Hamiltonstovare
HAM-il-ton-stoh-vah-ruh
Sweden· Southern and central Sweden
The Hamiltonstovare is a medium-large Swedish scenthound bred for solitary trailing of hare and fox over long distances.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Large
Exercise needs
2 hours+ per day
Home size suited to
Medium or larger
Grooming frequency
Weekly brush
Coat length
Short
Sheds
Yes
Lifespan
12-13 years
Town or country
Country preferred
Garden size needed
Medium or larger
Where it comes from
Origins of the Hamiltonstovare
Sweden's mixed forest and farmland demanded a hound that could work slowly and methodically through deep snow and thick cover without losing the scent. Hunters worked alone, on foot, over huge tracts of ground, so stamina and a cool, deliberate nose mattered more than speed. The breed was built for endurance across a long, hard winter rather than a short sharp chase.
- Region
- Southern and central Sweden
- Climate it was bred for
- Cold winters, dense forest and open farmland
- Original job
- Trailing hare and fox alone at a steady pace over long distances
The long read
About the breed
Generations of solo forest work in harsh winters shaped a methodical, independent hound with a superb nose and the stamina to hunt for hours at a steady trot rather than a gallop. Its tricolour coat and weatherproof double layer reflect a need to withstand snow and cold rather than to look striking in a show ring.
At home it is calm, affectionate and generally easygoing, but it retains a strong hunting drive and will follow an interesting scent for miles if allowed off lead in unsecured ground. It needs a substantial daily walk or run and does best with an owner who can provide varied, scent-rich exercise.
Today it remains Sweden's most popular hound breed but is rare outside Scandinavia, valued there as both a working trailing hound and a steady family companion.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Friendliness
3/5
How openly the Hamiltonstovare greets people it does not know.
Trainability
3/5
How readily the breed takes to training in an ordinary home.
Energy
3/5
How much daily exercise and stimulation the breed expects.
Barking
3/5
How vocal the breed tends to be day to day.
Grooming
3/5
How much coat work the breed needs to stay comfortable.
Suits a first-time owner
3/5
How forgiving the Hamiltonstovare is for someone taking on their first dog.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Skull
The Hamiltonstovare's skull is judged on balance rather than size — proportionate to the body, with a clean cheek and a stop typical of the breed. Coarseness or an over-refined head are both faulted.
Timeline
History & development
1790s
Early Swedish hounds
Local trailing hounds were already used across Swedish farmland for hunting hare and fox on foot.
1886
Breed developed
Count Adolf Patrick Hamilton crossed English Foxhound, Harrier, German hounds and the Swiss Schweizer Laufhund to fix a hound suited to Swedish terrain.
1921
FCI recognition
The breed was formally recognised and named after its founder.
1950s
National popularity
The Hamiltonstovare became established as Sweden's most numerous hound breed.
1990s
Limited export
Small numbers were exported to the UK and elsewhere, though the breed remains predominantly Scandinavian.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Strong, level back, deep chest and well-sprung ribs for endurance.
- coat
- Short, dense, harsh and weatherproof with a thick undercoat.
- ears
- Set high, rounded at the tip, hanging close to the head.
- eyes
- Dark brown, calm in expression.
- head
- Long and rectangular, with a slightly domed skull and moderate stop.
- size
- Dogs 50-60cm, bitches 46-57cm
- colour
- Tricolour: black saddle over a tan body with white on the chest, legs, tail tip and face.
- temperament
- Calm, friendly and independent, with a strong nose and steady hunting drive.
- general appearance
- A calm, well-proportioned tricolour hound, rectangular in outline, built for stamina rather than speed.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
Dogs like this
Hamiltonstovares added by PawPoint members through their pet passports. Share yours to appear here.
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Made for the Hamiltonstovare
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Hamiltonstovare illustration — and one everyday accessory that suits any dog.
The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
Every officially recognised breed plus the unofficial ones nobody else documents. 400+ pages, hardback, printed and shipped from the UK.
Own stock — shipped by us
Framed poster
Hamiltonstovare Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Hamiltonstovare illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
Hamiltonstovare Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Hamiltonstovare illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
Hamiltonstovare Mug
Ceramic mug with the Hamiltonstovare illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
Stainless Dog Bowl
Weighted, non-slip base. Dishwasher safe.
Fits any dog
Pawpoint on YouTube
Watch the full Hamiltonstovare video
Breed deep-dives, history and honest ownership talk. New film every week.
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