History

The breed has existed in Sweden since the 16th century. The name originated from the breed's links with Smaland in southern Sweden. During the time of the Swedish Empire a number of wars were fought, with soldiers returning to their native country bringing a variety of hound breeds with them. These hounds were bred with local spitz type dogs, and the offspring became the foundation stock of the modern Smalandsstovare.

Farmers in Sweden preferred an all around hunting dog as they could often only afford to feed a single hunting dog, and so the breed became adept at hunting a number of quarry including hares, squirrels and foxes as well as birds and larger game such as moose. During this initial period the Smalandsstovare came in a variety of colors, sizes and lengths of tail with selective breeding not being put into practice until the 19th century. At the first dog show held in Sweden, in 1889, 444 dogs were entered, of which 189 were hound type dogs, including a number of Smalandsstovares. In the early 20th century, breeders worked to restore the breed to the old type, with a naturally occurring short tail.

Behavior

A popular Swedish hunting dog, members of the breed can form strong attachments to their master; but are also seen as household pets due to their gentle and protective nature. In hunting, they are used to drive the quarry for the hunter. They are a highly intelligent breed, and require a high level of exercise. They therefore are not best suited to living in a small apartment. Smalandsstovare are wary of strangers and can be territorial, but this can also make a Smalandsstovare a good watchdog. Participation in field trials for Smalandsstovares are becoming increasingly common. They remain active up until around twelve years old.

He needs space and lots of exercise, as well as regular brushing.

Function

Hunting Dog, Companion Dog.

Health

The Swedish breed club for the Smalandsstovare commissioned genetic tests on a number of dogs between 1994 and 2008. The tests showed that there were no specific health issues unique to the breed, nor any major generic issues. They recommended that where rare health issues present themselves, that the dog involved should not be bred in order to prevent that health issue from spreading through the breed.