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Hamiltonstövare

Other names: Hamilton Hound, Swedish Foxhound

Hamiltonstövare

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

Life expectancy :

6

18

11

13

Temperament :

Hunter

Size :

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

Black
White
Brown

Type of coat

Short

Eye colour

Brown

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

  • 66%

    Affectionate

    The Hamilton Hound is a warm and affectionate companion.

  • 66%

    Playful

    This playful dog loves to entertain and to be entertained, and tracking games are good for channeling his energy.

  • 66%

    Calm

    This dog is generally a calm type, but will become more eager outdoors.

  • 66%

    Intelligent

    He is an intelligent dog, quick to learn and even to become manipulative by acting on his observations.

  • 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.

  • 33%

    Fearful / wary of strangers

    He is self-assured, and rarely aggressive towards strangers.

  • 33%

    Independent

    Although he is quite autonomous, he still needs regular contact with his social group.

    Behaviour of the Hamiltonstövare

    • 33%

      Tolerates solitude

      This breed was created for teamwork, and he will become disruptive if left alone for long periods.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 66%