Drever

Table of Contents

Quick Facts

• Sturdy Swedish hunting dog developed primarily for tracking and driving deer, hare, and fox at a steady, controlled pace.
• Medium‑small in height but surprisingly strong and durable, with a long body and short legs that handle rough terrain with ease.
• Known for its clear, carrying voice used while hunting, yet often calm and affectionate indoors with the right exercise.
• Typically friendly and social with people and other dogs, but has a strong hunting instinct that calls for good training and secure fencing.
• Low‑maintenance short coat with moderate shedding and a practical, weather‑resistant texture suited to life in varying climates.

Appearance & Coat

The Drever is a compact, elongated scent hound with short legs and a sturdy frame. At first glance, many people compare the Drever to other low‑legged hounds, but in real life it feels more substantial than photos often suggest. It was designed to move all day in Swedish forests at a steady trot, so strength and endurance are more important than elegance.

In terms of size, males usually stand around 32 to 38 centimetres at the shoulder, with females slightly smaller, but height is less important than overall balance. The body is clearly longer than it is tall, though it should never look weak or exaggerated. The chest is deep, reaching down close to the elbows to give good heart and lung capacity. The back is strong and level, with a gently sloping croup leading to a tail of medium length that is carried in a gentle curve or straight, never tightly curled over the back.

The head is typical of a scent hound. It is fairly long, with a slightly domed skull, clear stop, and a strong but not coarse muzzle. Ears are fairly long, hanging flat and close to the cheeks, and add a lot to the breed’s characteristic expression. The eyes are clear and expressive, usually dark, with a calm and alert look that many owners fall in love with.

The Drever’s coat is short, dense, and close‑lying without being too fine. It should be weather resistant, as these dogs are expected to work in forests, snow, and underbrush. The coat feels practical and easy to care for, and most owners describe it as “wash and wear.” It is not silky or fluffy, but rather firm and protective.

A wide range of colors is allowed. Typical Drever colors include tricolor (black, tan, and white), black and white, fawn and white, or combinations with various shades of brown and tan. White markings are common and often appear as a blaze, collar, chest patch, socks, and tail tip. Symmetry is not essential; character and sound structure matter far more than perfect markings.

Coat care is straightforward. Weekly brushing with a soft bristle brush or rubber grooming glove is usually enough to remove loose hair and dirt. During seasonal shedding, which often increases in spring and autumn, more frequent brushing helps keep hair off furniture and clothing. Because the coat is short, it dries quickly after walks in wet weather, especially if you towel the dog off when you come inside.

Bathing can stay fairly minimal. Unless the dog has rolled in something very unpleasant, a bath every few months or as needed is usually sufficient. Use a gentle dog shampoo to protect the natural oils of the skin. Regular care should also include:

• Checking and cleaning the ears, especially since they are pendulous and can trap moisture and debris.
• Trimming nails every few weeks, as the short legs mean long nails can quickly affect comfort and movement.
• Wiping the coat after hunts or long hikes to remove mud, seeds, and potential ticks.

Overall, the Drever’s appearance reflects its purpose. It is a tough, practical hunting dog with a coat built for real work, yet it is also easy enough to maintain for families and active homes that simply want a hardy companion.

Temperament & Personality

The Drever is first and foremost a hunting dog, and its temperament reflects this background. At the same time, more and more Drevers live as family dogs and companions, and many people are pleasantly surprised by how calm and gentle they can be indoors when their needs are met.

In daily life, the Drever tends to be alert, cheerful, and interested in everything happening around it. This is not a breed that sleeps through the day without noticing visitors or new sounds. Many owners describe their Drever as having a “work switch” that turns on during outdoor activities. Once they pick up a scent or sense the possibility of a hunt, their focus sharpens and they become determined and persistent. This persistence is highly valued in the forest, where the Drever is expected to follow game at a steady pace for long periods, giving voice to keep the hunter informed.

Around the home, the Drever is typically affectionate and loyal to its family. They often form particularly strong bonds with one or two key people, yet are usually friendly and accepting of the whole household. Many Drevers enjoy cuddling on the sofa after a busy day and will gladly follow their owners from room to room just to stay close. They are not usually clingy in an anxious way, but they do like to be involved.

With children, most Drevers are kind and tolerant when raised in a respectful environment. Their sturdy build and calm attitude, once mature, make them good companions for school‑aged children who understand how to treat a dog gently. Supervision, as with any breed, is essential to teach both dog and child appropriate boundaries. The Drever’s hunting background means it can be a little too energetic for very small toddlers during puppyhood, when jumping and racing are at their peak.

When it comes to other dogs, the Drever is generally social and used to working in hunting groups. Many individuals do best when they can have regular contact with other dogs, especially of similar energy and size. They tend to communicate clearly and can be vocal during play. Occasional same‑sex tensions can occur, as with many breeds, especially in intact males, but breeders and experienced owners typically manage this through good socialization, training, and careful introductions.

The Drever’s relationship with other pets depends heavily on early experiences and individual temperament. Because its instinct is to track and pursue game, small animals such as rabbits, some cats, or free‑roaming backyard poultry may trigger its prey drive. With careful introductions, many Drevers do live peacefully with the family cat, especially when raised together from puppyhood. However, owners should always respect the breed’s natural instincts and never assume that any small animal is completely safe without supervision.

Common challenges with this breed usually center around:

• Strong hunting instinct and tendency to follow scents.
• A clear voice that is used both in the field and sometimes at home when excited or bored.
• A streak of independence that can appear as stubbornness during training.

Despite these challenges, people who understand and appreciate hunting dogs often find the Drever’s personality deeply rewarding. The breed combines determination outdoors with a surprisingly gentle, even‑tempered nature indoors. When physical and mental needs are met, the Drever can be a steady, trustworthy companion that fits well in active families who enjoy outdoor life throughout the year.

Training & Exercise

The Drever is an active working dog developed for long days in the forest, so its training and exercise needs should never be underestimated. While the breed is smaller in height than many other hunting dogs, it has the stamina and mental drive of a much larger hound. Owners who provide structured outlets for this energy are rewarded with a content and cooperative companion.

Exercise requirements vary with age and individual temperament, but most adult Drevers need at least one to two hours of daily activity. This should not be just casual yard time. They thrive on purposeful walks, free running in safe areas, tracking games, and scent‑based activities that allow them to use their nose. Cycles of brisk walking, trotting, and rest mirror what they would do in a hunting scenario and help keep both body and mind balanced.

In hunting homes, regular work during the season fulfills many of these needs naturally. The Drever’s original job is to track and drive deer or other game at a measured pace, barking as it follows the scent trail. This style of hunting requires independence, concentration, and endurance rather than explosive speed. That same mindset can be tapped into in non‑hunting homes through:

• Mantrailing or scent tracking games in forests and fields.
• Nosework classes that teach the dog to identify specific scents.
• Search games where the dog finds hidden toys or treats.

Training a Drever calls for patience, clarity, and consistency. This is an intelligent breed, but not a robotic one. It has its own opinions and will not respond well to harsh methods. Reward‑based training using food, praise, and play tends to work best. Short, engaging sessions that finish on a positive note are far more effective than long, repetitive drills.

Because of its hunting background, the Drever often excels at learning tasks that have a clear purpose from the dog’s perspective. For example, recall training becomes more meaningful if it is integrated into games. You might allow the dog to sniff an area, call it back, reward generously, then release it with a cue to explore again. This teaches the Drever that coming when called does not mean the fun is over, which is crucial for a scent hound.

Basic obedience such as sit, stay, recall, walking on a loose lead, and a “leave it” cue are important tools for safety. A Drever that can be called away from interesting scents and controlled around wildlife is much easier to live with. Many owners rely on long training lines when working outdoors in unfenced areas, especially in regions with strict leash laws or abundant wildlife.

Mental exercise is just as important as physical work. Puzzle feeders, scent boxes, simple tracking lines, and problem‑solving games in the garden or living room can tire out a Drever surprisingly fast. On busy days when long walks are not possible, combining shorter walks with targeted mental challenges can prevent frustration and unwanted behaviors such as barking, digging, or restlessness.

The breed can also enjoy various dog sports, including rally obedience, canicross on safe surfaces, and sometimes agility, although care must be taken with jumps and obstacles because of the breed’s longer back. Low, safe jumps and focus on control rather than speed suit the Drever’s body type better than extreme athletic courses.

In general, a Drever that receives thoughtful training from a young age grows into a cooperative adult that is a pleasure to handle. Puppy classes, early socialization with different environments, and exposure to calm, well‑behaved adult dogs all help shape a confident and manageable companion. Owners who enjoy turning everyday life into small training opportunities, such as practicing sits at doorways or recalls in the garden, will find the Drever responsive and eager to take part.

Health

The Drever is considered a relatively robust and healthy breed, especially when compared with some more popular breeds that have faced heavy trends and overbreeding. Its development as a working hunting dog favored functional health and soundness. Even so, like all purebred dogs, the Drever has certain health issues that breeders and owners need to be aware of and manage responsibly.

One area of attention is the musculoskeletal system. The Drever has a long body combined with short, strong legs. This outline is part of its working design, but it also means that careful selection for correct structure and healthy movement is important. Responsible breeders aim to avoid exaggerated features and focus on a firm, well‑supported back and strong, straight front legs.

Conditions that may be seen in the breed include:

• Intervertebral disc problems in some individuals, especially if they are overweight or allowed to jump frequently from heights such as furniture or car boots.
• Hip or elbow dysplasia, although these appear less frequently than in many larger breeds, they are still monitored through screening.
• Some ear problems related to the drop ear shape, such as ear infections if ears are not kept clean and dry.

Regular health testing within breeding programs helps reduce the risk of passing on serious issues. Depending on the country, recommended health tests for breeding Drevers may include:

• Hip evaluations through radiographs and official scoring systems.
• Elbow evaluations where available.
• Eye examinations by a veterinary ophthalmologist, especially if concerns arise in lines.

Your local kennel club or Drever breed club can give the most accurate information on which tests are standard or strongly recommended in your region.

General preventive health care is vital. Keeping a Drever at a healthy weight is perhaps one of the most powerful ways to protect its joints and back. Because the breed loves food and may be highly food‑motivated, it is easy to overfeed, especially if training treats are not balanced with daily rations. Owners should regularly feel for ribs and watch waistlines, adjusting portions to activity level and life stage.

Dental health should not be overlooked. Regular brushing with a dog‑safe toothpaste, along with chews or appropriate dental products, helps prevent tartar build‑up and gum disease. Given that Drevers often live long and active lives, keeping the mouth healthy supports their well‑being in senior years.

Routine veterinary care, including vaccinations, parasite prevention, and annual checkups, provides a good safety net. Many owners choose to increase visit frequency as the dog reaches senior stages so that subtle changes in weight, heart function, or mobility can be caught early.

The typical lifespan of a Drever is often in the range of 12 to 15 years, with some individuals living even longer. Lifestyle makes a real difference. Dogs that receive balanced nutrition, sensible exercise, and mental stimulation tend to stay fit and engaged well into old age. Watching for early signs such as hesitation to jump, changes in gait, stiffness after rest, or unusual tiredness allows owners to seek veterinary advice before problems become severe.

A caring breeder will be open about health in their lines, explain what they test for, and encourage buyers to stay in touch about the dog’s long‑term health. This feedback loop helps keep the overall population strong and supports the responsible development of the breed for the future. With proper care, the Drever’s sturdy nature and working heritage give it an excellent chance of a long, active, and happy life.

History & Origins

The Drever is a Swedish hunting breed with roots that reach beyond Sweden’s borders. Its story begins with small, low‑legged hounds imported from continental Europe, especially Westphalian Dachsbracken from Germany. These early dogs were valued for their ability to track and drive game, but Swedish hunters and breeders soon recognized the need to adapt them to local conditions, terrain, and hunting traditions.

In Sweden, hunting culture has long placed emphasis on controlled, manageable hunts, particularly for deer and other medium‑sized game. Hunters needed a dog that was persistent, with a keen nose, but not too fast. A dog that moved quickly could push deer out of range too fast, while a dog that was slow and methodical allowed the hunter to position themselves effectively. The Drever was developed to fill this role, working at a steady pace and giving voice while following the scent of game.

Through selective breeding, Swedish enthusiasts shaped the imported hounds into a distinct type. They aimed for a slightly larger, more robust dog than the original Westphalian Dachsbracke, with great endurance and the right temperament for Swedish forests and climate. The longer body and relatively short legs helped the dog stay closer to the ground for scenting while moving efficiently through undergrowth and snow.

By the mid twentieth century, the Drever had become well established and was officially recognized as its own breed in Sweden. The name “Drever” is believed to be linked to the Swedish word for “drive” or “driver,” reflecting the dog’s role in driving game slowly and steadily toward the hunter. This method of hunting requires the dog to work somewhat independently yet stay connected to the hunter through its clear, ringing voice.

Over time, the Drever gained recognition beyond Sweden, including recognition by international kennel organizations. Although still far from a common breed worldwide, it is well known and appreciated in the Nordic countries, where it continues to be used extensively for hunting roe deer, hare, and fox. The breed’s reliability, temperament, and voice in the field have made it a trusted partner for generations of hunters.

In recent decades, as interest in versatile and slightly rarer breeds has grown, more Drevers have found their way into active homes that may or may not hunt. Some participate in scent work, tracking sports, and search activities that mirror their original job. Others live primarily as family dogs, joining their owners on hikes, forest walks, and outdoor adventures.

Despite this expansion into companion roles, the Drever’s identity remains firmly tied to its hunting origins. Responsible breeders continue to emphasize both working ability and sound, stable temperament. This balance preserves the breed’s heritage while ensuring that modern Drevers can adapt to the roles they play today, whether in the deep forests of Scandinavia or on countryside trails and fields in other parts of the world.

Living with the Breed

Living with a Drever is a rewarding experience for people who appreciate active, outdoorsy dogs with a clear sense of purpose. However, it is important to understand that this breed is not a decorative lapdog or a low energy apartment pet. While small in height, the Drever is a full‑scale hunting dog that needs engagement, structure, and companionship.

Day to day, you can expect a Drever to be alert early in the morning, ready for walks and sniffing adventures. Many owners plan their routines around several outings each day. A typical schedule might include:

• A morning walk with time for sniffing and some short training exercises.
• A midday or afternoon activity such as a forest walk, tracking game, or active play.
• A calmer evening stroll to settle and relax before bedtime.

In between, the Drever often enjoys resting near its people. They may nap by your desk while you work from home or lie on a rug where they can see the family. While they can adapt to various living environments, including houses and apartments, they do best where access to safe outdoor areas is easy. A secure, well‑fenced garden is extremely valuable, as the Drever’s nose can inspire unexpected journeys if gates are left open.

Financially, keeping a Drever involves the usual costs of dog ownership. Prospective owners should budget for:

• Purchase price or adoption fees.
• Quality food appropriate to age and activity level.
• Routine veterinary care, vaccinations, parasite prevention, and health checks.
• Insurance if available in your area, which can help cover unexpected veterinary expenses.
• Regular grooming supplies, training classes, and occasional boarding or pet sitting if you travel.

Annual costs can vary widely between countries and lifestyles, but planning ahead for both regular and emergency care is essential. Hunting dogs are generally active and may be at higher risk of minor injuries such as cuts or scrapes, so a small emergency fund or insurance can provide peace of mind.

Useful equipment for a Drever includes a comfortable harness that allows free movement of the shoulders, a sturdy collar with identification, and several types of leads. Many owners find a long line very helpful during training and in open areas where full off‑lead freedom is not yet suitable. A robust crate or safe travel solution for the car is important, especially for those who hunt or travel frequently.

Indoors, a Drever appreciates a supportive bed placed away from drafts, as well as some chew toys and puzzle feeders to occupy quiet evenings. Because of the breed’s long back, many owners avoid allowing constant jumping on and off furniture or steep staircases, particularly while the dog is still growing. Simple adjustments, such as ramps or placing dog beds on the floor rather than high sofas, can protect the spine over time.

Social needs should not be underestimated. The Drever is generally happiest when it can be part of daily family life. Long hours alone every day, without mental or physical activity, can lead to frustration, boredom, and behaviors such as barking or destructive chewing. Owners who work full time often arrange for a midday dog walker, daycare a few days a week, or involve family members in care routines.

For first time dog owners, the Drever can be a good match if they are serious about training and outdoor activities. Access to good trainers, participation in puppy classes, and a willingness to learn about scent hound behavior are important. Families who enjoy hiking, camping, or spending weekends in nature often find that a Drever fits their lifestyle exceptionally well.

In the right home, living with a Drever feels like sharing life with a loyal, hardworking friend who is always ready to explore. Its steady presence, cheerful attitude, and affectionate nature make everyday moments richer, while its drive and courage in the woods remind you of the long tradition of hunting dogs it represents. For those prepared to meet its needs, the Drever offers a partnership that is both practical and deeply heartfelt.

Characteristics

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of temperament does a Drever typically have, especially around children and family?

This breed is usually friendly, steady and people oriented, with a strong bond to its family. Many do well with respectful children because they are patient and not overly fragile, but they can be independent due to their hunting background. Early socialization helps prevent shyness or excessive suspicion around strangers.

Is a Drever a good choice for first-time dog owners?

It can work for a committed first-time owner who is ready for an active scent hound with a strong nose and some stubbornness. Training requires consistency and patience rather than harsh methods. Those who want an off leash, instantly obedient dog may find this breed challenging, especially in areas with wildlife scents.

How much exercise does a Drever really need each day?

Despite its short legs, it is an energetic working hound that benefits from at least 60 to 90 minutes of varied activity daily. Long, purposeful walks and scent games are especially important. Without enough mental and physical work, it may become noisy, frustrated or prone to wandering in search of smells.

Can a Drever live happily in an apartment or small home?

Apartment living can work if daily exercise needs are met and there is regular access to safe outdoor spaces. The breed tends to bark to alert or when excited, which can be an issue in close quarters. Good sound management, training and an understanding of the dog’s hunting instincts are essential.

How strong is the hunting and tracking instinct in Drevers, and can they be trusted off leash?

Hunting drive is usually very strong because the breed was developed for scent driven tracking of deer and other game. Many individuals will follow a scent and ignore recall, especially in wooded or rural areas. Off leash freedom is safest only in securely fenced spaces or after extensive recall training, and some may never be fully reliable.

What health problems are Drevers most prone to, and how long do they typically live?

They are generally robust and long lived, often reaching 12 to 14 years or more. The long back and short legs can predispose some to spinal or joint issues, so keeping them lean and avoiding excessive jumping is important. Responsible breeders screen for inherited eye problems and other structural concerns.

Does the Drever’s long-backed, short-legged build require any special care?

Their body shape means you should avoid repeated stair climbing, high jumps and rough play that twists the spine. Maintaining a healthy weight is critical to reduce stress on the back and joints. A supportive bed and careful handling, especially when lifting, help protect the spine over the long term.

How much grooming does a Drever need and do they shed a lot?

The short, dense coat is relatively low maintenance and usually needs only weekly brushing to remove loose hair and dirt. They are moderate shedders, with increased shedding in seasonal changes. Regular ear checks are important because dropped ears combined with outdoor activity can increase the risk of ear infections.

Are Drevers noisy, and how can owners manage their barking and howling?

As a hunting and tracking hound, this breed has a natural tendency to voice its excitement and alert to changes around the home. Early training to respond to a quiet cue and providing enough exercise can greatly reduce nuisance barking. Mental enrichment, such as scent work, also helps satisfy instincts so vocalizing is more controlled.

How well do Drevers get along with other dogs and household pets?

They generally get along well with other dogs, especially if raised with them, since they were developed to work in cooperation with hunters and sometimes other hounds. With small pets, care is needed because of their strong prey drive. Individual tolerance varies, so careful introductions and supervision around cats or small animals are recommended.

Sources

• Svenska Dreverklubben
• The Swedish Kennel Club
• Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI)