Scenthound / FCI Group 6 · Purebred · Sweden's fastest and most elegant hound — a striking tan-and-black scent hound bred by Per Schiller for speed, endurance, and a bold voice across the snow-covered forests of Scandinavia
The Schillerstövare (Schiller Hound) is Sweden's most celebrated scent hound — a lean, athletic, and strikingly beautiful breed developed in the late 19th century by Swedish farmer and dog breeder Per Schiller to be the fastest and most effective hare hound in Scandinavia. The breed takes its name directly from its creator, who exhibited the first Schillerstövare dogs at the Stockholm Dog Show in 1886, where they caused a sensation. The breed combines elegant conformation — a lean, deep-chested body built for sustained high-speed running — with exceptional scenting ability and a bold, melodious voice that can be heard across vast snowfields.
The Schillerstövare is primarily a hunting breed, used in Sweden and neighboring Scandinavian countries for hare and fox hunting across open terrain and forest. Its speed across snow is legendary — Swedish hunters call it "the fastest of all Swedish hounds." The FCI recognized the breed in Group 6 (Scenthounds and Related Breeds). Outside Scandinavia, the Schillerstövare is virtually unknown, making it one of the more obscure FCI-recognized breeds internationally. In Sweden, however, it is a beloved national breed with a passionate following among hunters who prize its combination of beauty, speed, and scenting ability.
Real Schillerstövares — their striking tan-and-black saddle markings and lean, athletic build.
The Schillerstövare is a cheerful, energetic, and affectionate hound — one of the friendlier and more family-compatible of the Scandinavian hunting breeds.
A healthy and long-lived breed — Swedish breeding programs have maintained good genetic health with relatively low incidence of hereditary conditions.
The Schillerstövare is an excellent choice for hunters, active outdoor enthusiasts, and families in rural or semi-rural settings who want a cheerful, affectionate, and energetic hound. Its friendly temperament makes it more family-compatible than many hunting breeds, while its exceptional hunting ability satisfies serious hunters. The key requirements are: significant daily exercise, a securely fenced yard, and acceptance of its hound voice. For someone who wants a versatile hunting companion that is also a warm family dog, the Schillerstövare is a hidden gem — largely unknown outside Sweden but well worth seeking out.
Schillerstövares are among the more boardable of the hunting breeds — their friendly, sociable nature means they adapt reasonably well to a kennel environment with proper exercise. Choose a facility that provides at least 2 hours of outdoor exercise daily and has experience with hound breeds. One consideration: the Schillerstövare's melodious hound voice can be vocal in a kennel environment, so ensure the facility is designed to handle vocal hound breeds without stress to the dog or other boarders.
Budget approximately $80–$150 per month for a Schillerstövare.
Deliberate Schillerstövare crosses are virtually nonexistent outside Scandinavia. The breed is rare enough globally that all breeding efforts focus on maintaining the pure breed. Occasional working crosses with Hamiltonstövare or other Swedish hounds occur among hunters, but no established designer mixes exist.
An occasional cross between Sweden's two most celebrated hound breeds — combining Schillerstövare speed with Hamiltonstövare's powerful nose and larger frame. A capable, elegant Swedish hound of mixed heritage. Rare; not intentionally bred for the pet market.