Mike Clinton
Introduction: The Drever breed in brief
The Drever is a small to medium-sized breed of dog that originated in Sweden. With their distinctive long, droopy ears and short legs, they are often mistaken for Dachshunds. However, the Drever is a separate breed entirely, known for their hunting abilities and friendly temperament.
The origin of the Drever breed
The Drever breed was created in the early 20th century by Swedish hunters who wanted to develop a dog that could track and hunt game in the rugged terrain of their homeland. They sought to create a breed that was shorter and more agile than the German hounds they typically used, but with a similar sense of smell and drive.
The history of the Drever breed
The Drever breed’s history is relatively short compared to other breeds of dog. The first known Drever was born in 1910, and the breed was officially recognized by the Swedish Kennel Club in 1947. Despite being a relatively new breed, the Drever has quickly become popular in Scandinavia, where they are still primarily used as hunting dogs.
The role of German hounds in Drever’s creation
German hounds played a significant role in the creation of the Drever breed. The Swedish hunters who created the breed used German hounds in their breeding program to develop the Drever’s signature scenting ability and drive. However, they also sought to create a dog that was shorter and more agile than the German hounds, which were better suited for hunting in open terrain.
The contribution of Westphalian Dachsbracke
The Westphalian Dachsbracke, a smaller breed of hound from Germany, also played a significant role in the creation of the Drever breed. The Swedish hunters used this breed in their breeding program to create a dog that was even shorter and more agile than the German hounds they had previously used.
How the Drever breed got its name
The Drever breed gets its name from the Swedish word "drev," which means "to drive." This name reflects the breed’s primary purpose as a hunting dog, where they are used to drive game toward the hunters.
The emergence of the Drever breed in Sweden
The Drever breed emerged in Sweden in the early 20th century when a group of hunters set out to create a new breed of dog that was better suited for hunting in the rugged terrain of their homeland. They used a combination of German hounds and Westphalian Dachsbracke to create the Drever breed.
The popularity of the Drever breed in Scandinavia
The Drever breed is very popular in Scandinavia, where they are still primarily used as hunting dogs. They are known for their friendly and affectionate personalities, which make them excellent family pets as well.
The Drever breed’s recognition by the Swedish Kennel Club
The Drever breed was officially recognized by the Swedish Kennel Club in 1947. Since then, the breed has gained recognition in other countries as well, including the United States, where they are recognized by the American Kennel Club.
Conclusion: The Drever breed’s place in dog history
The Drever breed may be relatively new compared to other breeds of dog, but its history is rich and fascinating. From its humble beginnings as a hunting dog in Sweden to its popularity in Scandinavia and beyond, the Drever has carved out a unique place in dog history. With their friendly personalities and excellent hunting abilities, the Drever breed is sure to remain a beloved breed for many years to come.