The Hamiltonstovare Community

The Hamiltonstovare is a Swedish scenthound developed in the late nineteenth century by Count Adolf Patrick Hamilton, the founder of the Swedish Kennel Club, who created the breed by crossing German hounds including the Hanoverian Hound and Holsteiner Hound with indigenous Swedish hound breeds to produce a purpose-built deer hunting dog capable of working alone in the deep forests and open countryside of Sweden. Unlike many continental European pack hounds, the Hamiltonstovare was specifically developed to work singly rather than in a pack, hunting in front of a walking hunter and tracking wounded deer through scent and voice in the traditional Swedish hunting style. Registered by the Kennel Club in the Hound Group, it is a rare breed in the United Kingdom with a following primarily among working hound enthusiasts. The Hamiltonstovare is a well-proportioned, athletic medium to large scenthound with a distinctive tricolour coat - black on the back and upper sides, tan on the head, neck, legs and sides of the body, and white markings on the muzzle, chest and paws. The overall impression is of a handsome, capable and well-balanced hound. Adults typically stand 53 to 61 centimetres at the shoulder and weigh 23 to 27 kilograms. The head is long and rectangular with pendant ears and a calm, intelligent expression. The character is that of a typical working scenthound: independent, focused, friendly and driven by scent above all other considerations. The Hamiltonstovare is good-natured and sociable with people and generally excellent with other dogs - it was bred to work in proximity to other hounds and people without conflict. With its own family it is affectionate and devoted. It is not aggressive or difficult, but it is fundamentally a working hound that needs to understand its place and purpose. The most important practical consideration is the breed's relationship with scent. Once the Hamiltonstovare has identified an interesting trail, its attention is extremely difficult to redirect. Recall training is challenging and cannot be relied upon in open environments. Exercise must be conducted either in securely fenced areas or on a long line. This is not a breed that can be trusted off-lead in unfenced countryside. Exercise needs are substantial - 1.5 to 2 hours of vigorous activity is appropriate for an adult Hamiltonstovare, and it thrives best with access to open countryside where its scenting abilities can be engaged. Purchase prices where available in the UK range from £800 to £1,800. Monthly running costs average £120 to £170. The Swedish Kennel Club and Scandinavian hound communities are the primary resources for breed information, health testing and responsible breeders.