Drever

ATTRIBUTES: Loyal / Determined / Even-Tempered

GROUP: Foundation Stock Service

ACIVITY LEVEL: Regular Exercise

BARKING LEVEL: Likes To Be Vocal

COAT TYPE: Double

COAT LENGTH: Short

SHADDING: Occasional

SIZE: Medium

TRAINABILITY: May Be Stubborn

CHARACTERISTIC: Best Family Dogs, Medium Dog Breeds

Breed Overview

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Ancestry

Westphalian Dachsbracke

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Origin

Sweden

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Registration

2015

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Size

12 - 15 Inches

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Weight

35 - 40 Pounds

 

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Expected Life

15 Years

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY +
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
LOVE WITH CHILDREN +
Unwise
Good With Children
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS +
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
+
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
+
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
+
COAT TYPE
+
COAT LENGTH
+
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
+
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
+
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
+
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
+
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
+
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
+
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
+
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Loaf
Needs an Activity
+
COLORS
+
PATTERNS
+
CARING WITH FAMILY
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection a breed typically displays towards family members and familiar individuals can vary. Some breeds tend to be more reserved and aloof, primarily bonding closely with their owners. Conversely, there are breeds known for their friendly nature, treating everyone they know as if they were their closest companion.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN
Unwise
Good With Children
The level of tolerance and patience a breed exhibits towards children's behavior, as well as their overall family-friendly nature, can vary among different breeds. While supervision is always necessary when dogs interact with young children or children with limited exposure to dogs some breeds are known to be particularly tolerant and well-suited for family environments.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
The general friendliness of a breed towards other dogs can vary. While all dog interactions should be supervised, certain breeds tend to have a more amicable disposition towards other dogs, both within their own household and in public settings. It's important to remember that individual temperament and socialization play crucial roles in a dog's behavior towards fellow canines. Early and ongoing socialization, along with positive experiences can significantly influence a dog's ability to get along with other dogs.
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
The amount of fur and hair a breed tends to shed can vary greatly. Some breeds have a minimal shedding pattern and leave behind very little fur or hair, while others are known for high shedding levels. Breeds that shed heavily may require more frequent brushing to remove loose fur and minimize shedding in the home. This can help reduce the amount of hair left behind on furniture, floors and clothing. It is important to note that even breeds with minimal shedding will still have some hair loss, although to a lesser extent.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
The frequency of bathing, brushing, trimming, and other coat maintenance tasks can vary depending on the breed. When considering a breed, it's important to factor in the time, patience and budget you have available for grooming.
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
The tendency to drool can vary among different breeds. While some dogs are naturally more prone to drooling, others have minimal drooling tendencies. If you value cleanliness and are particularly concerned about slobber, it may be important to consider a breed with lower
COAT STYLES GUIDE
Double
COAT SPECTRUM
Short
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
The level of openness a breed demonstrates towards strangers can vary. Certain breeds may display reservation or caution when encountering unfamiliar individuals regardless of the location, whereas other breeds eagerly embrace the chance to meet a new person whenever possible.
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
The likelihood of a breed's ongoing enthusiasm for play, even beyond the age of being a puppy, can differ. Some breeds will willingly partake in games such as tug-of-war or fetch well into their adulthood, while others will be content with relaxing on the couch with you for most of the time.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
Some breeds have a natural inclination to notify you when strangers are present. These breeds tend to respond to any perceived threat, whether it's the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. Additionally, such breeds are likely to become friendly with strangers who enter the household and are welcomed by their family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
The adaptability of a breed in coping with change can vary. This encompasses adjustments in living conditions, noise levels, weather patterns, daily routines and other variations encountered in everyday life.
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
The likelihood of your dog being easy to train and their receptiveness to learning new things can differ. Certain breeds possess a natural inclination to seek their owner's approval, making them highly trainable, while others display a more independent nature valuing their own desires and acting accordingly.
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
The level of exercise and mental stimulation needed by a breed can differ. High-energy breeds thrive on constant activity and eagerly look forward to their next escapade. They dedicate their time to running, jumping, and playing throughout the day. Conversely, low-energy breeds exhibit a more laid-back nature content to rest and snooze resembling couch potatoes.
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
Likes To Be Vocal
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Happy to Lounge
Needs a Job or Activity
The amount of mental stimulation a breed needs to remain content and in good health can differ. Dogs bred for specific purposes often have job-related tasks that require decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other cognitive abilities. In the absence of appropriate mental exercise, they may invent their own projects to occupy their minds — projects that may not necessarily align with your preferences.
COLORS

Description

Registration Code

Fawn

082

Brindle

057

Red

140

Tri-Colored

380

PATTERNS

Description

Registration Code

Sable

026

White Markings

014

Sable, White Markings

067

About The Breed

The Drever possesses a sturdy and muscular build rather than an elegant and swift appearance. They carry themselves with pride and exhibit a nimble physique. Known for their affectionate, playful, and sweet nature, the Drever generally gets along well with other breeds and thrives in group settings. Originating in Sweden during the early twentieth century, this breed was specifically developed to tackle the challenges of deer hunting in rough terrains and diverse herd locations. With their short legs and long bodies, the Drever adeptly drives the deer over extended distances, leading them directly to the hunters. Characterized by their composed and steady temperament, the Drever never displays aggressiveness, nervousness, or shyness. While they adapt well to various living situations.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A DREVER

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Drever: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

Health

+

That's correct! While it's true that some individual dogs may encounter health issues over the course of their lives, the majority of Drevers are generally healthy and robust dogs. When prospective owners work with responsible breeders, they can gain important knowledge about any specific health concerns that may be associated with the Drever breed.

Responsible breeders prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs and strive to produce puppies that are genetically sound. They perform health tests and evaluations on their breeding dogs to detect and minimize the risk of hereditary conditions. By choosing to work with a responsible breeder prospective owners can gain access to valuable information about the health history of the puppy's lineage.

Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association:

Health

Grooming

+
You're absolutely right! The Drever's short and coarse hair is indeed easy to maintain. While they do shed to some extent, they are considered a "wash-n-wear" breed, meaning they don't require extensive grooming to keep them looking good. Regular baths are usually sufficient to keep a Drever clean and tidy. It's important to use a dog-specific shampoo and follow proper bathing techniques to avoid skin irritation. Additionally, routine brushing with a soft-bristle brush or grooming mitt can help remove loose hair and keep their coat in good condition. As for their nails regular trimming is necessary to prevent overgrowth, splitting, and discomfort. Owners can use a nail clipper or grinder specifically designed for dogs to maintain their Drever's nail length. If you're unsure about how to properly trim the nails, it's always a good idea to consult a veterinarian or a professional groomer for guidance. Checking the ears regularly is important for any dog including the Drever. By inspecting their ears, owners can ensure there's no excess wax or debris buildup which can potentially lead to ear infections. Gently wiping the ears with a damp cloth or using a veterinarian-approved ear cleaner can help maintain their cleanliness.
Health

Exercise

+
You're absolutely right about the Drever's playful nature and their love for spending time with their people! They are known to be social and affectionate companions. While they enjoy playtime and various outdoor activities, they are also content to relax and lounge around with their owners. Providing them with regular opportunities for stimulating physical and mental activities is important for their well-being. Drevers thrive with a balanced routine that incorporates both exercise and mental enrichment. Outdoor activities such as walking, biking, and hiking are excellent ways to engage a Drever's active nature. They enjoy exploring their surroundings and being involved in outdoor adventures with their owners. It's important to ensure they are properly exercised and have outlets to expend their energy. Given their hunting background, activities that stimulate their hunting abilities and scent work can be highly enjoyable for Drevers. Engaging in activities that tap into their natural instincts, such as Barn Hunting, Wounded Animal Recon, and Shed Hunting, can provide them with a meaningful outlet for their energy. Drevers can also participate in various dog sports and activities like Lure Coursing, Rally and Agility. These activities offer mental stimulation, promote physical fitness and can help strengthen the bond between Drevers and their owners.
Health

Training

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Drevers excel as hunters, and their ability to track scents emphasizes the importance of command training. Despite their affectionate and gentle temperament, Drevers, being hound can occasionally show stubbornness making it necessary to dedicate oneself to their training. Being natural hunters, Drevers rely heavily on their sense of smell making it crucial to train them to follow commands. Despite their loving and gentle demeanor Drevers being hounds may still exhibit stubbornness therefore necessitating a steadfast commitment to training.
Health

Nutrition

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To ensure optimal nutrition for your Drever, it is recommended to select a specialized dog food formula tailored to meet their specific digestive requirements at different life stages. Numerous dog food manufacturers offer breed-specific formulas designed for small, medium, large and extra-large breeds, including the medium-sized Drever. While the choice of food ultimately rests on your discretion, consulting with your veterinarian and/or breeder is advised to determine the appropriate meal frequency during puppyhood and identify the most suitable adult diet to promote your Drever's longevity. Additionally, it is essential to provide your dog with clean and fresh water, readily accessible at all times.

Historiography

The Westphalian Dachsbracke, a small German hound, was brought into Sweden in 1910 and subsequently registered in 1913. Information regarding the breed's early history remains scarce until the 1930s. During this time, the Westphalian Dachsbracke gained recognition for its exceptional skill in tracking deer. As the deer population increased and expanded further north, hunters became aware of the advantages offered by this short-legged hound specialized in deer tracking. In 1947, the larger variant of the Bracke in Sweden was officially named the Drever. By 1953, the Drever was acknowledged as a distinct Swedish breed. Renowned as a preferred choice for deer hunting this versatile hound also demonstrates remarkable proficiency in pursuing hares and foxes. 

The Drever's primary purpose is that of a tracking hound, specifically built to navigate and excel in the Swedish terrain and climate. It is worth noting that the breed is predominantly kept for hunting purposes rather than serving solely as a companion dog. In Britain, Dalmatians were employed by nobles to add a touch of elegance to their livery. They earned various nicknames such as the English Coach Dog, Spotted Dick, and the Plum Pudding Dog. The latter names reflect the resemblance of the Dal's spots to the fruits and nuts found in Britain's traditional holiday dessert.

Throughout history, Dalmatians have been closely connected to firefighters, starting in the 1800s when they accompanied horses pulling fire engines. These days, they can still be seen accompanying the renowned Budweiser Clydesdales during parades.

The Dalmatian breed was officially recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club) and entered their Stud Book in 1888. The Dalmatian Club of America even holds road trials to assess the dogs' ability to fulfill their historical role as coach dogs.

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