Drever
A short-legged Swedish scenthound bred to drive deer and other game. Friendly, even-tempered and sociable, with a strong nose and the characteristic hound voice.
Drever scorecard
Overview
The Drever is a short-legged Swedish scenthound bred to track and drive deer and other game towards waiting hunters. Standing around 30–38 cm at the shoulder and weighing roughly 14–16 kg, it has a sturdy, long-bodied build on short legs, a hard tricolour or red-and-white coat, and the deep, musical voice typical of a hound. It is recognised by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale and is hugely popular in its native Sweden, but it remains very rare in the UK.
Friendly, even-tempered and sociable, the Drever combines a steady, good-natured personality with a powerful nose and the persistent baying that scenthounds use on the trail. It tends to get on well with people and other dogs and makes a cheerful companion, but its strong scent drive and vocal nature mean it is happiest with owners who can provide plenty of exercise, secure boundaries and tolerance for a hound that likes to follow its nose.
Good to know — a Drever is best with a garden and manageable for committed beginners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
Save the Drever guide
Thinking about a Drever? Pop your email in and we’ll send this guide so you can come back to it any time — handy while you compare breeds.
Popular searches for the Drever
History & origins
The Drever descends from the Westphalian Dachsbracke, a short-legged German scenthound brought to Sweden in the early 20th century. Swedish hunters valued these low-set hounds for driving deer in the country's forests, where a slower, methodical tracking dog suited the terrain and the style of hunting. Over time a distinct Swedish type emerged.
The breed was given the name 'Drever' — from the Swedish word for the type of driving hunt it performs — through a naming competition in 1947, and it was recognised as a separate breed shortly afterwards. It remains one of the most popular hunting dogs in Sweden, but it is little known elsewhere and is a genuine rarity in the UK.
Temperament & family fit
Drevers are friendly, even-tempered and sociable dogs, generally good with people, children and other dogs, and known for a balanced, untroubled disposition. As pack-working scenthounds they are companionable and enjoy company, combining alertness with an easygoing nature. They are typically affectionate and adaptable family dogs when their exercise and stimulation needs are met.
Like most scenthounds, however, the Drever is driven by its nose and has a strong urge to follow a scent, which can override recall and lead it to wander if given the chance. It is also vocal, with the characteristic hound bay that it will use enthusiastically. These traits are entirely natural for the breed but need to be understood and managed by owners who choose one as a companion.
- Families with children of all ages
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Homes with a secure garden
Training & intelligence
Intelligent and willing but independent, the Drever can be trained successfully with patient, consistent, reward-based methods, though its scenthound nature means it may prioritise an interesting smell over an owner's instructions. Keeping training engaging and using food rewards helps hold its attention, and starting young builds good habits before the hunting drive fully matures.
Recall is the key challenge: because a Drever on a scent can be very single-minded, reliable off-lead control is difficult to achieve, and many owners keep them on a lead or long-line in unsecured areas. Early socialisation supports their naturally friendly temperament, and managing the breed's tendency to bay is worth attention for those in built-up homes.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Channel energy into training games & enrichment
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Drever typically needs 90 minutes to 2 hours a day (roughly 90–120 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, training games and puzzle feeding go a long way. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Grooming is simple and undemanding. The short, hard coat needs only occasional brushing to remove loose hair and keep it healthy, with a little more attention during seasonal shedding. The drop ears should be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent infection, and routine nail trimming and dental care complete the low-maintenance grooming routine.
- Brush occasionally to remove loose hair
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
Feed a complete, good-quality diet appropriate to the dog's age, size and activity level, in measured meals. Scenthounds can be food-motivated and prone to weight gain, which is particularly undesirable in a long-backed breed, so keep the dog lean, monitor body condition and account for training treats within the daily total. Fresh water should always be available.
Drever health & costs
Before bringing a Drever home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£250–400 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£15–32 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£0–60 / year
Mostly DIY at home
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
The Drever is generally considered a healthy, hardy breed, with no large catalogue of widespread inherited disorders, and it typically lives around 12–14 years. As a long-bodied dog, sensible weight management helps protect its back, and as a drop-eared hound, regular ear care reduces the risk of infections. Routine preventive veterinary attention supports good health.
Because the breed is rare in the UK, breed-specific domestic health data is limited, so prospective owners should ask breeders about the health of their lines and any testing performed, drawing where possible on information from the breed's large, well-established population in Sweden. General good practice — responsible breeding, a healthy weight, and routine vaccination, parasite control and dental care — applies.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Intervertebral disc disease — spinal disc problems can affect long-backed breeds; weight control and avoiding heavy jumping help reduce risk
- Ear infections — the drop ears are prone to infection, so regular checking and cleaning is advisable
- Obesity — scenthounds are food-driven and gain weight easily, which strains the long back and joints
- Hip dysplasia — a malformation of the hip joint seen across many breeds; responsible breeders may screen stock
- Limited UK data — as a rare breed in Britain, rely on the breeder's records and the breed's larger Swedish population history
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Drever; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Drever puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Drever
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Friendly, even-tempered and easy to groom
- Sociable with people and other dogs
Things to consider
- Strong scent drive can override recall
- Vocal, with a persistent hound bay
Compare the Drever
See how the Drever measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
More breeds like the Drever
Same breed group
Beagle
A merry, pack-loving scent hound — sociable and great with kids, but ruled by its nose.
Dachshund
A bold, characterful "sausage dog" that suits smaller homes but needs careful handling of its long back.
Whippet
A gentle, quiet "sofa sprinter" — happy to lounge at home between short bursts of explosive running.
Greyhound
The ultimate couch potato — despite their racing reputation, retired greyhounds need surprisingly little exercise.
Similar temperament
Black and Tan Coonhound
An American scenthound bred to trail raccoon by night. Easygoing, gentle and sociable at home, but a powerful tracker with a deep, carrying bay and a strong nose that demands secure exercise.
Brazilian Terrier
A spry, tricolour Brazilian ratting terrier descended from European terriers. Lively, alert and quick, it makes a keen companion with the typical terrier energy and prey drive.
Dunker
A Norwegian scenthound (Norwegian Hound) bred to track hare by scent in cold terrain. Friendly, calm and even-tempered at home, but a hardy worker with a keen nose and good stamina.
Estonian Hound
Estonia's national scenthound, developed for hunting hare and fox under restrictions on larger dogs. Friendly, sociable and biddable for a hound, but driven by scent and needing plenty of exercise.
Similar size, different type
French Bulldog
A compact, easy-going companion that suits flats and modest exercise — but with serious health considerations.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
A gentle, affectionate lap dog that’s wonderful with children and adapts happily to flat or house living.
Jack Russell Terrier
A small dog with a huge personality — bold, clever and bursting with energy and prey drive.
Border Terrier
A hardy, good-natured working terrier that’s friendlier with people and dogs than many of its terrier cousins.
Is the Drever your breed?
Create your pet profile and get personalised food, toy, insurance and health recommendations — tailored to your dog.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Drever?
The Drever is a short-legged Swedish scenthound bred to track and drive deer and other game towards waiting hunters. Standing around 30–38 cm at the shoulder and weighing roughly 14–16 kg, it has a sturdy, long-bodied build, a hard tricolour or red-and-white coat, and the deep, musical voice typical of a hound. It is hugely popular in Sweden but very rare in the UK.
Are Drevers good family dogs?
Drevers are friendly, even-tempered and sociable, generally good with people, children and other dogs, and known for a balanced, untroubled disposition. As pack-working scenthounds they enjoy company and make cheerful, adaptable companions when their exercise and stimulation needs are met.
Are Drevers easy to train?
They are intelligent and willing but independent. Patient, consistent, reward-based methods work well, though their scenthound nature means they may prioritise an interesting smell over instructions. Recall is the key challenge: a Drever on a scent can be single-minded, so many owners keep them on a lead or long-line in unsecured areas. Starting young builds good habits.
Do Drevers bark a lot?
Drevers are vocal, with the characteristic hound bay that they will use enthusiastically, especially when following a scent. This is entirely natural for the breed but needs to be understood and managed, which makes them better suited to rural or semi-rural homes than to noise-sensitive settings.
How much exercise does a Drever need?
The Drever is an active hunting hound that needs a good amount of daily exercise to stay fit and content, including walks and opportunities to use its powerful nose through scent games and exploration. Mental stimulation matters as much as physical activity, and because of its strong scent drive, secure enclosed spaces are important for any off-lead freedom.
Are Drevers a healthy breed?
The Drever is generally considered healthy and hardy, with no large catalogue of widespread inherited disorders, and typically lives around 12–14 years. As a long-bodied dog, sensible weight management helps protect its back, and as a drop-eared hound, regular ear care reduces infection risk. As the breed is rare in the UK, ask breeders about the health of their lines.
How much grooming does a Drever need?
Grooming is simple and undemanding. The short, hard coat needs only occasional brushing to remove loose hair and keep it healthy, with a little more attention during seasonal shedding. The drop ears should be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent infection, and routine nail trimming and dental care complete the low-maintenance routine.
Are Drevers good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Drevers tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Drever need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Drever needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Drevers shed a lot?
Moderate shedding. Coat upkeep is wash-and-go — a quick brush now and then is usually enough.
Are Drevers easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Manageable for committed beginners. Drevers are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Drevers bark a lot?
Vocal / alert barker. They can be quite vocal, so early training and enough exercise and stimulation help keep barking in check.
Are Drevers good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Drevers suit flats or smaller homes?
Best with a garden. A Drever is happiest with access to a secure garden and regular outdoor exercise.
Sources
- Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) breed standard, Drever (No. 130) — https://www.fci.be/en/nomenclature/DREVER-130.html
- The Kennel Club (UK) — breed information and finding a breed — https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/
- PDSA — Looking after your dog — https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice
Happier, healthier pets — in your inbox.
Breed care tips, seasonal advice and first access to new arrivals. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.