Drever dogs are one of the most lovable and affectionate dogs that continue to be the most loyal and hardworking among a bunch of others.
The Swedish purebred Drever is one of these stalwart purebred dogs that enjoy being alert and loving.
These puppies have some of the best qualities that they derive from some ancestor breeds.
They are very happy and energetic, and they love to run around and spend their energy. Thus homes with large yards to play and have fun in our enjoyable for these dogs.
About The Breed
The Drever is a purebreed dog that is energetic and playful and has a strong will with lots of confidence.
These dogs are great protectors of their owners and pet families, and they are affectionate toward their families in an open manner.
These dogs’ ancestors were bred to hunt and track other small animals. These dogs tend to have very high energy levels and are compatible with owners who have energy levels that are high as well.
Drever Dog Breed History
This dog is originally from Sweden. Even the nomenclature of the dog is derived from the fact that the word ‘Drev’ means to hunt in Swedish.
Hunting is one of the biggest talents of this breed, and they are known for the same.
These dogs are known to be one of the most famous and popular breeds in Sweden, almost to the same degree that the Retrievers are in the United States.
These dogs were officially named in 1947, and in 1953 they were known to be a Swedish breed. Though they are rare, they are found around due to their existing fame.
Drever Dog Breed Job Card/Overview
| Breed Name | Drever |
| Other Name | Swedish Dachsbracke |
| Dog Breed Type | Pure breed |
| Origin | Sweden |
| Parent Breeds | – |
| Height | 12-16 inches |
| Weight | 35-40 pounds |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years |
| Coat Type | Short thick coats which are harsh and straight they tend to be dense and are slightly longer as compared to scent hound coats. They tend to be marked as well. |
| Common Colors | Brindle, Fawn, Red, Tri-colored, Sable, White |
| Grooming Needs | Moderate grooming needs |
| Hypoallergenic | Moderate shedding |
| Temperament | Energetic, smart, sociable and interactive |
| Apartment Living | Adapt to apartments with large spaces |
| Pet-Friendly | Yes |
| Health Concerns | Back pain, ear infections, slipped discs, entropion, and obesity |
| Overall Health | Quite Good |
| Intelligence Level | Tend to be intelligent |
| Trainability | Can be trained easily if pursued regularly |
| Energy Level | High energy levels |
| Activity | Regular exercise required |
| Litter Size | 1-12 puppies |
What To Know
• Drevers have an exceptional sense of smell, making them superb scent hounds. They are often used for tracking and hunting game in their native Sweden. Engage their noses with scent-based games and challenges to stimulate their intellect.
• Drevers are a relatively small breed, making them suitable for apartment living. However, don’t be fooled by their size; they have a big personality and a strong-willed nature.
• Drevers are known for their friendly and sociable nature. They tend to get along well with other dogs and make excellent family pets. Early socialization is key to ensuring they remain well-adjusted.
• Drevers have a distinctive appearance with their long bodies, short legs, and floppy ears. Their charming and slightly comical look often captures the hearts of those who meet them. Regular grooming, particularly ear cleaning, is essential to maintain their health and appearance.
Characteristics
Adaptability
The Drever dog breed showcases remarkable adaptability in various environments and lifestyles.
Originating in Sweden, these dogs were bred to be versatile hunting companions, and their adaptability shines through.
Their compact size makes them suitable for both city and country living.
Drevers are known for their high energy levels and outdoor enthusiasm, making them great hiking or jogging partners.
Despite their hunting heritage, they usually get along well with other pets and can adapt to a multi-pet household.
Their friendly and sociable nature makes them excellent family pets, while their keen nose and intelligence allow them to excel in various dog sports and scent-based activities.
Whether in a bustling city or the tranquility of the countryside, Drevers adapt and thrive with their loving families.
Adaptability
Adapts Well To Apartment Living
Good For Novice Owners
Sensitivity Level
Tolerates Being Alone
Tolerates Hot Weather
Tolerates Hot Weather
Friendliness
The Drever dog breed is renowned for its exceptional friendliness. These amicable canines are known to be affectionate and social, making them fantastic companions for families and individuals alike.
Their friendly disposition extends not only to their human companions but also to other dogs and pets, fostering harmonious households.
Drevers possess an innate desire for human interaction, thriving on attention and love. Their eagerness to please and outgoing nature make them a joy to be around.
They often form strong bonds with their owners and are always ready to shower them with loyalty and devotion.
Whether it’s a playful romp in the park or a cozy evening on the couch, Drevers are always up for quality time with their beloved humans.
Their warm-hearted friendliness truly makes them a cherished member of the family.
All About Friendliness
Affectionate With Family
Kid-Friendly
Dog Friendly
Friendly Toward Strangers
Personality
The Drever is a dog that has high amounts of energy. These dogs love to run around and spend their energy in large areas where they can exhaust any latent energy.
These dogs have a lot of confidence and can also tend to be stubborn. This can make them a little difficult to deal with for novice parents.
Early socialization and training can help these dogs have a strong will. Since these dogs are known to be natural protectors, they tend to be vocal about how they feel as well.
Since these dogs can perceive threats, they are barkers and will bark when they perceive a threat to their owner’s life. Thus they make good watchdogs and keep their families secure.
These dogs are known to be very loving and affectionate to their owners as well. This makes them great companion dogs.
The streak of stubbornness in these dogs comes from their Hound parents; however, this can be fixed by bringing in professional trainers.
Temperament
Friendly with Children
Drever dogs are renowned for their friendly nature, making them an excellent choice for families with children.
Their gentle disposition and patient temperament make them natural playmates for kids.
Drevers tend to be protective without being overly aggressive, ensuring a safe and loving environment for young ones.
Nevertheless, as with any breed, it’s crucial to supervise interactions and teach children how to treat dogs respectfully to foster a harmonious bond between Drevers and their pint-sized companions.
Amicable to Other Pets
Drever dogs are typically amicable when it comes to interacting with other pets. Their friendly nature extends to other animals, making them great companions for your existing furry friends.
Whether you have cats, dogs, or smaller pets, Drevers often adapt well to their company. Early socialization and proper introductions are important to ensure a harmonious relationship.
With the right approach, your Drever can become a beloved member of a multi-pet household, fostering a sense of camaraderie among all your animal companions.
Barking Tendencies
The Drever dog breed has a moderate barking tendency. They tend to bark when they sense something unusual or feel excited.
This makes them great watchdogs, as they’ll alert you to any potential intruders.
However, proper training and socialization from an early age can help manage their barking habits and ensure they don’t become overly vocal.
With the right guidance, Drevers can strike a balance between being protective and maintaining peace at home.
Possibilities of Staying Alone
Drever dogs are adaptable and can cope with alone time, but they thrive on human interaction.
If left alone for extended periods, they may become anxious or bored, leading to behavioral issues.
To ensure a happy solo stay, provide toys, puzzles, and a comfortable space. Regular exercise and mental stimulation before leaving can help them relax during your absence.
Consider a dog walker or daycare for longer durations to keep them content and well-adjusted.
Pros And Cons Of The Drever Dog Breed
Pros
- Compact size, and great for apartments.
- Exceptional hunting and tracking abilities.
- Loyal and affectionate nature.
- Low grooming requirements.
- Good with active families.
Cons
- High exercise needs.
- Prone to obesity if overfed.
- Can be stubborn in training.
- Limited availability outside Sweden.
- Not suitable for sedentary owners.
Male Vs. Female Attitude
Male Drevers are a little larger than female dogs. This seems to be the only difference between these dogs.
Other than physicality, these dogs do not differ much in terms of attitude when it comes to their temperament.
Appearance
General Appearance
The Drever, a Swedish breed, is known for its unique appearance. These compact dogs have long, sturdy bodies with short legs, giving them an adorable, almost comical look.
Their floppy, pendulous ears and expressive eyes add to their charm. Drevers have a short, dense, and weather-resistant coat, often seen in various colors, including red, black, and tan.
They are built for endurance, with a keen sense of smell thanks to their large, sensitive nose.
This distinctive appearance, combined with their friendly demeanor, makes Drevers a lovable and eye-catching breed.
Coat Color
The Drever’s coat colors are usually fawn, red, brindle, or even tricolored.
These are the primary colors of the coat; however, it is common to see these dogs with coats that have markings that may be sable or even white.
These dogs have thick, dense coats that are short and coarse and slightly longer than the normal ways that coats in terms of length for Hound dogs.
Since their coats are harsh and straight, they do not shed a lot. These dogs have hair on their necks and tail areas, and at times these regions tend to shed.
Brushing once a week keeps their shedding controlled, and grooming is easy for these dogs.
Shedding
This dog is commonly called a ‘wash-n-wear’ breed since the coats of these dogs can be easily maintained, and these dogs do not shed too much.
An occasional bath helps keep these dogs clean, and regular grooming, like nail maintenance and coat maintenance, keeps these dogs at their best.
Size
Since this purebred is slightly old, there are breed standards that exist for the dog.
They are known to be medium-sized dogs that weigh about 35-40 pounds, and in height, they range from about 12-16 inches at the shoulder.
However, depending on their lifestyle and genetics, these dogs can be smaller or larger than the expected breed standard.
| DOG BREED GROUP | HOUND DOGS |
| HEIGHT | 12-16 INCHES |
| WEIGHT | 35-40 POUNDS |
| LIFE SPAN | 12-15 YEARS |
Health
This purebred generally has very good health conditions, and they do not suffer from very complicated health conditions; however, it is essential to look out for some health issues that can be avoided-
Back pain, ear infections, slipped discs, entropion, and obesity.
Visit the veterinarian regularly and maintain your dog’s lifestyle and health to upkeep their life in an orderly way.
Doing this will avoid the onset of any health conditions that may hinder the quality of their life.
Health And Grooming Requirements
Amount Of Shedding
Drooling Potential
Easy To Groom
General Health
Potential For Weight Gain
Size
Maintenance And Care
The Drever needs a care routine to maintain a healthy lifestyle for the dog.
These dogs tend to have high energy needs; thus, regular exercise is essential for these dogs.
They are sometimes prone to obesity, and thus, caring for them in terms of a regular eating schedule that is healthy is an essential aspect so that they are not overfed.
Caring for them in terms of their personal and bodily hygiene is also important since it keeps them stimulated both mentally and physically.
Grooming
Grooming a Drever is straightforward due to their short, dense coat. Brush them weekly to minimize shedding and remove loose hair.
Pay extra attention to their floppy ears, cleaning them gently to prevent infections. Regular dental care and nail trimming are essential for overall health.
Drevers typically have a low grooming demand.
Food And Nutrition
An ideal diet for this pure breed is suitable for a medium-sized breed that has high energy levels.
If these pups are overfed, they tend to gain weight, as mentioned before; thus, a regular feeding schedule that maintains their healthy weight is essential for these dogs.
Giving them too many sweet treats can cause these dogs to retain weight and lead to obesity as well.
The dietary needs of these dogs change from when they are young to when they become adult dogs as well.
This needs to be looked at when formulating a diet schedule for them as well.
Food Cost
For your dog, 2-3 cups of dog food is recommended daily. Just divide them into 2-3 meals.
Don’t make your dogs overeat. The average daily cost would be around $1.1-$1.5. The monthly costs come to be around $33-$50.
Exercise And Activity Level
Drevers are purebred dogs who have a lot of energy and tend to want to spend this energy.
At least an hour or two of exercise keeps these dogs stimulated physically is essential for these dogs.
This keeps them happy and also enhances the quality of their life. Ensure that they indulge in games like fetch or tug of war, which will keep them busy.
Drever dogs have a high activity level. They thrive on physical exercise and mental stimulation. Daily walks, playtime, and interactive games are essential to keep them happy.
These energetic hounds enjoy outdoor adventures and excel in activities like scent tracking.
Physical Requirements
Energy Level
Intensity
Exercise Needs
Potential for Playfulness
Trainability
The Drever, a Swedish breed originally developed for hunting, possesses a unique blend of trainability traits.
While they can be stubborn at times, they are generally intelligent and eager to please, making them moderately trainable.
Their strong hunting instincts may lead them to follow their noses rather than commands during outdoor activities, so early leash training is crucial.
Consistent and positive reinforcement methods work well with Drevers. Short, engaging training sessions with treats and praise can keep their interest piqued.
Be patient and persistent, and they’ll grasp basic commands. However, advanced training may require extra effort.
With dedication and understanding, Drevers can become well-behaved companions, especially when their hunting instincts are channeled through structured training and activities.
Trainability
Easy To Train
Intelligence
Potential For Mouthiness
Prey Drive
Tendency To Bark Or Howl
Wanderlust Potential
Conclusion
The Drever has short legs, which make them excellent trackers. These dogs are loving and are good in their behavior with children and other smaller pets as well, making them great family companion dogs.
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FAQs On Drever Dog Breed…
Where do the Drever dog breeds come from?
This Drever pure breed comes from the region of Sweden. They are German hounds originally, but they were imported into Sweden.
What is the best diet routine for a Drever dog?
A diet that is the best for a medium-sized dog is the most ideal for this breed. One that is nutritious and has enough energy components to keep them engaged is essential for these dogs.
How much exercise is required for a Drever?
At least an hour or two of exercise is required for the Driver. Agility exercises like hiking and walking, and running, and sporty exercises keep these dogs happy as well. Exercise keeps the health of these dogs stimulated.
I am a passionate animal lover with a lifelong commitment to pet care. With over a decade of experience as a pet owner, I’ve nurtured a variety of furry and feathered friends, from cats and dogs to birds and reptiles. I possess a deep understanding of their unique needs, behavior, and health. My mission is to share my knowledge and insights to help fellow pet enthusiasts provide the best possible care for their beloved companions.