Hamiltonstovare

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Size

Medium

Life span

13 Years

Weight

27 Kg

Group

Hound Dogs

Hamiltonstovare Overview

The Hamiltonstovare is a medium-sized hound dog with a short coat that originated in Sweden. This rich coloured black, white and tan scent hound is a cross between the Foxhound several German Hounds and Harriers. It was originally used as a hunting dog. As a typical hound dog, it is described as a hardworking hunter, a sweet gentle breed and friendly to all. The Hamiltonstovare typifies a handsome, upstanding breed with a rectangular profile, well proportioned that gives the impression of great strength and stamina. It has a large muzzle, hanging ears that extend approximately halfway along muzzle, muscular front and hindquarters and a long tail. However, the most striking feature of the breed is its tricolour double coat made of short, close and soft undercoat and a weather-proof upper coat that lay close to the body. The back, upper side of the neck, sides of the trunk and the upper side of the tail is black while the head, legs, side of the neck, trunk and tail are brown in colour. White blaze appears on the upper part of the muzzle while white markings adorn the underside of the neck, breast, tip of the tail, on the lower portion of the legs and feet. The ideal size for a male Hamiltonstovare is 57cms while a female Hamiltonstovare is typically 53cms in height.

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Hamiltonstovare Characteristics

Size InformationIntelligence
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Size InformationExercise Needs
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Size InformationDogs Health
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Size InformationChild Friendly
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Size InformationApartment
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Size InformationShedding
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Size InformationGrooming Needs
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Size InformationBarking
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Size InformationAlone
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Size InformationTrainability
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Size InformationEnergy Levels
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Size InformationDog friendly
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History & Origin

The Hamiltonstovare (also known as the Hamilton Hound) is a native breed of Sweden and is the most popular hound breed. It was developed in the 1800s and named after its founder, Count Adolf Patrick Hamilton, who is also the founder of the Swedish Kennel Club. Count Hamilton wanted a sturdy hound that could exclusively be used for hunting both hare and fox. He began a careful breeding experiment by using German hounds, Harriers and English Foxhounds to produce a breed that could hunt by sight and smell. The result was a breed with an excellent nose that when on the trail is very difficult to distract. Today, the Hamiltonstovare is slowly becoming popular in the U.K and in Europe, mainly for hunting and showing, as well as a companion dog.

Hamiltonstovare Temperament

The Hamiltonstovare is described as courageous, energetic, friendly, and out-going. It has an excellent sense of smell and is hard to return to call when hard on a trail. It is generally an even-tempered, easygoing and friendly dog and makes for a fine house pet but it can sometimes have a stubborn streak. It has a high prey drive and makes a wonderful hunting companion. Typically, the Hamiltonstovare is devoted, brave, energetic and patient. It can adjust fairly easy in any living environment as long as it gets its daily dose of exercise. It is always willing to work and thrives on human companionship.

Hamiltonstovare Training

Training is on the moderate side. Being a hunting dog, it requires a handler who is firm but gentle, confident and a strong leader. Consistent and firm training with positive reinforcement such as food rewards is the key to training the Hamiltonstovare. Basic obedience training should be started early in the age of the dog. The Hamiltonstovare is a large breed which can easily pull the handler over when on a lead if not trained early and properly. Basic commands as well as walking to heel should be prioritized. The breed responds very well to physical contact and praise.

Grooming

Grooming is on the easy side. The Hamiltonstovare has a very short coat that sheds very little so it is an easy dog to groom. It is a clean dog and only requires weekly bathing and brushing to remove loose dead hair.

Health

It is a generally healthy dog with a lifespan of 12 years. It may be prone to the following medical problems:

  • Epilepsy – or seizures, is often an inherited condition. Seizures are caused by abnormal bursts of electrical activity in the brain;
  • Canine hip dysplasia – the abnormal formation of the hip socket which can cause crippling lameness and painful arthritis of the joints;

Hamiltonstovare Exercise Needs

The Hamiltonstovare has an enormous amount of endurance and needs regular exercise in order to channel this reserve energy. It should be taken on daily long walks, jogs or runs. Running alongside a bike will suit the Hamiltonstovare very well, as well as playing off-leash in a secured area. Never let this dog roam free in an unsecured area because its strong sense of smell can lead it to trail scent and is hard to return to call when it is tracking a scent.

Children and other pets

The Hamiltonstovare is well-behaved with children and other dogs but young children must always be taught how to treat this hound the right way. Adults must supervise the kids and the dog whenever playing together. Teach the children to never tease the dog. The Hamiltonstovare has a high prey drive so caution is needed when it is around little pets, particularly those that resembles a fox or hare like rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, and similar pets. It will do fine with cats particularly if it is well socialised at an early age.