Pet Wiki

Drever

Also called Swedish Dachsbracke

A steady, good-natured hound that stays calm and is neither timid nor pushy.

SizeSmall
Height30 to 38 cm (12 to 15 in)males 32 to 38 cm, females 30 to 36 cm12
CoatShort, harsh, close-lying
OriginSweden, developed from Westphalian Dachsbracke-type hounds imported from Germany.13
GroupScent hounds and related breeds (FCI group 6)
Recognised breedShort profile
even-tempered
keen scent tracker
great stamina
132

Personality what they are like

A steady, good-natured hound that stays calm and is neither timid nor pushy. On a trail it is focused and determined, and it was bred to work patiently with hunters rather than rush game.12

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, harsh, close-lying

A low-slung, sturdy hound whose body is clearly longer than it is tall, with solid muscle and a nimble look. The coat is coarse and straight, lying flat to the body, a little longer along the neck, back and hindquarters and with a slight brush under the tail.12

Coloursany colour combined with clear, symmetrical white markings12

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Drever. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
  • Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Built for long days tracking game at a steady pace, so it needs daily walks plus regular chances to follow scent, ideally through tracking games or scent work.13

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short, harsh coat needs little more than a weekly brush and a check of the ears and feet after outdoor work.12

Home where they are happiest

Most at home in a household with access to woods or countryside; a securely fenced garden is sensible because it follows its nose.3

Company who they like around

Friendly with people and used to working closely with a handler; happiest with plenty of company and a job to do.12

The story where it all began

Short-legged German hounds of the Westphalian Dachsbracke type came to Sweden around 1910 and were soon valued for tracking deer. The taller Swedish line was given the name Drever in 1947, and the breed gained official Swedish recognition in the following years.132

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    The name was picked through a Swedish newspaper naming contest in 1947.3

  2. 2

    'Drever' comes from the Swedish word 'drev', a hunting style in which the dog drives game slowly toward waiting hunters.3

  3. 3

    Its unhurried pace makes it well suited to moving game through deep snow in the Nordic countryside.3

  4. 4

    Although it is a Swedish breed, it is also a popular hunting companion for deer hunters in northern Norway and Finland.3

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name Drever was chosen through a contest in 1947, and the breed was recognized as a Swedish breed in 1953.3

Name ideas for your new friend

AlmaStigIngridBjornFrejaMatsSagaTorLinnOskarEbbaRune

A day in the life told by a Drever

I woke up to the smell of pine and the sound of birds. My human was lacing up their boots, and I knew it was tracking day. I wagged my tail, ready for the adventure. We walked to the forest, and I put my nose to the ground, following an old scent. I was steady, patient, and focused, just like I was bred to be. My human praised me when I found the end of the trail. Back home, I curled up on the couch, my short coat warm from the sun. I'm not a loud dog, but when I'm on a scent, I'm all business. Now, I'm dreaming of tomorrow's trail, my nose twitching in my sleep.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 130, Group 6 (Scenthounds and related breeds), Section 1.3 Small-sized Hounds, with working trial; standard dated 27.07.2021.1
Svenska Kennelklubben (Swedish Kennel Club)
Recognised as a Swedish breed in the late 1940s/1950s (Wikipedia gives 1947; the FCI standard gives official recognition in 1953).1
UKC
Scenthound Group, recognised 1 January 1996.2
Canadian Kennel Club
Recognised in 1956.3
AKC
Foundation Stock Service (recording stage, not fully recognised).3

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Drever tip

Drevers love a tasty reward, but they're prone to weight gain, so keep treats small and infrequent. Fresh fruits like mango (without the pit or skin) can be a healthy option, but always avoid toxic foods like grapes and raisins.

Source: akc.org

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Drever, and at what times?

Feed your Drever at least two meals a day for an adult, or three to four smaller meals for a puppy. Regular meal times help their digestion, and you can follow the food label's guidance for amounts, checking with your vet for your dog's specific needs.4

What should a Drever eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A Drever does best on a balanced, high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, xylitol, onion, garlic, and alcohol, these are especially harmful to dogs.5

How often should I bathe a Drever?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, but you can bathe more often if your Drever gets very dirty or has skin issues. At minimum, aim for once every three months as general guidance.6 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Drever need brushing?

A weekly brush is enough for the Drever's short, harsh coat, as noted in the breed facts. This keeps the coat healthy and removes loose hair.12 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Drever's nails, and how often?

Trim your Drever's nails every three weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain and bleeding.6 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Drever need?

Your Drever needs daily walks and regular chances to follow scents, like tracking games or scent work, as it was bred for long days of steady activity. A securely fenced garden is helpful since it loves to follow its nose.13 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Drever's teeth and ears?

Brush your Drever's teeth daily with dog-safe toothpaste, and check its floppy ears weekly for moisture or dirt, drying them gently. Never push anything into the ear canal.6 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Drever live?

A Drever typically lives around 10 to 14 years, with senior years usually starting around age 10. Regular vet check-ups help ensure a long, healthy life. Pet Wiki plan

Is a Drever good with children and other pets?

Yes, the Drever is a steady, good-natured hound that is friendly with people and used to working closely with a handler. It is neither timid nor pushy, making it generally good with children and other pets when properly socialized.12

Can a Drever be left alone?

A Drever is happiest with plenty of company and a job to do, so it may struggle with long periods alone. If you must leave it, ensure it has mental stimulation and a secure space, but consult a good breeder or trainer for specific advice.12

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI Standard No. 130 Drever fci.beused for classification, history, size, coat, colours, temperament
  2. UKC Drever breed standard ukcdogs.comused for recognition, size, coat, temperament
  3. Drever - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for history, name origin, recognition, fun facts
  4. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.