Hamiltonstovare breed makes
perfect family companion
THE Hamiltonstovare is one of the most popular breeds in it's native Sweden. Named after it's creator Count A.P. Hamilton who was the founder of the Swedish Kennel Club in 1889, the Hamiltonstovare is the tallest and most strongly built of the three Swedish Stovare breeds and was developed primarily from the English Foxhound, Harrier, German Schweizerstovare and the Hanoverian Hound.
The Hamiltonstovare is a strong active hound built for working all day over difficult terrain in the vast Swedish pine forests. He therefore requires plenty of exercise including free running - a well fenced garden is essential. This handsome, upstanding tri-coloured hound has won the admiration and hearts of many in the UK, his temperament is sweet and gentle and fits well into family life. However, the hunting instincts are strong and the need for activity is great. Regular exercise is necessary, and even when well trained Hamiltons should be kept on leads in areas of game, as hunting instincts may override training. Once off on a scent they will hunt for hours before (hopefully) returning to their original starting point, exhausted but happy!
The dogs stand at approximately 60cm (23.5in) and bitches at approximately 57cm (23.5in). Their coat is short so requires no special grooming. If left alone for long periods they can become noisy and destructive.
The Hamiltonstovare, though requiring a good deal of exercise, is a friendly and good natured breed, mixing well with other dogs. They thrive in a family environment and crave companionship. The breed is a healthy one, with no known hereditary problems. Despite their physical similarity to Foxhounds, they are not pack animals and so adapt well to home life, preferring the fireside to an outside kennel.
Today the HamiltonStovare is a favoured hunting dog in Sweden. Since 1968, a few have been imported into Britain, where they are slowly gaining a pawhold and in 1999 Australia received its very first Hamiltonstovare bitch when Kathy and Alan Stockwell imported the beautiful Tira from New Zealand. Her brother from a repeat mating shortly followed and in 2003 Edward (Aust Ch Kilcavan T'Worlds Not Enuff) and Eloise (Aust Ch Kilcavan T'Sassy Seamstress) were imported bringing the Australian population to a grand total of four.
Where enough physical activity is provided, these hounds are happy, bouncy and extroverted pals who relate well to people and other animals. Human companionship is the most important thing in their life. They are very intelligent and so are quite easy to train as long as you have that 'one on one' relationship with them. They lack the aggression to be considered as a guard dog.
They have a thick undercoat, so when they are going through a moult, a rub down with a hound glove can help speed things along. Grooming time is a good opportunity to check over your dog for any impending problems and is a good 'bonding' time so should be done regularly.
When it comes to food they are a typical hound (always hungry). This is a great aid in training, as bribery works wonders! Do not be fooled by their hungry pleading expression or you will end up with an obese embarrassment instead of an eye-catching, stylish hound to be proud of.
They are a very straight-forward breed. They do not generally suffer from the hereditary faults of many breeds and are usually very healthy. They have no physical exaggerations in their build, and usually live to be around 13 years of age. They will be the best friend any child could grow up with, and the best child you could ever dream of.
