At a glance the quick version
Coat and looks how to spot one
medium-length harsh coat with dense soft undercoat
A sturdy, nearly square-built hound that manages to look a little elegant without being heavy. The weather-resistant outer coat lies close to the body over a thick, soft underlayer, and it is shorter and sleeker on the head, ears and front legs. The tail may be naturally long or naturally short and stumpy.23
Personality what they are like
An even-tempered, good-natured hound that is devoted to its people and eager when working. It learns quickly, settles well into family life and reliably comes back to its owner after a hunt.234
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High. Bred to follow hare and fox through forest for long stretches, so it needs plenty of daily exercise and ideally regular chances to use its nose outdoors.3
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The short, close coat is easy to keep; an occasional brush and a bath only when needed are usually enough.3
Home where they are happiest
Best with an active household and access to the outdoors; the Swedish Kennel Club notes it does not suit being left alone in a kennel or apartment.3
Company who they like around
A people-oriented dog that does well as a family companion when its working and exercise needs are met.34
The story where it all began
Småland had a wide mix of scent hounds in the 1800s, built from German, Polish and Baltic hounds that came home with Swedish soldiers and were blended with local farm dogs and English hounds. In the early 20th century breeders, notably Baron Frederik von Essen, worked to fix the type, favouring the naturally bobtailed dogs, and the Swedish Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1921.234
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It is regarded as the oldest of Sweden's native scent hound breeds.4
- 2
Some dogs are born with a naturally short, stumpy tail, which the standard accepts alongside a full-length tail.2
- 3
Its black-and-tan colouring sometimes leads people to mistake it for a small Rottweiler.4
- 4
It drives game with a dense, varied bark and can keep hunting over several days in a row.3
- 5
It is uncommon even in its homeland, with only around sixty puppies registered each year by the Swedish Kennel Club.4
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard No. 129, Group 6 (Scent hounds), Section 1.2 (Medium-sized hounds); definitive acceptance 12 Jan 1955; subject to a working trial1
- Swedish Kennel Club (SKK)
- Recognised 1921, when the first standard was written4
- UKC
- Recognised 20064
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Smaland Hound. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Smaland Hound, and at what times?
Adult Smaland Hounds do well with at least two meals a day, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. Follow the food label for amounts and check with your vet for a schedule that suits your dog's age and activity level.5
What should a Smaland Hound eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and activity. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, so keep these well away from your hound.6
How often should I bathe a Smaland Hound?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty. The short coat only needs a bath when it's truly needed.3 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Smaland Hound need brushing?
A weekly brush is enough to keep the short, close coat in good condition. This helps remove loose hair and keeps the coat healthy.73 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Smaland Hound's nails, and how often?
Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick, and ask your vet or a groomer to show you how if you're unsure.7 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Smaland Hound need?
This breed has high exercise needs and thrives with daily walks and play, plus regular chances to use its nose outdoors. An active household with access to the outdoors is ideal.3 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Smaland Hound's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture or dirt, especially since floppy ears can trap moisture. Never push anything into the ear canal.7 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Smaland Hound live?
The Smaland Hound typically lives between 12 and 15 years. With good care, regular vet check-ups, and a healthy lifestyle, they can enjoy a long life.4
Is a Smaland Hound good with children and other pets?
Yes, this even-tempered, good-natured hound is devoted to its people and settles well into family life. It can be good with children and other pets when properly socialized, but always supervise interactions.234
Can a Smaland Hound be left alone?
This people-oriented dog does not suit being left alone for long periods, especially in a kennel or apartment. It's best for an active household where someone is home most of the time.3
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI nomenclature: Smålandsstövare (129) fci.beused for recognition, origin
- FCI breed standard No. 129 fci.beused for size, coat, colours, temperament, history
- Svenska Kennelklubben: Smålandsstövare skk.seused for use, care, activity, temperament, height
- Wikipedia: Smålandsstövare en.wikipedia.orgused for history, weight, lifespan, popularity, fun facts
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.