Smoland Hound: characteristics of the dog breed, photo, character, rules of care and maintenance

Characteristics

Brief information

Origin story

Smaland hound (Smalandstovare) one of the oldest breeds of dogs. Descriptions of these dogs date back to the 16th century, and an area in Sweden called Småland became their homeland. The Smålandian hounds harmoniously combine the blood of aboriginal dogs kept by farmers, German and English hounds that were brought to Sweden, and even Spitz. The first breed standard was issued in 1921, the latest edition of the standard was adopted in 1952. Despite the fact that the breed is distributed mainly in Sweden, it is recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale.

Description

Småland Hounds are versatile hunters with excellent scent and stamina. Since these dogs were originally bred by farmers, they needed an assistant in hunting any game, without any narrow specialization. Thus, the hounds can work both on an elk and participate in hunting for a hare, fox, birds.

Typical representatives of the breed are harmonious, proportionally built dogs of a square format. The standard of the Småland hounds indicates that these animals have well-developed muscles, strong, slightly shortened neck and croup, a wide chest, smooth, parallel limbs. The head of the hounds is proportional in size, not too wide, without any looseness and folds. The skull is much wider than the muzzle, the stop is clearly defined. The eyes of typical representatives of the breed are oval or almond-shaped, of medium size. Standing straight, the eyes should not look sunken or too protruding, the color of the irises is dark. Black is indicated in the standard and the color of the nose. The ears are located on the sides of the head, slightly raised on the cartilage, while the tips hang down. The tail of the Småland hounds is long, but a natural bobtail is allowed. The standard stipulates two colors black and brown, while red tan is obligatory.

Character

Representatives of the breed are absolutely non-aggressive, get along well with all family members, are friendly and smart. Thanks to their complaisant nature and lively mind, Småland hounds are well trained.

Care

Since the dogs were bred for the very harsh climatic conditions of Sweden, their coat is dense, with a good undercoat, but short enough, so it does not cause any special problems in care. Also, these dogs are very unpretentious in food, the breed is distinguished by good health. Since the ears of the hounds are lowered down and deprived of constant ventilation, inflammatory processes may occur. Owners are advised to regularly inspect their pets’ ears in order to take action in time.

Content

Do not forget that the Småland hounds originally lived on farms and helped their owners both in hunting and in protecting their homes. Representatives of this breed require serious physical activity. These dogs will take root in city apartments only if the owners can provide them with quality walks for many hours.

Price

Smaland hounds are popular in their homeland, in Sweden, but outside of it it is quite difficult to meet these dogs. Therefore, for a puppy, you will have to go to the birthplace of the breed and include delivery costs in the price of the dog. The price of a Smålandian hound puppy, like a puppy of any other hunting breed, depends both on its exhibition prospects and pedigree, and on the working qualities of the parents and the makings of the baby himself.