Hamilton Hound
Overview
Swedish hunter
The Hamilton Hound, also called Hamiltonstövares or Swedish Foxhound, was initially bred in Sweden to hunt foxes and hares in the late 1800s by Count Adolf Patrick Hamilton. He was one of the founders of the Swedish Kennel Club, an organization dedicated to pure-breed dogs. Hamilton wanted to create a breed that would be good at solo hunting and could adapt to the difficult weather and particular landscape of his country. Combining a few german breeds that are now extinct, he created the Hamilton Hound, which was revealed to the world for the first time in 1921,
Those dogs are still used for the same purpose in Sweden today. Their worldwide popularity is growing, but they remain rare in America.
Hugs and running around
Hamilton Hounds are both very affectionate and in need of a lot of physical exercises. As high energy dogs, they are perfect to accommodate a sporty lifestyle, or a life in the countryside, though they will not mind apartment living either. They are also family dogs, great with children and adults alike. As very social dogs, they will be their happiest when around people.
Their hunting instincts make them agile, but prone to follow their nose and run away. Leashes, fences, and high supervision are therefore necessary. For the same reason, it is not recommended for Hamilton Hounds to cohabitate with cats or other smaller animals.
Smart and playful, they respond well to training, despite a little stubbornness. Since they can be easily motivated with food, Hamilton Hounds can learn many tricks without the owner having to put an excessive amount of time and energy into the training. As active as they can be outside, they are also very calm, patient dogs in the home, if given enough time to exercise.
This quality, coupled with their general friendliness, makes them good service dogs as well. In short, Hamilton Hounds adapt themselves easily to most situations and represent the combination of both a loyal, agreeable home dog and an active, joyful outdoor companion.
Healthy and low-maintenance
This breed has a lifespan of 14 to 17 years and good health in general. The owner must however lookout for hip problems and epilepsy, which are the most common diseases found in Hamilton Hounds. Their coat produces very little seasonal shedding, only during fall and spring. They do not require more than basic grooming, bathing once a month, and occasional brushing.
Breed Information
Popularity: | # |
Origin: | Sweden |
Breed Group: | Scenthound (UKC) |
Size: | Medium |
Type: | Purebred |
Life span: | 11-13 years |
Temperament: | Courageous Devoted Patient Energetic Even Tempered Friendly |
Height: | Female: 18 - 22.5 inches (46 - 57 cm) Male: 19.5 - 23.5 inches (50 - 60 cm) |
Weight: | 50 - 60 pounds (22.7 - 27.2 kg) |
Colors: | Tri-color |
Litter Size: | 4-8 puppies |
Puppy Price: | Average $400 - $500 USD |
Breed Characteristics
Adaptability: |
|
Apartment Friendly: |
|
Cat Friendly: |
|
Child Friendly: |
|
Grooming: |
|
Health Issues: |
|
Intelligence: |
|
Trainability: |
|
Watchdog Ability: |
|
Dog names
Rank | Male | Female |
---|---|---|
1 | Charlie | Lucy |
2 | Murphy | Ruby |
3 | Jax | Lady |
4 | Sammy | Layla |
5 | Bandit | Riley |
6 | Gizmo | Lexi |
7 | Brody | Ella |
8 | Blue | Missie |
9 | Scout | Honey |
10 | Tyson | Scout |
11 | Thor | Winnie |
12 | Rudy | Katie |
13 | Benny | Allie |
14 | Chico | Hannah |
15 | Ranger | Gigi |