Hamiltonstövare
Template:Infobox dog breed The Hamiltonstövare (or Hamilton Hound) is a breed of scenthound originally developed by the founder of the Swedish Kennel Club, Count Adolf Hamilton. Its ancestors include several German hounds as well as English Foxhounds and Harriers. The breed is recognized by the Swedish Kennel Club, Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and the American Kennel Club's Foundational Stock Service.
Appearance
Characteristics
The Hamiltonstövare is a medium-sized dog with a well-balanced and muscular frame. It has a short, dense coat that is tri-colored, typically featuring a combination of black, tan, and white markings. The breed's distinctive appearance, coupled with its elegant gait, reflects both its functional capabilities and aesthetic appeal.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Male dogs should be between Template:Convert and females between Template:Convert tall.<ref name=":0" /> Generally they weigh between Template:Convert.<ref name=":1">Template:Cite book</ref>
Temperament
Known for its keen sense of smell and hunting skills, the Hamiltonstövare is bred for hunting hare and fox,<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> especially in tracking scents alone<ref name=":2" /> over the varied Swedish terrains, including dense forests, open fields, or rugged mountains.Template:Citation needed The Hamiltonstövare's acute sense of smell allows it to excel in most hunting tasks; however, they have been bred to refuse to track deer.<ref name=":3" />
The Hamiltonstövare is friendly and has a sociable nature. While it possesses a strong hunting instinct, it is also a loyal and affectionate companion. The breed tends to form strong bonds with its family members and is generally good with children. However, the breed can be stubborn and early socialization and training are crucial to ensure that the dog's hunting instincts are appropriately channeled.<ref name=":3">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
History
The use of scenthounds in Sweden dates back at least to the 1500s when it is thought that Eastern European hounds were brought to Scandinavia. There is some disagreement as to the ancestors of the Hamiltonstövare, and various authorities have proposed native Swedish hounds, Swiss and German hounds such as the Holstein hound or the Hanover hound, Latvia's now extinct Curland hound, the English foxhound and harrier.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":1" /> In the late 19th century, Count Adolf Patrick Hamilton, a Swedish cavalry officer and the Swedish Kennel Club's first president, dedicated his efforts to developing a breed that would excel in hunting and tracking and at an 1886 dog show, he presented two dogs which would be considered the first Hamiltonstövare.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name=":4">Template:Cite book</ref> The result was a dog with a robust build, well-suited for navigating the diverse terrains of the Swedish countryside.<ref name=":1" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> While a popular hound in Sweden, the breed is rare outside of Scandinavia.<ref name=":1" /> Originally simply called the Swedish hound, like the Schillerstövare and the Hygen hund, the breed was later renamed Hamiltonstövare after its creator in 1921 when it was recognized by the Swedish Kennel Club in 1921.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":0" /> The Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recognized the Hamiltonstövare in 1955, and the breed is currently part of the American Kennel Club's Foundational Stock Service.<ref name=":0" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Popular culture
According to Swedish folklore, the elf Tomten is assisted by a Hamiltonstövare named Karo.<ref name=":1" />