Drever dog

Drever Breed Guide: Size, Temperament, Care & History

The Drever is a distinctive Swedish short-legged scenthound developed for steady, determined hunting. With its long body, short sturdy legs, strong nose, and calm yet persistent temperament, this breed stands out among hunting dogs. Whether you are researching the Drever for hunting, family companionship, or simply want accurate information about this Scandinavian hound, this guide covers everything from origins and appearance to daily care, training, and health.

Explore more hound breeds and care resources on the Dogzora homepage or browse the full dog breeds directory.

What Is a Drever?

The Drever (sometimes called the Swedish Dachsbracke) is a purebred scenthound belonging to FCI Group 6, Section 1.3 (small-sized hounds). It was created in Sweden in the early 20th century primarily to track and slowly drive game such as roe deer, red deer, fox, and hare toward the hunter. Its name comes from the Swedish word “drev,” referring to a driven hunt in which the dog pushes game forward at a controlled pace.

Unlike faster hounds that chase game at high speed, the Drever works methodically. Its short legs keep it close to the ground for excellent scenting while preventing the dog from startling game into a full flight. This steady pace allows hunters to follow on foot through dense Swedish forests and rough terrain. Today the Drever remains popular in Sweden, Norway, and Finland as both a working dog and a family companion when its exercise and mental needs are met.

History and Origins of the Drever

Around 1910, Swedish hunters imported the Westphalian Dachsbracke, a short-legged German hound, to improve local hunting dogs for Scandinavian conditions. These imports were crossed with other hounds to create a slightly larger, more robust dog better suited to Swedish terrain, climate, and game. By the 1940s two size varieties existed. In 1947 a newspaper contest selected the name “Drever” for the larger type. The Swedish Kennel Club recognized the breed that same year, and the FCI followed in 1953.

The Drever has since become one of Sweden’s most valued hunting breeds, especially after regulations allowed its use on deer. It is recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club (Scenthound Group) and is part of the American Kennel Club’s Foundation Stock Service. Outside Scandinavia the breed remains relatively uncommon, which helps preserve its working ability.

Drever Size, Appearance, and Physical Traits

The Drever’s most striking features are its rectangular outline, long body, and short but strong legs. It is built for endurance and agility in dense cover rather than speed or elegance.

The head is relatively large and elongated with a slight stop, strong muzzle, dark brown eyes, and medium-length drop ears. The coat is short, dense, and harsh, lying close to the body. Any color is accepted as long as clear white markings are present (solid white or solid liver are faults). Common combinations include tricolor, red and white, black and white, or fawn and white. The tail is long and carried hanging or slightly raised when the dog is active.

Compared with a Dachshund, the Drever has straighter, stronger legs and a less exaggerated body. It is often described as looking like a sturdy Beagle on shorter legs. Readers interested in similar short-legged scenthounds can also explore the Alpine Dachsbracke profile.

Drever Temperament and Personality

The breed standard describes the Drever as keen, even-tempered, and never aggressive, nervous, or shy. In practice most Drevers are friendly, affectionate with their family, and calm indoors once their exercise needs are satisfied. They generally get along well with children and other dogs, especially when socialized early.

Key traits include:

• Strong hunting and tracking drive
• Independent problem-solving on the trail
• Clear, carrying voice used to bay on scent
• Loyalty and attachment to their people
• Moderate-to-high energy balanced by a relaxed home demeanor

Because of their scenting instinct, Drevers can be stubborn or selective about coming when called if a trail is more interesting. They are not typically aggressive but may bark to alert. Early socialization and consistent, positive training help channel their natural independence into a well-mannered companion.

Many owners compare the Drever’s friendly, curious nature to that of the Beagle, another popular scenthound, though the Drever tends to be a bit more reserved with strangers and more focused on work.

Exercise, Training, and Mental Stimulation Needs

A Drever is a working hound with real stamina. Expect at least 60–90 minutes of daily activity, ideally including opportunities to use its nose. Long leash walks, hikes in varied terrain, and scent games or tracking exercises are excellent. A securely fenced yard is helpful, but free roaming is risky because of the strong prey drive.

Training works best with positive reinforcement, consistency, and short, engaging sessions. Food rewards and praise are effective. Recall training should start early and be practiced in low-distraction environments before progressing to more challenging settings. Mental work such as puzzle toys, nose-work games, or simple tracking trails prevents boredom and reduces unwanted barking or destructive behavior.

Apartment living is possible if the dog receives sufficient outdoor exercise and mental stimulation, but the breed thrives with access to outdoor space and an active lifestyle.

Grooming and Coat Care

The Drever’s short, dense coat is low-maintenance. Weekly brushing with a rubber curry or soft bristle brush removes loose hair and keeps the coat healthy. Shedding is moderate and increases seasonally. Bathing is needed only occasionally unless the dog gets particularly dirty after a hunt or hike.

Regular ear checks are important because drop ears can trap moisture and debris. Clean them as needed and keep the ear canals dry. Nail trimming, dental care, and occasional inspection of the feet (especially after rough terrain) complete the basic routine.

Nutrition and Feeding Guidelines

Feed a high-quality, complete diet appropriate for the dog’s age, size, and activity level. Active working or hunting Drevers may need more calories than companion dogs. Divide the daily amount into two meals to support digestion and help maintain a healthy weight.

Portion control matters because excess weight puts extra strain on the long back and short legs. Fresh water should always be available. For guidance on matching food to breed and lifestyle, see Dogzora’s article on how to choose the right diet for your dog’s breed.

Health Considerations and Lifespan

Drevers are generally healthy and robust, with a typical lifespan of 12–15 years. Responsible breeders screen for common issues and prioritize working ability and sound structure.

Potential concerns include:

• Hunting-associated pulmonary edema (a condition linked to intense exercise in some individuals)
• Ear infections due to drop ears
• Obesity-related joint or back stress if under-exercised and overfed
• Occasional orthopedic issues common to short-legged breeds

Regular veterinary check-ups, maintaining a lean body condition, and appropriate exercise help keep most Drevers healthy throughout their lives. Always discuss any breed-specific concerns with a veterinarian familiar with scenthounds.

Is the Drever Right for You?

The Drever suits active individuals or families who enjoy outdoor time and can provide consistent exercise and mental challenges. It is an excellent choice for hunters who want a reliable, vocal tracking partner that works at a controllable pace. As a companion, it offers loyalty, playfulness, and a calm indoor presence when its needs are met.

It may not be the best match for first-time owners seeking a highly biddable, low-drive dog, or for households that cannot commit to daily outdoor activity and secure containment. The breed’s independent nature and strong nose require patient, positive handling.

Quick Comparison: Drever vs. Similar Breeds

Final Thoughts

The Drever is a purposeful, well-balanced scenthound that combines working excellence with companion qualities. Its distinctive short-legged build, powerful nose, clear voice, and even temperament make it a valued hunting partner in Scandinavia and an engaging family dog for the right home. By understanding its history, exercise requirements, independent streak, and care needs, owners can help this Swedish breed thrive for many years.

If you are drawn to scenthounds with strong instincts and a steady personality, the Drever deserves serious consideration. For more breed profiles, care guides, and comparison tools, visit the Dogzora homepage and explore the full range of resources available.