young children or an elderly or feeble person may not be the best place for these dynamos to learn proper etiquette. On the other side, a dog with poor vitality adopts a more reserved demeanor.
Potential for Playfulness
The playful nature of certain dogs never fades away, and they're always ready for a game, whereas the reserved and serious tendencies of other dogs develop through time. Think about how many times a day you want to play fetch or tag with your dog, and whether or not you have children or other dogs who can act as substitutes.
Personality Appearance
Intelligence
In the same way as working dogs, such as those that herd sheep, are bred for intelligence and decision-making, working dogs like those who run all day need to exercise their bodies. The two most common activities that a bored pet engages in are digging and chewing, both of which require mental stimulation. There are several ways to keep a dog's brain active, including obedience training, interactive dog toys like tug of war, and dog sports like agility and search and rescue.
Energy Level
Energy-draining dogs are always on the lookout for a new activity. There are several jobs that require a lot of stamina from dogs, such as herding livestock or recovering prey for hunters. Children are more likely to engage in activities such as jumping, playing and exploring new sights and smells as a result of this change in their environment
A low-energy dog is more like a couch potato than a dog that needs a lot of exercise. Think about your level of physical activity and whether or not you find a hyperactive dog irritating before making your final choice.
Easy To Train
Easy to train dogs can more easily form associations between a cue (like "sit"), an action (like sitting), and a reward than dogs that are more difficult to train. Dogs that require more time, patience, and repetition are more difficult to train.
Getting your dog interested in training will require incentives and games because many breeds are intelligent but have a "What's in it for me?" mentality when it comes to learning new things.
Family Affection Level
Affectionate With Family
Since puppyhood, some breeds remain aloof and independent; others form deep bonds with one individual but are uninterested in the rest of the family; still other types shower their entire family with affection. Canines raised in homes with people tend to be more open to human interaction and develop stronger ties, regardless of their breed or upbringing.
Kid-Friendly
Kids-friendly dogs are calm, strong enough to bear the hefty hugs and pets kids can dish out, and have an unfazed attitude about rushing, scream-inducing children. There are several names you may not expect to see on the list: Fierce-looking Both Boxers and American Staffordshire Terriers are regarded as family dogs (which are considered Pit Bulls). Chihuahuas, which are small, sensitive, and potentially sharp, are not always family-friendly.
Dog Friendly
Dog friendship and human friendship are two entirely different things. The fact that a dog is friendly with humans doesn't mean it's immune to aggression or aggression from other dogs; some canines choose to play rather than fight; others will just run away. The type of animal isn't the only consideration. Dogs who have spent a lot of time playing with their littermates and their mother at the age of six to eight weeks are more likely to be socially competent.
Physical Appearance
Amount of Shedding
Having a dog in the house means that you'll have to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothing and in the home. It's worth noting, however, that shedding varies widely among breeds. Some dogs shed all year long, while others ``blow" just during specific times of the year, and still others don't shed at all. If you're a stickler for cleanliness, you'll need to choose a breed that sheds less or lower your expectations. You can use a deshedding tool to keep your house a little cleaner.
Drooling Potential
While greeting you, some dogs may cover their arms with ropes of drool and create large, wet patches on your clothing. If you don't mind a little drool, go for it; but if you're a stickler for cleanliness, you may want to look for a dog with a low drool rating.
Easy To Groom
Some breeds of dogs can simply be brushed and left alone, while others require frequent washing, trimming, and other grooming in order to maintain their health and appearance. If you don't have the time or money to take care of a dog that requires a lot of grooming, you may want to look into hiring a professional.
Exercise Needs
Evening walks around the neighborhood are perfectly acceptable for some breeds. Others, particularly those trained for physically demanding vocations like herding or hunting, require regular, rigorous exercise.
They can gain weight and release their pent-up energy in ways you don't like, including barking, chewing, and digging, if not given enough exercise. Those looking to train their dog for an energetic canine activity, such as agility, should consider getting a dog that needs a lot of exercise.
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed
Weight
35 to 40 pounds
Lifespan
12 to 15 years
Height
12 to 16 inches
History
Originally from Sweden, the Drever is a purebred dog. The word "drev" translates to "to hunt" in Swedish, and that is precisely what these canine companions did best. In reality, they are a miniature variant of the Westphalian Dachsbracke, a small-sized German hound that arrived around Sweden in 1910.
A breed of short-legged dog called a Drever was traditionally used to herd wildlife in the direction of a waiting rifle. Wild animals like foxes, deer, and others were raised specifically for the purpose of bringing them to hunters.
Much like the Labrador Retriever in the United States, they are one of the most popular dog breeds in Sweden. The term "Swedish Elkhound" wasn't given to them until 1953, and the breed itself wasn't formally recognised until 1947. Besides this brief summary, not much else is known about the Drever's past.
Some Drevers have found their way to animal shelters or the care of rescue organizations despite the breed's obscurity outside of Sweden. If you're set on this particular breed, you might want to look into adoption.
Personality & Temperament
The Drever would be known as the "Waggy tail" if dog breeds were named after personality traits. The presence of human beings always sets this dog's tail wagging. He is consistently ranked as one of Sweden's 20 most popular dogs, and his amiability, dependability, and enthusiasm for play are only a few of the reasons for his popularity.
This dog may be a four-legged paragon, but it is not without flaws. A loud bark runs in the family, and he isn't hesitant to use it. A Drever will yell out for attention whether he is excited or even just bored. Aside from being a bit of a digger, he has no qualms about spending an afternoon rearranging the garden beds at his owner's house.
The Drever's keen sense of smell is an additional asset. As a master at scent tracking, he is easily sidetracked by aromas. Because of this, he may have periods of temporary insensitivity to his owner's voice, resulting in poor recall.
Care
Initiate puppy training as soon as possible after bringing home a new dog. Like other dog breeds, Drevers are more amenable to training when they are young. This breed is notoriously independent, so starting training early is essential. After your puppy has been vaccinated, it's time to start thinking about socialization and obedience training.
Health
The Drever is the healthiest dog breed because they don't have any hereditary diseases. However, they do require the attention of a conscientious owner to ensure their continued health.
Deworming & Parasite Control
Preventative measures against internal parasites are essential for maintaining a Drever's health. It is recommended to regularly deworm your dog every three months if it is a house pet (not one used for hunting and eating prey). Those who forage, scavenge, or are plagued by fleas should also be given a wormer containing the tapeworm-fighting ingredient praziquantel. Talk to your vet about the hazards of lungworm, heartworm, and whipworms in your area, and use a product he or she recommends.
If you want to rid your pet of fleas, mange mites, or ticks, talk to your vet about the best solution to use. As a result of the danger of tick-borne infections, the latter are of particular significance. It is important to inspect your Drever for ticks after every stroll. When caught and removed quickly, ticks pose no risk of transmitting disease to dogs.
Diet and Weight Management
High-quality diets with specified meats among the first three items should be fed. In particular, you should stay away from cheap foods that add volume with fermentable vegetable sources of carbohydrate or protein like soy. Even though they include all the nutrients a pet needs, these foods often cause them to have gas and bloat.
Food amount is equally crucial as quality. If you give the Drever too much food, it will gain weight quickly. The prevalence of serious health issues including diabetes mellitus, arthritis, heart disease, and cancer, and the decreased lifespan they cause, are all strongly correlated with obesity.
Vaccination
It's easy to forget how much vaccination has helped and to believe that the diseases against which we now have vaccines are no longer a problem. The opposite is true. Drevers who choose not to get vaccinated put themselves at risk of contracting dangerous diseases including leptospirosis (which is communicated by rat urine) and parvovirus (which is transferred on shoes).
Neutering
A female dog's risk of developing mammary cancer and a womb infection is greatly reduced if she is spayed before her second season (pyometra).
The sterilization of a male dog is not medically necessary for any of these reasons. This is due to the health benefits and drawbacks debate. In males, for instance, the incidence of benign prostatic hyperplasia is reduced after sterilization, whereas the risk of prostatic cancer is slightly increased.
The decision to neuter a male dog may therefore depend on the dog's personality. Neutering may help with dogs who are very territorial and aggressive, but the Drever is a calm and friendly breed that is unlikely to exhibit these traits.
Recommended Health Test
- Skin Scraping
- X-Rays
- Physical Examination
- Ear Examination
Nutrition
Feed your Swedish scent hound two to three cups of high-quality dry kibble per day. Avoid bloat by spreading this out across two or three meals a day, and give your dog enough fresh water to drink at all times.
Rather of feeding your dog based on its present weight, you should adjust its food intake based on its age, weight, condition, and the number of active minutes it spends each day.
If you use treats as a training aid, you should factor their caloric content into your dog's daily calorie allotment. Otherwise, your Drever can develop excess fat and become unhealthy. Further, it is far more challenging for your dog to shed excess pounds than it was to get them.
Grooming
Training can be difficult, and the breed does need a lot of activity on a regular basis, but grooming is a breeze. A weekly brushing should be enough to keep the dog's silky coat free of dead hairs, knots, and mats.
At least three times a week, and preferably every day, you should brush the dog's teeth. If you start doing this and cutting your puppy's nails early on, it will be much less of a chore when he or she is an adult. The frequency of nail clipping is dependent on the dog's activity level and the terrain it frequents, but it is generally necessary every two months or so.
Exercise
Despite being smaller than many other scent hounds, the Drever nevertheless needs enough daily activity. It is an active dog that requires regular walks and playtime to maintain its health and happiness. Each day, make sure they get at least one hour of physical activity. This breed is well-suited to agility training and canine sports in addition to longer walks and hikes.
Training
A Drever can be trained in one of two ways. Acquiring the skills necessary for the field and for hunting will come naturally. The dog has an innate drive to hunt and may be quickly trained to fulfill its purpose. It has less of an interest in obedience training, so it can be more challenging to educate him not to jump up on people or to stop using the backyard as a bathroom. Dogs lose interest quickly, so keep training sessions light and engaging; however, don't be afraid to use tasty rewards that are still good for them.
All dogs, no matter their breed, need to be socialized. The dog's stress and anxiety levels decrease, and both the dog and the owner's quality of life improve. When your Drever is young, enrol it in puppy training and socialisation programmes to help it adjust to new environments and learn to cope with challenges.
Children and Other Pets
The Drever is a medium-sized breed, making it vulnerable to injury at the hands of overly enthusiastic youngsters. Drevers prefer to spend their time with more mature people or children who understand the need of being gentle. However, the Drever can be a fantastic, energetic companion for kids who are taught early on how to appropriately interact with a dog of medium size.
If introduced to other pets gradually and calmly, the Drever can get along with them. Early socialization is key. They'll benefit most from early exposure to canine companions. Drevers, on the other hand, aren't known for being particularly friendly toward other pets.
But many Drevers get along perfectly with other dogs; it all comes down to training, socialization, and, ultimately, luck of the draw.
Puppies
Before taking your new puppy home, make sure the area is completely free of anything that could injure the animal, as this is especially important for severe breeds like the Drever. It's a good idea to put away anything valuable that you wouldn't want chewed up by a curious dog, too. You should also stock up on puppy food and other necessities before bringing your new pet home. This will allow you to get settled in without having to run around like a crazy person trying to find essentials right away.
Due to their independent nature, Drever puppies require early and consistent training and socialization to ensure their success. Once your puppy is properly immunized, you should think about enrolling him or her in obedience training.
Dogs Similar to Drever
Three dog breeds, the Swedish Vallhund, the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, and the Drever, all share similarities with one another.
Dachshund
Both the Dachshund and the Drever originated as hunting dogs. Affectionate, sociable, and moderately intelligent, both breeds are an ideal family pet. The Dachshund is the smaller of the two small dog breeds, the Drever. When compared to the average Drever, which weighs 33 pounds, the standard-size Dachshund is quite light.
Swedish Vallhund
Both the Swedish Vallhund and the Swedish Drever may trace their ancestry back to Sweden. While Drevers were developed specifically for hunting, the Swedish Vallhund was bred to herd. Both types typically weigh in at around 30 pounds and stand somewhere between 13 and 14 inches. The Swedish Vallhund is notable for its excessive shedding and tendency to bark.
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Territorial behavior is a hallmark of the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier and the Drever. Both types have the potential to be wonderful pets for families and senior citizens. Compared to Drevers, Teddy Roosevelt Terriers are less difficult to train and more effective as guard dogs.