DREVER

COUNTRY: Sweden

WEIGHT: 33 pounds

HEIGHT: 11V2-15 Sweden; 12-16 inches Canada

COAT: Short, dense and hard

COLOR: Fawn, black, or black/tan; always with the white markings on face, feet, neck, chest and tail tip. Canada allows all colors

OTHER NAMES: Swedish Dachsbracke

Group:Houmd


Early in the 20th century, Westphalian Dachs-brackes were imported from Germany into Denmark and Sweden. They were appreciated for their hunting abilities. In Denmark, they were mated with Swiss hounds to create a Danish dachsbracke. When these Danish dogs were brought to Sweden, they were backcrossed again to Westphalian Dachsbrackes. This last cross created the breed known as the Drever.

Drev means to hunt in Swedish, and hunting was what the Drever did best. Officially named in 1947, the Swedish KG gave him the nod in 1949. Since then, the Drever has become one of the most popular breeds in his homeland.

He was also introduced to Canada, where he was officially recognized in 1956. But this breed is never seen in a show ring in either country. A slow, steady worker, he hunts hare, fox, and occasionally deer; but this dog has the courage to pit himself against even a wild boar. In such cases, he circles and dodges the prey, warning the hunter by barking furiously. The Drever has an excellent nose and his musical voice is "much larger than his size would seem to warrant."

White markings may appear on his face, neck, chest, feet and tail tip. His legs are straight, never bent like the Dachshund. The ever-wagging tail with its slight brush shows his affable, even temperament.