Hamiltonstovare

Hamiltonstovare

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The Hamiltonstovare is a breed of dog, bred as a hunting hound. The breed was developed in Sweden by the founder of the Swedish Kennel Club, Count Adolf Hamilton. Its ancestry includes several German hounds as well as English Foxhounds and Harriers.

About 100 years ago, Count A,P. Hamilton created the breed that carries his name. The Count was the founder of the Swedish Kennel Club and a connoisseur of hounds. His dog and bitch, “Pang” and “Stella,” were basically of English Foxhound and/or Harrier breeding. 

Hamilton imported German hounds, like those of Hanover, Holstein and Curlandia, to cross with his British-bred dogs. From these hybrids came the Hamiltonstovare. Today it is a favored hunting dog in Sweden. Since 1968, a few have been imported into Britain, where they are slowly gaining a pawhold.

The Hamilton is always hunted singly, like the brackes of Germany. He accompanies the hunting parties into the vast Swedish pine forests, where he finds and flushes game back towards the guns, baying to indicate his whereabouts. Also adapted to snow cover, he is robust enough to trail large game.

His temperament is sweet and gentle, and he fits well into family life. However, the hunting instincts are strong and the need for activity is great. Those two factors must be kept in mind by prospective owners. Large space is necessary for long walks. Owners warn that, even when well trained, these dogs should be kept on leash in areas with game, as hunting instincts may override training. 

Once off on a scent, they will hunt for hours before returning to their original starting point, working up a hearty appetite. Owners describe them as real “chow hounds.” But if enough physical activity is provided, these hounds are happy, bouncy and extroverted pals which relate well to people and other animals.

The Hamiltonstovare is popular enough in Sweden to be a part of the nation’s folklore. A small elf, Tomten, is said to help Swedish home-makers in the house. He is accompanied by a Hamilton called “Karo.”

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