COUNTRY: Sweden
WEIGHT: 33-40 pounds
HEIGHT: 17-20 inches
COAT: Thick and heavy, but short
COLOR: Black with tan markings; any white to be discouraged
OTHER NAMES: Smalands Hound
REGISTRY: FCI
GROUP: Hound
Like the Schillerhound, the Sma'landsstovare is a Swedish hound that traces its roots back to ancient periods. They were probably used as far back as the Middle Ages. The hound of Smalands is indigenous to central Sweden and possesses some singular physical traits.
Although the occasional hock-length tail is conceded, it is universally born (never docked) with a short tail; no other scenthound sports the short version. The head is shorter and more wedge-shaped than most hounds, with the ears very small and flat; the body is cobby and small, all of which indicate that a long-ago cross of hounds to native Nordic-type dogs may have occurred to produce this breed. But he has keen scenthound abilities and is used in all terrain and weather for trailing game. They are most commonly employed in the hunting of fox and hare throughout the dense forest of Smalands district in southern Sweden.