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
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.