Drever
The Drever is a small breed of dog that originated in Sweden. It belongs to the hound group, and it is known for its short legs and long body, similar to that of a Dachshund.


Drever Breed overview
Drevers are active and independent hounds that were originally bred for hunting and tracking game in Sweden. They are a good choice for those seeking a companion with moderate grooming requirements and medium-size. They have a playful and gentle nature, making them a good choice for families with children. Drevers are adaptable to many different environments and can do well in apartments that provide sufficient exercise opportunities. As with any breed, early socialization and training are essential for preventing any unwanted behaviors or habits.
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What To Expect When Caring For a Drever
Nutrition
Drevers require a balanced diet that includes protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. It is important to feed them high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. It is also important to avoid overfeeding and to monitor their weight to prevent obesity.
Grooming
Drevers have short, dense coats that are easy to maintain. They should be brushed regularly to remove any loose hair, and their ears should be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent infections. They only need to be bathed occasionally.
Health
Drevers are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia and ear infections. It is important to take your Drever to the vet for regular check-ups and vaccinations to keep them healthy.
It is also important to keep your Drever at a healthy weight to prevent weight-related health problems.
Exercise
As a hunting breed, Drevers require plenty of exercise. They should be taken on daily walks and given plenty of opportunities to run and play. They also enjoy games that involve chasing and retrieving, such as fetch.
Training
Drevers are intelligent dogs, but they can be stubborn and independent. They require patient and consistent training from a young age, using positive reinforcement techniques such as treats and praise. Drevers respond well to training when it is fun and engaging.
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Drever Traits & Characteristics
Drevers are small dogs, standing at around 12 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder, and weighing between 30 and 35 pounds. They have short, dense coats that come in a variety of colors, from red and tan to black and tan. They have long ears that hang down, and their tails are typically docked.
The Drever is a hardy breed with a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. They are generally healthy dogs, but can be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia and ear infections.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
The Drever breed displays moderate levels of affection, they are loyal and attached to their families, but not necessarily overly needy in terms of affection. They are happy to spend time nearby, receiving attention or providing comfort. This is an independent and curious hound more interested in exploring its environment than snuggling on the couch.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
Drevers are generally good with children provided they are properly socialized and supervised. They have a playful and gentle nature, and enjoy spending time with children. With their moderate energy levels, they can keep up with kids without being too overwhelming. However, as with any breed, interactions between children and Drevers should always be monitored closely.
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
Drevers typically get along well with other dogs and can be friendly with unfamiliar dogs when socialized properly. They are pack animals and do well when they have other companions. However, like most hounds, they have a strong prey drive and may chase smaller dogs or animals if not trained and socialized properly.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
Drevers tend to be reserved with strangers, but they are not shy or aggressive towards them. They will welcome people they know, but might be cautious or suspicious of strangers. Early socialization and training can help develop their confidence and reduce any wariness.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
Drevers are an active and playful breed that enjoy games and activities. They have a lot of energy and enjoy playing with their owners, making them a great choice for active families or owners who are looking for a companion for walks or jogs.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
Drevers are naturally alert and have good listening skills, but their keen sense of smell can sometimes distract them. This trait makes them suitable to hunting jobs where their excellent tracking skills and nose come into play.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
Drevers are adaptable to many different environments and are comfortable living in both rural and city settings. They are smaller in size, making them a great option for owners who live in apartments but want to adopt a dog. They can also adapt to a range of climates, making them versatile companions.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
Drevers have moderate shedding and require regular brushing to keep their coat healthy and reduce shedding. This breed doesn't require much grooming otherwise, their coat is naturally dirt-repellent and self-cleaning, which is handy for owners who don't want to spend too much time bathing their dogs.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
Drevers have a short, straight coat that doesn't require much maintenance. They are naturally clean and odor-free so you won't need to bathe them often, but they do shed moderately, so weekly brushing is recommended.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
Drevers do not drool excessively, making them a great choice for owners who aren't keen on dealing with slobber. They have dry mouths which will save on cleaning bills in the long run.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
Drevers are a medium-sized breed, weighing between 32-34 pounds and standing about 12-16 inches tall at the shoulder. They are smaller than their larger Swedish relative the Drever's cousin the Swedish hound.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
Drevers are a high-energy breed and require plenty of exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They were originally bred for hunting and tracking, which means they have good stamina and endurance. Daily walks and play sessions are important to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Drevers are a high-energy breed and thrive with plenty of exercise and playtime. Daily walks and regular play sessions are important for their physical and mental health. They are also well-suited for tracking and hunting activities which will challenge their stamina and provide great exercise.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
Drevers are well-suited for a range of work and jobs, from hunting and tracking to service dog work. They have an excellent nose and sense of smell, which can be utilized in search and rescue, and other similar work. Their energy and intelligence make them a good choice for many tasks and they are eager to please their owners.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
Drevers are a hunting breed, they have excellent scent detection and tracking abilities. They were originally bred for hunting and chasing down game, and their traits are still apparent today. They are enthusiastic hunters and require careful handling to prevent them from chasing smaller prey or getting lost.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
Drevers have good physical strength, stamina and endurance, making them well-suited to engaging in a wide range of activities, such as hiking, hunting, agility courses and other canine sports. They need plenty of physical exercise to maintain their health and wellbeing.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
Drevers are generally healthy, and have an average lifespan of 12-14 years. However, they can be prone to certain health conditions such as ear infections, glaucoma, hip dysplasia and obesity. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian and a healthy diet and lifestyle can help prevent many issues.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
Drevers are at risk for obesity due to their food motivated behavior and love of treats. A healthy diet and regular exercise are important in keeping them at a healthy weight. Monitoring feeding habits and regular exercise routines will help keep this breed healthy and happy.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
Drevers can tolerate moderate cold weather, but their short coat does not provide much insulation in extreme cold or wet weather. Making sure the Drever is kept warm with a coat or having a warm shelter when the weather conditions get tough is important.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
Drevers can tolerate moderate heat, but care should be taken in warmer weather, overheating can be an issue if proper precautions aren't taken. It is important to provide shade and access to fresh water during hot weather and pay attention to signs of overheating.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
Drevers can adapt to living in apartments, they are on the smaller side and have moderate energy levels. However, they will still need plenty of exercise, so regular walks and playtime are important. Giving them adequate mental stimulation with toys will also help prevent any side effects of downtown living.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
Drevers are prone to wanderlust and adventurous, they will follow their nose wherever it leads them. They will need to be carefully supervised and trained in recall to keep them from wandering off into danger or getting lost.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
Drevers can be sensitive to criticism and negative reinforcement, which can make them shut down during training. Positive reinforcement and kindness are the best methods to use with this breed, as they respond well to encouragement and praise.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
Drevers can generally tolerate being left alone for moderate periods of time, as long as they have enough mental and physical stimulation for when their owner is away. However, excessive periods of isolation can lead to negative behaviors such as barking, digging or destructive behavior.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
Drevers are not overly vocal dogs and barking is generally not a problem unless they detect some foreign smell. However, this breed might use their voice to tell you if they are bored or need attention, but their overall barking tendencies are uniformly moderate.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
Drevers require mental stimulation and games to keep them from becoming bored or destructive. They enjoy puzzles and scent work that will challenge their minds and keep them engaged. Their intelligence and curiosity are also an asset in training, as they can quickly become bored with repetitive tasks.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Drevers can be a challenge for novice owners as they are an independent and sometimes stubborn breed. They will require patience and consistency to train properly, and socialization is key to preventing any aggression towards strangers or other dogs. But in general, they make a great choice for those who want an active and intelligent companion.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
Drevers have an independent streak which can make training more difficult than other more eager-to-please breeds. They like to have fun and need to be motivated to engage in training. Start early and keep sessions short and consistent. Patience and positive reinforcement are the keys to success.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
The Drever breed displays moderate levels of affection, they are loyal and attached to their families, but not necessarily overly needy in terms of affection. They are happy to spend time nearby, receiving attention or providing comfort. This is an independent and curious hound more interested in exploring its environment than snuggling on the couch.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
Drevers are generally good with children provided they are properly socialized and supervised. They have a playful and gentle nature, and enjoy spending time with children. With their moderate energy levels, they can keep up with kids without being too overwhelming. However, as with any breed, interactions between children and Drevers should always be monitored closely.
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
Drevers typically get along well with other dogs and can be friendly with unfamiliar dogs when socialized properly. They are pack animals and do well when they have other companions. However, like most hounds, they have a strong prey drive and may chase smaller dogs or animals if not trained and socialized properly.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
Drevers tend to be reserved with strangers, but they are not shy or aggressive towards them. They will welcome people they know, but might be cautious or suspicious of strangers. Early socialization and training can help develop their confidence and reduce any wariness.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
Drevers are an active and playful breed that enjoy games and activities. They have a lot of energy and enjoy playing with their owners, making them a great choice for active families or owners who are looking for a companion for walks or jogs.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
Drevers are naturally alert and have good listening skills, but their keen sense of smell can sometimes distract them. This trait makes them suitable to hunting jobs where their excellent tracking skills and nose come into play.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
Drevers are adaptable to many different environments and are comfortable living in both rural and city settings. They are smaller in size, making them a great option for owners who live in apartments but want to adopt a dog. They can also adapt to a range of climates, making them versatile companions.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
Drevers have moderate shedding and require regular brushing to keep their coat healthy and reduce shedding. This breed doesn't require much grooming otherwise, their coat is naturally dirt-repellent and self-cleaning, which is handy for owners who don't want to spend too much time bathing their dogs.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
Drevers have a short, straight coat that doesn't require much maintenance. They are naturally clean and odor-free so you won't need to bathe them often, but they do shed moderately, so weekly brushing is recommended.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
Drevers do not drool excessively, making them a great choice for owners who aren't keen on dealing with slobber. They have dry mouths which will save on cleaning bills in the long run.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
Drevers are a medium-sized breed, weighing between 32-34 pounds and standing about 12-16 inches tall at the shoulder. They are smaller than their larger Swedish relative the Drever's cousin the Swedish hound.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
Drevers are a high-energy breed and require plenty of exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They were originally bred for hunting and tracking, which means they have good stamina and endurance. Daily walks and play sessions are important to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Drevers are a high-energy breed and thrive with plenty of exercise and playtime. Daily walks and regular play sessions are important for their physical and mental health. They are also well-suited for tracking and hunting activities which will challenge their stamina and provide great exercise.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
Drevers are well-suited for a range of work and jobs, from hunting and tracking to service dog work. They have an excellent nose and sense of smell, which can be utilized in search and rescue, and other similar work. Their energy and intelligence make them a good choice for many tasks and they are eager to please their owners.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
Drevers are a hunting breed, they have excellent scent detection and tracking abilities. They were originally bred for hunting and chasing down game, and their traits are still apparent today. They are enthusiastic hunters and require careful handling to prevent them from chasing smaller prey or getting lost.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
Drevers have good physical strength, stamina and endurance, making them well-suited to engaging in a wide range of activities, such as hiking, hunting, agility courses and other canine sports. They need plenty of physical exercise to maintain their health and wellbeing.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
Drevers are generally healthy, and have an average lifespan of 12-14 years. However, they can be prone to certain health conditions such as ear infections, glaucoma, hip dysplasia and obesity. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian and a healthy diet and lifestyle can help prevent many issues.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
Drevers are at risk for obesity due to their food motivated behavior and love of treats. A healthy diet and regular exercise are important in keeping them at a healthy weight. Monitoring feeding habits and regular exercise routines will help keep this breed healthy and happy.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
Drevers can tolerate moderate cold weather, but their short coat does not provide much insulation in extreme cold or wet weather. Making sure the Drever is kept warm with a coat or having a warm shelter when the weather conditions get tough is important.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
Drevers can tolerate moderate heat, but care should be taken in warmer weather, overheating can be an issue if proper precautions aren't taken. It is important to provide shade and access to fresh water during hot weather and pay attention to signs of overheating.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
Drevers can adapt to living in apartments, they are on the smaller side and have moderate energy levels. However, they will still need plenty of exercise, so regular walks and playtime are important. Giving them adequate mental stimulation with toys will also help prevent any side effects of downtown living.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
Drevers are prone to wanderlust and adventurous, they will follow their nose wherever it leads them. They will need to be carefully supervised and trained in recall to keep them from wandering off into danger or getting lost.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
Drevers can be sensitive to criticism and negative reinforcement, which can make them shut down during training. Positive reinforcement and kindness are the best methods to use with this breed, as they respond well to encouragement and praise.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
Drevers can generally tolerate being left alone for moderate periods of time, as long as they have enough mental and physical stimulation for when their owner is away. However, excessive periods of isolation can lead to negative behaviors such as barking, digging or destructive behavior.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
Drevers are not overly vocal dogs and barking is generally not a problem unless they detect some foreign smell. However, this breed might use their voice to tell you if they are bored or need attention, but their overall barking tendencies are uniformly moderate.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
Drevers require mental stimulation and games to keep them from becoming bored or destructive. They enjoy puzzles and scent work that will challenge their minds and keep them engaged. Their intelligence and curiosity are also an asset in training, as they can quickly become bored with repetitive tasks.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Drevers can be a challenge for novice owners as they are an independent and sometimes stubborn breed. They will require patience and consistency to train properly, and socialization is key to preventing any aggression towards strangers or other dogs. But in general, they make a great choice for those who want an active and intelligent companion.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
Drevers have an independent streak which can make training more difficult than other more eager-to-please breeds. They like to have fun and need to be motivated to engage in training. Start early and keep sessions short and consistent. Patience and positive reinforcement are the keys to success.
Similar breeds

History of the Drever
The Drever breed was developed by crossing certain breeds, such as the Westphalian Dachsbracke, the Welsh Corgi, and the German Teckel. The breed was then refined over several decades to create a dog that was well-suited to hunting in the Swedish forests.

Drever Puppies
Drever puppies are small and adorable, with short legs and big paws. They need plenty of socialization and training from a young age, as they can be stubborn and independent. It is also important to ensure that they get plenty of exercise to prevent weight gain, which can cause health problems later in life.