How to Identify a Smaland Hound

Last Updated: December 30, 2021

Smaland Hounds are originally from Sweden. This dog breed combines Scenthounds that come from Poland and Germany and mixes them with local breeds that are Spitz-type, as well as English Hounds. ^{[1]
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Research source} A Smaland Hound may also be called the Smålandsstövare. ^{[2]
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Research source} They do share some characteristics with other dog breeds, but they also have several distinguishing ones. This wikiHow will help you identify a Smaland Hound.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:
Body Structure

1
Take a look at the dog's size. Male Smaland Hounds are usually somewhere between 18 to 21 inches (46 to 53 cm) tall, while females are typically anywhere from 17 to 20 inches (43 to 51 cm) tall. Both male and female Smaland Hounds usually weigh somewhere between 33 to 44 pounds (15 to 20 kg). ^{[3]
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2
Consider the dog's head overall. Smaland Hounds should have a lean skull that has a width which is medium. You should notice that the dog's skull is the most broad between their ears, along with a stop that is defined well. The dog's muzzle and skull should both be of the same length, and their muzzle should also be developed well, with lean cheeks, a straight nasal bridge, and the top of the dog's skull also being parallel with their nasal bridge. In addition, the dog's upper lips should be overhanging their lower lips a little. ^{[4]
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3
See what the dog's ears look like. Smaland Hounds should have relatively high-set ears that hang flat and have tips which are rounded. When the dog is attentive, their ears should be raised a little, and when they are brought forward, the ears should reach halfway along the dog's muzzle. ^{[5]
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4
Examine the dog's eyes. Smaland Hounds should have eyes that are dark brown in color. ^{[6]
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5
Note the dog's tail. Smaland Hounds should have a long tail that should appear to be in a straight line with their back. The dog should either carry their tail with a little curve or straight, and if their tail is at half or full length, ideally, the dog should carry it lower than their back's line. ^{[7]
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6
Identify the dog's overall appearance. Overall, Smaland Hounds should appear to be relatively elegant, strong, and robust, with a strong, parallel, long-reaching gait. ^{[8]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:
Coat

1
View the dog's coat color. Smaland Hounds should have a coat that is black and tan in color, and you may notice white-colored markings on their toes and chest which are small in size. ^{[9]
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2
Feel the coat's texture. Smaland Hounds should have a coat that feels harsh in texture. ^{[10]
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3
Check the coat's overall appearance. Overall, Smaland Hounds should have a coat that is medium in length, though you may notice that the hair on the backs of the dog's thighs and under their tail is a little longer, and fits closely, as well as an undercoat that is developed well. ^{[11]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:
Temperament

1
Notice a need for regular exercise. Smaland Hounds will need a large amount of exercise, through things like games of fetch, hikes, or walks. ^{[12]
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Figure out if the dog is a good watchdog. Smaland Hounds are known to be wary towards strangers, and as a result, they typically do well as a watchdog. ^{[13]
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- However, be aware that this also means they may have territorial behavior. ^{[14]
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3
Know if the dog is calm. Smaland Hounds are known to be calm dogs overall, and they generally do well with children and typically bond closely with their entire family. ^{[15]
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4
Be aware that this dog may not do well living with another dog. Sometimes, Smaland Hounds may not do well living with other dogs, and they should be socialized with any from early on. Similar to other hunting dogs, Smaland Hounds may also not do well with any small animals, like cats. ^{[16]
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5
See if the dog is intelligent. Smaland Hounds are known to be intelligent dogs. This means that they are usually easily trainable if training is done correctly, with positive reinforcement, and they usually can learn a variety of different commands well. ^{[17]
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