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Characteristics, History, and Health
Drever
The Drever is a small to medium-sized breed of dog that originated in Sweden. They are known for their short legs and long body, which gives them a unique appearance. The breed was developed in the early 20th century by crossing several different hunting dog breeds, including the Westphalian Dachsbracke, the Drever's closest relative. The name Drever was chosen through a newspaper contest and is derived from the Swedish word 'drev', which refers to the type of hunting the breed is used for. The Drever was specifically bred for hunting game such as hare, fox, and other small animals. The breed is known for its excellent sense of smell and ability to track game over long distances. The Drever was recognized as a distinct breed by the Swedish Kennel Club in 1947, and it has since been recognized by several other international kennel clubs, including the American Kennel Club (AKC). While the breed is still relatively rare outside of Scandinavia, it is gaining popularity in other parts of the world as a hunting dog and companion animal.
Main Info
- Origin
- Sweden
- Alternate Names
- None known
- Life Expectancy
- 15 years
- Average Male Height
- 12-15 inches
- Average Female Height
- 12-15 inches
- Average Male Weight
- 35-40 pounds
- Average Female Weight
- 35-40 pounds
- Coat Length
- Short
- Coat Type
- Double
- Coat Colors
- Brindle, Fawn, Red, Tri-Colored
- Coat Pattern
- White Markings, Sable, Sable with White Markings
Genetic Predispositions and Health
The Drever is known as a robust, generally healthy breed. Currently, there are no known genetic conditions tightly associated with the Drever breed. As for all breeds, genetic screening is recommended to assist veterinarians with diagnosis and proactive care, as well as help breeders identify affected and carrier dogs.
Personality and Behavior
Drevers are known for being friendly, calm, and adaptable dogs. They are dedicated hunters with a strong tracking instinct and can be stubborn at times due to their hunting background. These dogs are great with families and are known to be good with children. They are typically quiet but will alert their family to the presence of strangers, making them good watchdogs. Drevers are also known to get along well with other dogs and pets.
Despite their hunting instincts, they are generally adaptable and can adjust to living in an apartment as long as they get enough exercise. They are relatively low-maintenance dogs, but they require regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy.
Fun Facts
They are the most popular dog in Sweden.
The Drever was recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) on January 1, 1996.
These dogs were traditionally considered the first choice for hunting roe and deer.
References
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/drever/ https://www.ukcdogs.com/drever https://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/130g06-en.pdf
https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/breed/drever?page=0
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