Hamiltonstovare (Hamilton Hound)

The Hamiltonstovare (pronounced Hamilton-shtuh-vah-ray), or Hamilton Hound, is a distinguished Swedish scent hound breed developed in the late 19th century by Count Adolf Patrick Hamilton, the founder of the Swedish Kennel Club. His goal was to create an exceptional hunting hound that was both beautiful and highly functional, specifically for hunting fox and hare, either singly or in pairs, across the diverse Swedish landscape. To achieve this, Count Hamilton meticulously crossed various European hound breeds, likely including English Foxhounds, Harriers, and several German hound types such as Hanoverian Hounds, Holstein Hounds, and Curlandish Hounds (which were also ancestors of the Finnish Hound).

The resulting Hamiltonstovare was a dog of noble appearance, with a striking tri-color coat, remarkable stamina, a keen nose, and a strong, clear voice for signaling the hunter. They were bred to be versatile, capable of working in varied conditions, from open fields to dense forests. The breed was first exhibited in Sweden in 1886 and quickly gained popularity among Swedish hunters. While still primarily a working gundog in Sweden and other Nordic countries, it is also appreciated as a handsome and loyal companion by those who can meet its significant exercise and mental stimulation needs. It remains relatively rare outside of Scandinavia.

The Hamiltonstovare is known for its generally even-tempered, friendly, and outgoing disposition, especially with its family. They are typically loyal and affectionate companions, forming strong bonds with their people. While energetic and driven when on a scent trail, they are often calm and well-mannered in the home once their exercise needs are met. They are intelligent dogs but also possess a strong independent streak, a common trait in scent hounds bred to work at a distance from the hunter.

Their primary motivation is following a scent, and when their nose is engaged, they can be incredibly focused and determined, sometimes to the exclusion of all else. This can make them appear stubborn during training. Hamiltonstovare are alert and will use their strong, melodious hound bay to announce visitors or anything unusual, making them good watchdogs. Early socialization is important to ensure they are well-adjusted around different people and situations. They are generally good with other dogs, having a pack-hunting heritage, but their strong prey drive means they may not be suitable for homes with very small non-canine pets unless raised together with careful supervision and training.

The Hamiltonstovare has a short, dense double coat that is close-fitting and somewhat harsh to the touch, providing excellent protection from the elements and rough underbrush. The undercoat is soft and thick, especially in winter. Their distinctive tri-color coat (black mantle/saddle, rich tan head/legs, and clear white markings) is a hallmark of the breed.

This practical working coat is very low-maintenance in terms of grooming. They are considered average shedders. A weekly brushing with a rubber curry mitt or a hound glove is usually sufficient to remove loose dead hair, distribute skin oils, and keep their coat looking sleek and healthy. Baths are needed only occasionally, as their coat tends to stay relatively clean. One of the most important aspects of their grooming is regular ear care. Their long, floppy hound ears can trap moisture and debris, making them prone to ear infections if not checked and cleaned frequently with a vet-approved solution. Routine nail trims and dental care are also essential for their overall well-being.

Hamiltonstovare are high-energy hounds with exceptional stamina, bred for long days of hunting and trailing game over varied Swedish terrain. They require a significant amount of daily exercise to stay physically fit and mentally stimulated. This is not a breed suited for a sedentary lifestyle or confined apartment living; they need ample space and opportunity to run and use their keen senses, particularly their powerful nose.

Aim for at least one to two hours of vigorous activity per day, if not more, especially if not actively working. Excellent exercise options include:

• Long, brisk walks, jogging, or running alongside a bicycle (once fully mature and conditioned) in natural environments.
• Off-leash running and exploring in a very large, extremely securely fenced area. Their powerful nose and hunting drive mean they should **never** be trusted off-leash in an unsecured environment as they will follow a scent with unwavering determination and may roam for miles.
• Hiking in varied terrain.
• Participating in scent work trials, tracking activities, or other canine sports that engage their natural scenting abilities if not used for actual hunting.

Without a sufficient outlet for their energy and strong instincts, Hamiltonstovare can become bored, restless, and may develop undesirable behaviors such as excessive baying, digging, or escape attempts. They thrive in active homes, ideally with access to ample safe space for running and exploring scents, and with owners who understand their need for purposeful activity.

The Hamiltonstovare is generally considered a hardy and healthy breed, having been developed primarily for working ability and resilience. However, like all breeds, they can be susceptible to certain health conditions, though specific genetic predisposition data may be less extensive due to their relative rarity outside of hunting circles in Scandinavia. Potential concerns common to scent hounds of their size include:

• Hip Dysplasia: A malformation of the hip joint, common in many medium to large active breeds. Elbow dysplasia can also occur.
• Ear Infections (Otitis Externa): Due to their long, floppy ears trapping moisture. Diligent, regular ear cleaning is crucial.
• Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus – GDV):** A risk for deep-chested breeds.
• Hypothyroidism:** An underactive thyroid gland has been occasionally reported.
• Hunting-Related Injuries: If used for hunting, they can be prone to cuts, scrapes, sprains, or other injuries sustained in the field.