Hamiltonstövare

Also called Hamilton Hound, Swedish Foxhound, Hamiltonstovare

Sociable, steady and dependable, with a bit of hound independence.

Size	Large
Weight	23 to 27 kg (51 to 60 lb)1
Height	49 to 61 cm (19 to 24 in)males 53 to 61 cm, females 49 to 57 cm2
Lifespan	from 10 years3
Coat	Short, dense, harsh
Origin	Sweden.2 3
Group	Scent hounds and related breeds (FCI group 6)
Last checked	2026-09-30

Recognised breedShort profile

friendly and even-tempered

superb nose and clear voice

striking tricolour coat

2 3 4

Personality what they are like

Sociable, steady and dependable, with a bit of hound independence. On the trail it is persistent and vocal; at home it is a calm, pleasant companion.2 3 1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

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

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
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 7every year

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, dense, harsh

A rectangular, athletic hound with real strength and stamina. The weatherproof coat lies close, and is short and smooth on the head, ears and front legs.2 3

Colourstricolour: black mantle over back and necktan head, ears and legswhite blaze, throat, chest, tail tip and feet2 3

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High: the Royal Kennel Club suggests more than two hours of exercise a day.3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Easy care: a weekly brush keeps the short coat in good shape.3

Company who they like around

Hunts on its own rather than in a pack and is friendly with people, making a reliable family companion.3 1

The story where it all began

Count Adolf Hamilton, a founder of the Swedish Kennel Club, created the breed by mixing English Foxhounds and Harriers with German and Swiss hounds. His dogs Pang and Stella, shown at Sweden's first dog show in 1886, are regarded as its founders, and the breed took his name in 1921.2 3 1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Two dogs called Pang and Stella, shown in 1886, are counted as the first Hamiltonstövare.2
2
It was simply called the Swedish hound until it was renamed after Count Hamilton in 1921.1
3
It is bred to hunt hare and fox and to ignore deer scent.1
4
In the US it has also worked as a service dog since the late 1990s.4

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed was originally called Swedish hound and was renamed Hamiltonstövare in 1921 to honor Count Adolf Patrik Hamilton, the founder of the Swedish Kennel Club, who developed the breed.1

Name ideas for your new friend

SvenssonFrodoLokiFrejaVargMajaKnutStigToveBjörkOdinSaga

A day in the life told by a Hamiltonstövare

I wake my human with a gentle lick on the nose. After breakfast, we head to the big field, I run ahead, nose to the ground, then circle back to check on them. I find a scent and bay loudly, my human laughs and calls me back. We play fetch with a stick until I pant happily. At home, I sprawl across the sofa, one ear up, listening. In the evening, I rest my head on their lap, content. I am steady, loyal, and full of joy. Every day is a treasure hunt with my best friend.

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

Recognised by the official bits

FCI: Standard no. 132, Group 6 Scent hounds, Section 1.2 Medium-sized hounds, with working trial; FCI recognition 1955 per Wikipedia.2
The Royal Kennel Club: Hound group; not a vulnerable native breed.3
AKC: Foundation Stock Service.1
Swedish Kennel Club: Named Hamiltonstövare in 1921.2

Treats they will love homemade and simple

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

Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
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

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

Frozen Yoghurt & Berry Kong Stuffing

A cooling, low-calorie treat that’s perfect for large dogs who love to lick and work for their food. Blueberries provide antioxidants, and plain yoghurt is gentle on the stomach.

You need

120g plain Greek yoghurt (unsweetened, no additives)
50g fresh or frozen blueberries (chopped if large)

How

Mix the yoghurt and blueberries together in a small bowl.
Spoon the mixture into a Kong or similar treat-dispensing toy.
Place the stuffed Kong upright in a cup or on a tray in the freezer.
Freeze for at least 3-4 hours or until solid.
Give to your dog as a supervised treat.

How much: One stuffed Kong per day for a large/giant dog, reducing their dinner portion accordingly.

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 Hamiltonstövare, and at what times?

Feed adult Hamiltonstövare at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Stick to regular times, and check the food label or ask your vet for the right portion sizes.5

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

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, never give these to your dog.6

How often should I bathe a Hamiltonstövare?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty. Use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid over-bathing to keep their coat healthy.7 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Hamiltonstövare need brushing?

A weekly brush is enough to keep their short, dense coat in good shape. This helps remove loose hair and keeps them looking neat.3 7 Pet Wiki plan

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

Trim nails every four 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.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Hamiltonstövare need?

This breed needs high activity, the Royal Kennel Club suggests more than two hours of exercise daily. Daily walks and play are essential to keep them happy and healthy.3 Pet Wiki plan

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

Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog-safe toothpaste; daily is ideal. Check ears weekly and dry them gently, as floppy ears can trap moisture, never push anything into the ear canal.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Hamiltonstövare live?

The Hamiltonstövare has a lifespan of around 10 years or more, with proper care and regular vet check-ups.3

Is a Hamiltonstövare good with children and other pets?

Yes, this breed is sociable, steady, and dependable, making a reliable family companion. They are friendly with people and can get along with other pets, though they have a bit of hound independence.2 3 1

Can a Hamiltonstövare be left alone?

This varies by individual dog, some may handle short periods alone, but they are social and enjoy company. For specific advice, ask a good breeder or your vet.

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.