Hamilton Hound Facts And Information

The Hamilton Hound is a bold, courageous, and sometimes stubborn dog that embodies all the classic traits of a true hound. While this breed may not be for everyone, those who find companionship in a Hamilton Hound will never want to own a different dog breed again! Read on to find out more amazing Hamilton Hound facts and information!

They Have A Rich History

The Hamilton Hound, also known as the Hamiltonstovare, is one of the most popular Swedish dog breeds. These dogs were kept by Swedish royalty in the 1700s until the turn of the 17th century.

For a long time, peasants were not allowed to own hunting dogs, but when that law was dissolved, the popular Hamilton Hound became available to the general public, and soon everybody in the country wanted a Hamiltonstovare of their own!

Their Short Coat Is Easy To Care For

The Hamilton Hound has an attractive black, tan, and white coat that is common among many hounds. Their fur is very short and low shedding, so only a quick brush every week is all they really need. They are also popular among owners with allergies, as their low-shedding fur isn’t likely to get everywhere. While not a truly hypoallergenic breed, they’re a great option if most dog breeds give you mild allergic reactions!

The Hamilton Hound Can Be Surprisingly Lazy

One of the most interesting facts about Hamilton Hounds is that they aren’t always eager to work. Around the house, you may find that your Hamiltonstovare would much rather lie down on the couch than play! This means that you’ll have to be more motivated to get your dog to follow commands and go on walks. Of course, after a long day, the mellow nature of this breed is perfect for cuddling on the couch!

They Have A Tendency To Wander

The Hamilton Hound is one of those breeds that absolutely needs a leash. Without firm guidance, these dogs will wander all over the place in search of rabbits, squirrels, cats, and anything else it perceives as prey. Their strong noses can get them into trouble sometimes, so a lot of firm training is important to prevent them from going off on their own all the time.

They’re Very Hard To Get

Sadly, outside of Sweden, the Hamilton Hound is notoriously difficult to acquire. Their popularity as a hound dog has been largely overshadowed by Beagles, Basset Hounds, and many other breeds. If you live in the United States, finding a Hamilton Hound will be even trickier.

In fact, there’s only one official Hamilton Hound breeder in the entire country! Even if you’re determined to bring home a dog of this breed, you’ll likely have a long wait ahead of you.

They Hunt Alone

Many similar hunting breeds were traditionally bred to hunt in packs. One of the fun facts about the Hamilton Hound, however, is that it’s unique because it is a solitary hunter. Even though many dog breeds have slowly been used less and less for the original purpose they were bred for, like herding or hunting vermin, the Hamilton Hound is still often used in Sweden for its original hunting purpose.

Hamilton Hounds Aren’t The Most Obedient Canines

The Hamilton Hound needs an experienced owner who can handle a bit of stubbornness. These dogs have a notorious obstinate streak, which means that training can be immensely difficult. They are also highly instinctual breeds due to their strong prey drive, so even the most well-trained Hamilton Hound isn’t likely to come when called each and every time.

They Do Better With Older Owners

The Hamilton Hound can be very energetic when it’s in a playful mood. While they aren’t intentionally aggressive, they can accidentally hurt small children without even realizing it. For this reason, this breed does best in a family with older children and teenagers, rather than infants and toddlers.

They Need Lots Of Exercise

The Hamilton Hound needs great amounts of exercise to stay in good shape but also happy. You should be sure to give this breed at least a half-hour to one hour of walks every day. Jogging and hiking are also great ways to give this dog the exercise it requires. A fenced-in yard is also important, so it can run around without wandering off in search of prey.

They Aren’t Just Hunters

One Hamilton Hound fact many people don’t know is that they can be used for a great deal more than hunting. While their stubbornness means they aren’t well suited to obedience training, they make great agility course dogs, and companions, and they are also popular in the show ring!

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