Scenthound / FCI Group 6 · Purebred · Sweden's most popular hunting dog — a short-legged, loud-voiced hound purpose-built for driving deer and fox through dense Nordic forests
The Drever is a short-legged Swedish scenthound developed specifically for hunting in the dense coniferous forests of Scandinavia — a landscape where a dog's ability to slowly and steadily push game toward waiting hunters is far more valuable than raw speed. The breed was developed in the early 20th century from the Westphalian Dachsbracke, a similar German short-legged hound, and Swedish farm dogs. It was officially recognized as a distinct Swedish breed in 1947.
Despite its modest international profile, the Drever has consistently ranked as one of the most registered breeds in Sweden — at times holding the number one spot on Swedish Kennel Club registration lists. This popularity among Swedish hunters reflects the breed's extraordinary effectiveness in its intended role: flushing deer (particularly roe deer) and fox from dense forest cover by following scent trails slowly and persistently while giving voice loudly, driving game past the hunter's position. The Drever's short legs are a deliberate feature — they slow the dog enough to keep game moving at a speed that gives hunters time to position themselves.
Real Drevers — browse photos showcasing their compact, muscular build and tricolor or bicolor hound coats.
The Drever is friendly, even-tempered, and persistent — a characteristically Scandinavian working dog that is calm and agreeable at home but transforms into a relentless, focused tracker in the field. They are not aggressive and get along well with families, but their hound independence and strong scent drive require patient handling.
The Drever is a robust, healthy breed with few breed-specific conditions, benefiting from decades of selection focused on hunting performance rather than appearance.
The Drever is an excellent choice for hunters and active outdoor families, particularly in northern climates. Their friendly, even temperament makes them wonderful family dogs — as long as their owners understand hound independence and scent-drive management. They are not recommended for households wanting a highly obedient, recall-reliable dog without significant training investment. For Scandinavian hunters or anyone who enjoys hiking with a dog that has an exceptional nose, the Drever is a superb companion.
Drevers are sociable and adapt well to boarding environments — their friendly, non-aggressive nature means they get along with other dogs easily. Choose a facility offering outdoor exercise time and nose-work enrichment if possible. Their short legs mean they don't need extreme exercise, but daily walks and sniff-time are essential for their mental wellbeing.
Budget approximately $80–$150 per month for a Drever.
Drever mixes are exceptionally rare outside Scandinavia. Their hound temperament and compact build can produce interesting results with other scenthound breeds.
Two short-legged scenthounds — a friendly, nose-driven companion with excellent family temperament. Even more food-motivated and scent-focused than either parent.
Two slow, methodical scenthounds — an exceptional nose with a very laid-back temperament. Likely to be extremely low to the ground, highly food-motivated, and extraordinarily stubborn on a scent trail.