Scenthound / FCI Group 6 · Purebred · Sweden's oldest native hound — a hardy, versatile black-and-tan scent hound from the Småland province, bred for centuries for hare and fox hunting through Sweden's rocky forest terrain
The Smalandsstovare (Småland Hound) is considered Sweden's oldest indigenous hound breed — a tough, versatile, and compact black-and-tan scent hound that has been used for hunting hare and fox in the rocky, forested terrain of Småland province in southern Sweden for several centuries. The breed is believed to descend from German and Polish hounds brought to Sweden in the 16th and 17th centuries, crossed with local Nordic dogs to produce a hardy, cold-resistant hound uniquely adapted to Swedish hunting conditions.
The Smalandsstovare is smaller and more compact than the other celebrated Swedish hound breeds (Hamiltonstövare, Schillerstövare), making it particularly agile in the dense forest and rocky terrain of its home province. The breed is recognized by the FCI in Group 6 (Scenthounds and Related Breeds) and is maintained almost exclusively in Sweden, where it has a dedicated following among hunters. Like many Nordic hunting breeds, it remains virtually unknown internationally but is a prized piece of Swedish canine heritage.
Real Smalandsstovares — their classic black-and-tan coat and compact, athletic build.
The Smalandsstovare is a loyal, affectionate, and energetic hound — friendly with its family while possessing the independent focus of a true working scent hound.
A hardy, long-lived breed maintained in small but healthy numbers in Sweden. The small gene pool requires responsible breeding practices.
The Smalandsstovare is an excellent companion for Swedish hunters and active outdoor enthusiasts who want a compact, hardy, and loyal hound with centuries of proven hunting heritage. Its smaller size compared to the Hamiltonstövare and Schillerstövare makes it more manageable for some owners, while its tracking ability and endurance remain fully competitive. The primary challenges are its rarity outside Sweden, its need for meaningful daily exercise and ideally hunting or tracking work, and its independent hound nature. For those in Sweden or rare breed enthusiasts who can source one, the Smalandsstovare offers a uniquely authentic piece of Nordic hunting heritage.
The Smalandsstovare's loyal and affectionate character makes it reasonably adaptable to boarding when properly exercised. Choose a facility with experience handling scent hounds — they need significant outdoor exercise daily and a secure environment (hounds will exploit any escape opportunity if they catch an interesting scent). The breed's vocal hound nature means the facility should be comfortable managing occasional baying without stress to the dog.
Budget approximately $70–$130 per month for a Smalandsstovare.
Intentional Smalandsstovare crosses are virtually nonexistent. The breed is rare enough that all efforts focus on preserving the pure breed. Occasional working crosses with other Swedish hounds occur among hunters but no established mixed breed lines exist outside Sweden.
An occasional informal cross among Swedish hunters combining the Smalandsstovare's agility in dense forest terrain with the Hamiltonstövare's superior nose and larger frame. Not intentionally bred; no established lines exist.