The Drever Community

The Drever is a Swedish scenthound developed in the early twentieth century primarily for the purpose of deer hunting, specifically the slow, methodical drive of deer toward waiting hunters across the Swedish countryside. Created by crossing the Westphalian Dachsbracke - a short-legged German scenthound - with local Swedish hunting dogs, it was recognised as a distinct Swedish breed in 1947 and has since become one of Sweden's most popular hunting breeds. Registered by the Kennel Club in the Hound Group, it is exceptionally rare in the UK and finding a reputable breeder typically requires direct contact with Swedish breed clubs or a willingness to import. The Drever's appearance reflects its hunting function. It is a short-legged, longer-than-tall breed with a sturdy, muscular body, long drop ears, a broad skull and the general build of a dog designed for sustained work over demanding terrain rather than speed. The coat is short, dense and comes in various colours including red, tan, black and white, and tricolour combinations. The breed is slightly larger than a Dachshund but shares the general low-slung, short-legged silhouette of the short-legged scenthound type. The character is classic working hound. The Drever is friendly, good-natured and sociable - a breed that gets on well with people of all ages and other dogs in the household. At home it is companionable and adaptable. Out on a scent, it becomes a focused, determined and methodical tracking machine that will follow a trail with persistence and independence. This is precisely what it was bred to do, and the instinct is deep. The practical implication of the hound character is consistent across all scenthound breeds: recall in open areas where interesting scent is present cannot be relied upon, and a securely fenced garden or secure exercise area is not optional. The Drever's scenting ability is exceptional and its determination on a trail is the quality that made it useful for deer driving, but it creates the same management requirements as any hound in a domestic setting. The Drever is also a vocal breed. It uses its voice when tracking and when excited, which is characteristic and appropriate for a hunting hound but should be considered by prospective owners in settings where noise could be a concern. Exercise needs are moderate to high. The breed has the stamina of a working hunting dog and benefits from 1 to 1.5 hours of daily activity. Nose work, tracking and other scent-based activities provide the most natural and fulfilling exercise for this breed. Health is generally excellent, as expected from a breed shaped by working requirements rather than aesthetic selection. Lifespan is typically 12 to 15 years. Monthly running costs average £90 to £150. For prospective owners, the Swedish Kennel Club and the Drever breed society in Sweden are the primary contacts for reputable breeders and any rehoming enquiries.