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 :

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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

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%

      Destructive

      The Hamilton Hound can become chewy or diggy if lonely, under-exercised and under-stimulated.

    • 66%

      Greedy / Gluttony

      Treats are a useful reward to overcome his stubborn side.

    • 33%

      Guard dog

      He’s not a natural guard and unlikely to defend his master’s property with violence.

    • 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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      Lifestyle

      • 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.

      • 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.

      • 66%

        Travelling / easy to transport

        His medium size and good character allow him to travel with his humans.

        Compatibility

        • 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.

        • 100%

          Hamiltonstövare and dogs

          He makes a warm friend of other dogs, especially if he has been socialised from a young age.

        • 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.

        • 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.

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          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

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