Apartment fit
The Smaland Hound is usually a poor apartment fit because it is a working scenthound with voice and high outdoor needs.
HoundMedium
Sweden
SwedenSmaland Hound
Weight
33-44 lb
Height
16.5-21.25 in
Lifespan
11-14 yrs
Coat
Smooth Short
The Smaland Hound is a Swedish black-and-tan scenthound, compact, determined, and built for hunting hare and fox.
Swedish scenthound for hare and foxBlack-and-tan coat with possible small white markingsHigh scent drive and hound voiceLow coat care but high exercise needs
Breed Names
Official, native, and commonly used variants
Smalandsstovare
DeterminedLivelyScent-drivenLoyalIndependentHardworking
Weight
33-44 lb
Height
16.5-21.25 in
Lifespan
11-14 yrs
Coat
Smooth Short
At A Glance
Daily living snapshot
A quick read on energy, upkeep, and what day-to-day life with this breed usually feels like.
Energy
High
Barking
High
Drooling
Low
Shedding
Moderate
Grooming
1/5
First-time owner
No
Overview
The Smaland Hound, or Smalandsstovare, is a Swedish scenthound developed for hunting hare and fox. It is one of Sweden's native hounds and is typically black and tan, with small white markings on chest or toes allowed by the standard.
This breed is smaller and more compact than some other Swedish hounds, but it is still a working scenthound. It needs exercise, nose work, secure handling, and owners who understand hound voice and scent-driven independence. A simple suburban walk is usually not enough for a young working-bred dog.
The short coat is easy to care for, but ears, feet, ticks, and field injuries need attention after hunting or trail time. Health planning should include hips, eyes, ears, and maintaining lean endurance.
Temperament & Personality
DeterminedLivelyScent-drivenLoyalIndependentHardworking
This breed tends to suit homes looking for a determined, lively, scent-driven companion, with daily rhythms shaped by high energy, high barking, and low drooling.
Coat type
Smooth
Coat length
Short
Shedding
Moderate
Colors
Black and tan, Black and tan with small white markings
Lifestyle Compatibility
Family Friendly4/5
Good with Kids4/5
Good with Dogs4/5
Good with Strangers3/5
Apartment Friendly2/5
Exercise Needs5/5
Grooming Needs1/5
Trainability3/5
Good fit if you want
- A family-friendly companion
- Room for routine exercise
- Confidence handling structure and training
Plan ahead for
- 5/5 exercise needs
- moderate shedding and coat upkeep
- high barking in daily life
Owner Fit & Everyday Behavior
Best for
- active hound owners
- hunters or tracking handlers
- rural homes
- families prepared for scent work
Not ideal for
- quiet apartments
- off-leash urban lifestyles
- sedentary owners
- homes with unmanaged small pets
Common challenges
- hound voice
- recall around scent
- wildlife interest
- field checks
- exercise needs
Barking & behavior
This breed can be vocal on scent and may become restless without work. Owners should teach quiet cues but accept hound traits.
Training style
Train with rewards, structure, and scent outlets. Recall, leash manners, quiet cues, and check-ins are essential because the breed can follow scent independently.
Grooming & shedding
Brush the short coat weekly and check ears, feet, and skin after work in brush or snow. Tick checks are important after trail time.
Care Guide
Exercise
Most Smaland Hounds need 90 minutes or more of daily activity with long walks, tracking, hunting where legal, or scent games.
Grooming
Brush the short coat weekly and check ears, feet, and skin after work in brush or snow. Tick checks are important after trail time.
Training
Train with rewards, structure, and scent outlets. Recall, leash manners, quiet cues, and check-ins are essential because the breed can follow scent independently.
Nutrition
Feed for lean working condition and adjust calories around hunting seasons and rest periods.
Behavior & Environment
Energy level
High
Barking level
High
Drooling level
Low
Watchdog ability
3/5
Guard dog ability
1/5
Climate tolerance
Cold weather4/5
Heat tolerance3/5
Health Considerations
Common concerns to discuss with your vet and breeder.
Hip dysplasiaEar infectionsEye diseaseField injuriesTick-borne disease
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Smaland Hound a good apartment dog?
Usually no. It is a vocal, active scenthound that needs outdoor work and scent outlets.
Does the Smaland Hound bark a lot?
It can be vocal, especially when following scent or excited. Hound voice should be expected.
Is the Smaland Hound good for first-time owners?
It is usually better for hound-aware owners who understand recall limits and hunting drive.
How much exercise does the Smaland Hound need?
Most adults need 90 minutes or more of activity, with scent work or tracking.
Is the Smaland Hound good with kids and other dogs?
It can be friendly with family and compatible dogs, but small pets and wildlife need management.
Does the Smaland Hound shed a lot?
Shedding is moderate and the short coat is easy to maintain.
What is the biggest challenge of owning the Smaland Hound?
The biggest challenge is satisfying scent drive while managing hound voice and recall.
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