Drever

Drevers are one of the most popular dog breeds in Sweden. They are a smaller version of the German hound, the Westphalian Dahsbracke, that was imported to Sweden in 1910. Drevers are hunting dogs that are excellent at driving deer towards their owners, but they can also be very useful for hunting other animals such as foxes and hares.

Because of their even temperament, these dogs can make a great family pet and do especially well with older children. However, most owners use Drevers as a hunting dog and don’t solely keep them as a companion dog.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning a Drever

Evolution and Origins

With its long body and short legs, this unflappable pet is somewhat reminiscent of a dachshund. A peek into its breeding history shows that breed is actually a distant ancestor by way of the Westphalian Dachsbracke which was bred from the dachshund and the Deutsche Bracke.

However, the Drever, or Swedish Dachsbracke, as it is also known came into being when its more recent forebear, the Westphalian Dachsbracke was imported into Sweden and bred with local hounds. The result was a hardy little hound, slightly larger than its German ancestor, which was capable of driving deer towards hunters.

Today, the Drever counts as one of Sweden’s most popular breeds and its ability to get along with both human and furry housemates, has made it a much-loved family pet.

Size and Weight

Drevers are a small to medium size dog breed. Both male and female Drevers are about the same size. They are generally between 12 and 15 inches tall and weigh between 35 and 40 pounds. six-month-old puppies typically weight between 18 and 32 pounds. Drevers are fully-grown by the time they are one-year-old.

Common Health Issues

In general, the Drever is a healthy breed. However, there are still a few potential health concerns you’ll want to be aware of to make sure you can offer the best level of care to your pup.

Drevers are more prone to obesity than some other breeds. You will want to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best food for your pet and the recommended amount he should eat each day. Regular exercise and activity is also important for these dogs to keep them from becoming obese.

Drevers may also suffer from ear infections. Regularly check your dog’s ears and keep them clean to reduce wax build up. If you notice your dog pawing or scratching at their ears, schedule an appointment with the veterinarian.

Some Drevers may also suffer from a slipped disc. This problem is more common is dogs with shorter legs and a longer body, such as Drevers. The symptoms of a slipped disc can vary based on the location of the disc, but may include trouble walking, pain, or incontinence. If something seems off with your dog’s behavior or health, seek medical attention.

To sum up, a few of the common health concerns Drevers may face include:

• Obesity
• Ear infections
• Slipped disc

Temperament and Behavior

Drevers are very loyal and have an even-tempered personality. They can make a good family dog and are very affectionate, but tend to do better with older children who are not as rambunctious. Drevers were bred to be hunting dogs and can exhibit hardworking behaviors. Another common trait of this dog is that they are a very alert breed.

How to Take Care of a Drever

When you bring home a puppy, start training him or her right away. Drevers, like most dogs, are easier to train when they are younger. This breed is also known for being stubborn, so early training can help. Socializing your dog and starting an obedience class is also a good idea once your puppy has received his or her vaccinations.

Puppies will need a safe space in your home free of hazards, so before bringing home a new Drever puppy, check your space and remove any harmful substances or items. You will also want to put away any personal belongings that you wouldn’t want a playful puppy to destroy. Before bringing home your Drever, you should also make sure you have all of the food and supplies they’ll need purchased and set up so your space is ready. Select a veterinarian and get an appointment set up for shortly after your Drever comes homes.

The Best Dog Food for Drevers

Drevers should be fed a high-quality dog food made for medium-sized breeds. You’ll also want to look for a food formulated for dogs with high energy levels. Work with your dog’s veterinarian to determine the ideal food and quantity to meet the specific needs of your Drever based on his age, weight, activity level, and health concerns. These dogs are prone to gaining weight, so it will be important to feed your dog two meals instead of leaving food out for all-day grazing.

Drever puppies require more frequent meals throughout the day. This is because puppies have a smaller stomach, so they can only eat smaller amounts of food at each meal. Puppies between the ages of eight and 12 weeks old will need four meals, and puppies between the ages of three and six months old will need four meals. By the time a Drever puppy is six months old, you can cut them down to just two meals each day.

The A-Z Animals choice for the best dog food for Drevers is Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused with Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food.

With raw protein, this high-protein formula is less processed than most kibble, and provides more complete nutrition. That means, the real beef, salmon, and chicken will satiate your Drever’s appetite to minimize overeating and weight gain. It also delivers a combination of amino acids for head-to-toe wellbeing and a functioning immune system.

Check Chewy and Amazon for this product.

Best Raw Infused with Healthy Grains

Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food

• Freeze-dried raw coated kibble and raw pieces
• Beef, lamb, and rabbit with wholesome grains
• No peas or lentils

Check Chewy Check Amazon

Maintenance and Grooming

Drevers are relatively easy to groom and maintain. They have a short coat with coarse hair that doesn’t require much brushing. These dogs do shed, but not as heavily as some other breeds. They will occasionally need a bath to make sure they stay clean.

Additionally, you will need to keep your Drevers nails trimmed to prevent them from getting too long and causing the dog pain as he walks. It will also be important to keep your pet’s ears clean and make sure too much wax doesn’t build up and lead to an infection. Also be sure to brush your Drevers teeth a few times each week.

Training

Drevers can be stubborn and strong-willed, which can make training them a challenge. They will do best with an experienced trainer and when training is started from a younger age. When you are training your dog, you must be very consistent in order for your Drever to learn and respond to commands.

Exercise

Drevers require daily exercise. This breed is prone to obesity, and giving your dog enough exercise can limit the chances that they’ll become obese. Aim for at least on half-hour or hour walk each day as well as some other opportunities for exercise such as playtime or running around in a fenced-in yard. When they get the exercise and stimulation they need, Drevers can also make a great companion on the couch for some quiet time.

Puppies

Drever puppies will need a safe environment free from hazards, so before bringing your new puppy home, be sure to remove anything that could harm him or her. Also, put away any personal belongings that you wouldn’t want to see damaged by a playful pup. You should also make sure you purchase all the food and other supplies your puppy will need before bringing them home; this way everything can be set up once your puppy is home and you won’t feel like you’re scrambling to get the things they need.

Drevers can be stubborn, so you will want to start training and socializing your puppy as soon as you bring them home. Look into signing up your puppy up for obedience classes once he or she has been fully vaccinated.

Children

Drevers can be an excellent addition to many homes. They are very friendly and affectionate with children and can make a great playmate for a child. However, since Drevers are on the smaller size, they could be easily injured by a younger child who doesn’t understand how to properly interact with a dog, so they may do best in a home with older children.

Dogs Similar to Drevers

Dachshunds, Swedish Vallhund, and Teddy Roosevelt Terriers are three breeds that are similar to the Drever.

• Dachshund: Dachshunds and Drevers were both bred to be hunting dogs. Both breeds are affectionate, social, and have an average intelligence level. While both Dachshunds and Drevers are small dogs, Dachshunds are smaller. The standard-size Dachshund has an average weight compared to the 33-pound average weight of a Drever.
• Swedish Vallhund: Swedish Vallhunds and Drevers both originated from Sweden. Swedish Vallhunds were bred to be herding dogs, while Drevers were bred to be hunting dogs. Both breeds have an average weight of around 30 pounds and are 13 to 14 inches tall. Swedish Vallhunds are more likely to bark than Drevers and are more known for shedding more.
• Teddy Roosevelt Terrier: Teddy Roosevelt Terriers and Drevers are both territorial dogs. Both breeds can also make a good family dog and can be a good companion for a senior citizen. Teddy Roosevelt Terriers are easier to train and make better watchdogs than Drevers.

Popular Names for Drevers

Check below for some of the top Drever names. Will one of these be the perfect fit for your new pup?

• Liam
• Elias
• Jager
• Lucas
• Sven
• Astrid
• Pixie
• Lilly
• Ella
• Olivia

Famous Drevers

Drevers aren’t as popular in the United States, but they make the list of the top 20 most popular dog breeds in Sweden. Swedish hunters love this scent hound breed because of its hunting capabilities.