Hamiltonstövare
Other names: Hamilton Hound, Swedish Foxhound
The dog with the gentlemanly name is a lighter and altogether more Scandinavian variation on the English Foxhound. Friendly, charming, and hard-working, as his James-Bond-parody of a breed-name might suggest, this chap is a strong and handsome take on the scenthound, and can be as free-willed as he is sociable. In contrast to his scenthound cousins, the Hamilton Hound has pretty keen hunting eyes in addition to that well-developed nose. If you can handle his often-independent behaviour, you’ll find this chap to be a warm and low-maintenance addition to the household.
Key facts about the Hamiltonstövare
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Origins and history
This Swedish dog was created by, and takes his name from, Count Adolf Patrick Hamilton; it’s only a pity they didn’t call the breed the Count Adolf Patrick Hamilton Hound. The Count stuck together five disparate breeds in the late eighteenth century – the English Foxhound, Harrier, Curlandish Hound, Holsteiner Hound, and Heiderbracke – and this is what he got. The first official Hamilton Hounds were named Pang and Stella and not, sadly, Neil and Christine.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 6 - Scent hounds and related breeds
Section
Section 1 : Scent hounds
Physical characteristics of the Hamiltonstövare
Adult size
Female : Between 19 and 22 in
Male : Between 21 and 24 in
Weight
Female : Between 51 and 60 lb
Male : Between 51 and 60 lb
Coat colour
Type of coat
Eye colour
Description
This veritable child’s drawing of a dog is smartly rectangular in shape but boasts a joyful patchwork of tricolour fur. His muzzle is long and segues elegantly into his arched and modestly-sized head. His ears are long, flappy napkins, his neck and shoulders powerful and no-nonsense. The Hamilton Hound’s chest is deep and his belly barely betrays its straight line, leading back to a tail held aloft and curved like a sabre.
Good to know
You cannot hunt deer with this dog. Lust for deer hunting has been selectively bred out of the Hamilton Hound.
Temperament
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66%
Playful
This playful dog loves to entertain and to be entertained, and tracking games are good for channeling his energy.
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66%
Calm
This dog is generally a calm type, but will become more eager outdoors.
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66%
Intelligent
He is an intelligent dog, quick to learn and even to become manipulative by acting on his observations.
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100%
Hunter
The Hamilton Hound is a natural hunter and finds the deepest inspiration in the sights and smells of small, fast-moving fluffy animals.
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33%
Independent
Although he is quite autonomous, he still needs regular contact with his social group.
Behaviour of the Hamiltonstövare
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33%
Tolerates solitude
This breed was created for teamwork, and he will become disruptive if left alone for long periods.
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66%
Easy to train / obedience
Although he can prove stubborn towards his teacher, the Hamilton Hound is eager to learn and can even progress to be a service dog if given the right start in life.
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100%
Barking
More of a crooner than a barker, he may all the same sound his voice off with undesirable frequency if not taught otherwise in his youth.
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100%
Tendency to run away
With his energy and his industry, this dog will soon make his escape if not carefully fenced in at home.
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66%
Destructive
The Hamilton Hound can become chewy or diggy if lonely, under-exercised and under-stimulated.
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66%
Greedy / Gluttony
Treats are a useful reward to overcome his stubborn side.
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33%
Guard dog
He’s not a natural guard and unlikely to defend his master’s property with violence.
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100%
First dog
The Hamilton requires a firm hand from his owners, and dedication to intensive daily exercise. If a dog novice can provide these, there’s no reason why the relationship can’t work.
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Is the Hamiltonstövare right for you?
take the testLifestyle
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33%
Hamiltonstövare in a flat
This dog requires consistent access to stimulation and a chance to stretch his legs, and thus is far better suited to a property with a garden.
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100%
Need for exercise / Sporty
The Hamilton Hound requires a great deal of daily exercise and will be happy to engage in whatever sports you challenge him with.
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66%
Travelling / easy to transport
His medium size and good character allow him to travel with his humans.
Compatibility
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33%
Hamiltonstövare and cats
The Hamilton Hound will tolerate a cat with whom he is raised, but any other cat should beware his keen, multi-sensory hunting capacity.
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100%
Hamiltonstövare and dogs
He makes a warm friend of other dogs, especially if he has been socialised from a young age.
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100%
Hamiltonstövare and children
This is one trustworthy and non-aggressive dog, and thus makes a good companion for children of a size to withstand his boisterous playing style.
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33%
Hamiltonstövare and the elderly
Elderly folk who are ‘Hamilton-curious’ should consider the very high level of exercise he requires every day before they commit to a life with this hound.
Price
£950 for KC Registered dogs.
Looking after a dog of this size typically costs between £100 to £170 a month, including food, medical/insurance, and incidental expenses.
Grooming
This is a low-maintenance dog. Regular but not excessive brushing, nail-clipping, and dental hygiene are all that’s required.
Shedding
He sheds moderately twice a year when the temperature turns.
Nutrition of the Hamiltonstövare
Other than grains and cereals, to which he may respond unfavourably, any good quality dog food (homemade or branded) will suit this dog.
Health of the Hamiltonstövare
Life expectancy
The Hamitonstövare's lifespan is approximately 12 years.
Strong / robust
This is a sturdy outdoor dog.
Withstand heat
He shouldn’t be overworked during a heat wave.
Withstand cold
This dog’s coat is well adapted to cold weather.
Tendency to put on weight
His high energy and daily activities should keep him in shape.
Common illnesses
- Hip/elbow dysplasia
- Allergies
- Epilepsy
- Ear infections