Smaland Hound

Also called Smålandsstövare, Smalandsstovare

An even-tempered, good-natured hound that is devoted to its people and eager when working.

Size	Medium
Height	42 to 54 cm (17 to 21 in)males 46 to 54 cm, females 42 to 50 cm1 2
Lifespan	12 to 15 years3
Coat	Medium-length harsh coat with dense soft undercoat
Origin	Sweden: the province of Småland4 1 2
Group	FCI group 6
Last checked	2026-09-30

Recognised breedShort profile

calm and friendly

faithful and keen

tireless in the field

1 2

Personality what they are like

An even-tempered, good-natured hound that is devoted to its people and eager when working. It learns quickly, settles well into family life and reliably comes back to its owner after a hunt.1 2 3

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Smaland Hound. 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 8every year

Coat and looks how to spot one

medium-length harsh coat with dense soft undercoat

A sturdy, nearly square-built hound that manages to look a little elegant without being heavy. The weather-resistant outer coat lies close to the body over a thick, soft underlayer, and it is shorter and sleeker on the head, ears and front legs. The tail may be naturally long or naturally short and stumpy.1 2

Coloursblack and tanliver-brown and tan1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High. Bred to follow hare and fox through forest for long stretches, so it needs plenty of daily exercise and ideally regular chances to use its nose outdoors.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short, close coat is easy to keep; an occasional brush and a bath only when needed are usually enough.2

Home where they are happiest

Best with an active household and access to the outdoors; the Swedish Kennel Club notes it does not suit being left alone in a kennel or apartment.2

Company who they like around

A people-oriented dog that does well as a family companion when its working and exercise needs are met.2 3

The story where it all began

Småland had a wide mix of scent hounds in the 1800s, built from German, Polish and Baltic hounds that came home with Swedish soldiers and were blended with local farm dogs and English hounds. In the early 20th century breeders, notably Baron Frederik von Essen, worked to fix the type, favouring the naturally bobtailed dogs, and the Swedish Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1921.1 2 3

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
It is regarded as the oldest of Sweden's native scent hound breeds.3
2
Some dogs are born with a naturally short, stumpy tail, which the standard accepts alongside a full-length tail.1
3
Its black-and-tan colouring sometimes leads people to mistake it for a small Rottweiler.3
4
It drives game with a dense, varied bark and can keep hunting over several days in a row.2
5
It is uncommon even in its homeland, with only around sixty puppies registered each year by the Swedish Kennel Club.3

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name comes from the county of Småland in Sweden, where the breed originated. The Swedish name 'Smålandsstövare' combines 'Småland' with 'stövare', meaning hound.1

Famous ones stars of the breed

Skoj av Myren 789 V The first registered Smaland Hound, owned by Mary Stephens from the Torne valley.5

Name ideas for your new friend

AlvaBjornKlaraStigTovaVargFrodoSniffNovaErikLinnRune

A day in the life told by a Smaland Hound

I woke to the scent of damp moss and bilberries. My human opened the door and I dashed into the forest, nose to the ground, tracking a hare's winding path. I came back when called, tail high. After a nap by the fire, we played fetch in the yard. At dusk, I curled beside my human, content and ready for tomorrow's adventure.

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

Recognised by the official bits

FCI: Standard No. 129, Group 6 (Scent hounds), Section 1.2 (Medium-sized hounds); definitive acceptance 12 Jan 1955; subject to a working trial4
Swedish Kennel Club (SKK): Recognised 1921, when the first standard was written3
UKC: Recognised 20063

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

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

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
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 Smaland Hound, and at what times?

Adult Smaland Hounds do well with at least two meals a day, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. Follow the food label for amounts and check with your vet for a schedule that suits your dog's age and activity level.6

What should a Smaland Hound eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and activity. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, so keep these well away from your hound.7

How often should I bathe a Smaland Hound?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty. The short coat only needs a bath when it's truly needed.2 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Smaland Hound need brushing?

A weekly brush is enough to keep the short, close coat in good condition. This helps remove loose hair and keeps the coat healthy.8 2 Pet Wiki plan

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

Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick, and ask your vet or a groomer to show you how if you're unsure.8 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Smaland Hound need?

This breed has high exercise needs and thrives with daily walks and play, plus regular chances to use its nose outdoors. An active household with access to the outdoors is ideal.2 Pet Wiki plan

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

Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture or dirt, especially since floppy ears can trap moisture. Never push anything into the ear canal.8 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Smaland Hound live?

The Smaland Hound typically lives between 12 and 15 years. With good care, regular vet check-ups, and a healthy lifestyle, they can enjoy a long life.3

Is a Smaland Hound good with children and other pets?

Yes, this even-tempered, good-natured hound is devoted to its people and settles well into family life. It can be good with children and other pets when properly socialized, but always supervise interactions.1 2 3

Can a Smaland Hound be left alone?

This people-oriented dog does not suit being left alone for long periods, especially in a kennel or apartment. It's best for an active household where someone is home most of the time.2

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.