20 Things You Didn’t Know About the Hamiltonstovare
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Choosing a dog breed is a big decision, as not every breed is suitable for every household, family, or lifestyle. Each breed has different personality traits and physical characteristics that make them better suited to some people than others. Although personal preferences are a part of the decision, it is vital that you research a dog breed thoroughly to decide if it is the right choice for you. One breed that you might consider is the Hamiltonstovare. To help you decide if this is the most suitable breed for your family and lifestyle, here are 20 things you might not know about the Hamiltonstovare.
1. It Originates from Sweden
The Hamiltonstovare is a dog breed that originates from Sweden. According to Purina, the breed was developed by Count Adolf Hamilton, the founder of the Swedish Kennel Club, in the late 19th century. He aimed to create a breed that could help people hunt small game while also being good companions. It was also important that the breed was sturdy enough to handle the mountainous landscape of Sweden. The breed’s ancestors include the Harrier and the Foxhound. Other ancestors are various German hounds, such as the Heidebracke, the Curland Hound, and the Holsteiner. Hamiltonstovares remain popular hunting dogs in Sweden, although they are now also popular in other parts of the world as both working and companion dogs.
2. It is Known by Several Other Names
Although the breed is officially called the Hamiltonstovare, it is also known by several other names. Two of these are the Hamilton Hound and the Swedish Foxhound. The breed is also often referred to simply as the Hamilton. It is named after Count Adolf Hamilton, who founded the breed.
3. They Were Originally Working Dogs
Hamiltonstovares were bred as working dogs. Like most hounds, they were used as hunting and gundogs. However, while most other hounds work in packs, the Hamiltonstovare works either alone or in pairs. Hamiltonstovares were generally used by guns men for flushing out fox and hare on agricultural land.
4. They Are Tricolor with Distinctive Markings
Hamiltonstovares are a tricolor dog with a black, tan, and white coat. The white markings on this breed are one of the distinctive features for which it is known. They have a white blaze on their head that runs down their neck. They also have four white paws, a white breast, and a white tail tip. Its distinctive white markings help to identify this breed when compared to other similar hounds.
5. Hamiltonstovares Have a Double Coat
The Hamiltonstovare has a double coat, which means their coat has two separate layers. Their undercoat is short, close, and soft. During the winter months, the undercoat of a Hamiltonstovare thickens. The upper coat lies close to the body, and it is highly weather-resistant. Other distinctive features of the coat is hair that is longer on the underside of the tail that does not form a fringe and ample hair between the pads of their feet. Having a double coat means that the Hamiltonstovare is a resilient breed that can live in most conditions.
6. They Are Easy to Groom
Due to their short coat, a Hamiltonstovare is easy to groom, and you will only need to brush them once a week. However, you will also need to give them regular baths to keep their coat and skin in good condition. Hamiltonstovares do not shed excessively, so you will not need to spend a lot of time cleaning up dog hair from around your home. On the other hand, their double coat means they will shed more in the warmer months to help them to keep cool.
7. Caring for Their Oral Health is Vital
In addition to grooming your dog, taking care of their oral health is an essential part of their care. It is especially important in the case of Hamiltonstovares, as they can often develop dental problems. Therefore, you should brush their teeth daily to prevent plaque build-up and the development of cavities. Another vital element of caring for a Hamiltonstovare is checking their ears regularly. Due to the breed having fold-down ears, they are prone to a build-up of ear wax and also to developing ear infections.
8. Hamiltonstovares Are a Medium Dog Breed
The height and frame of a Hamiltonstovare mean it is classified as a medium-sized dog breed. The height of this breed depends on the gender of the animal. According to Wikipedia, the ideal height for a male Hamiltonstovare is 22.5-inches, although their height can range from 21 to 24-inches. On the other hand, the ideal height for a female Hamiltonstovare is 21-inches. The height range for females of this breed is 19.25 to 22.5-inches.
9. They Can Weigh Up to 75 Pounds
The weight of a Hamiltonstovare can vary significantly, as they can weigh anywhere between 40 and 75 pounds. The height of the dog impacts their weight, and males typically weigh more than females. Diet and exercise also play an important role in making sure your Hamiltonstovare is within a healthy weight range. It is vital that you feed your Hamiltonstovare a healthy and balanced diet to prevent obesity. If your dog becomes obese, their risk of developing various serious and life-threatening health conditions significantly increases. Some examples include joint problems, cardiovascular conditions, and diabetes. Making sure your dog gets enough exercise is also crucial to help them remain within a healthy weight range.
10. Hamiltonstovares Need a Lot of Exercise
The Hamltonstovare is an active and energetic dog that needs a lot of exercise. Short walks a couple of times a week are not an option for this breed. You will need to take your dog for a long walk every day to meet their needs. Therefore, you should only get a Hamiltonstovare if you can commit enough time to take them for daily walks and if you have enough energy to keep up with your dog.
11. They Are Not a Good Breed Option for Apartment-Living
If you live in an apartment, then a Hamiltonstovare is possibly not the best breed option for you. Hamiltonstovares are better-suited to living in a big house with a large garden, as this will give them more opportunities to run around and get the exercise they need. They will particularly enjoy living in rural locations where they can explore the countryside during their long walks. However, if you have a large apartment with some outdoor space and live near a dog park, it is possible to keep a Hamiltonstovare.
12. Boredom Can Cause Bad Behavior
The high activity needs of the Hamiltonstovare is not just about them getting enough physical exercise. It is also about mentally stimulating your dog by offering them a range of physical activities and taking them to different environments. If your dog does not get enough exercise or go out and about to different areas, they can easily become bored. One of the traits of a Hamiltonstovare is that they can become destructive due to boredom. You may come home to find that they have ripped up your cushions due to becoming bored in your absence or not getting enough physical or mental stimulation.
13. Thy Are a Good Option for Families with Children
It is vital to put serious consideration into the dog breed you choose if you are a family with children, as not all dog breeds enjoy family life, and some dogs have an aggressive nature that makes them a potential danger to children. It works both ways as younger children can also pose a risk to smaller dog breeds that are delicate and more prone to injury. However, none of these factors is an issue with Hamiltonstovares, as they are a great option for families. They are an affectionate and companionable breed that will fit in well with family life, and they do not usually have an aggressive nature. Their sturdy frame means that it is unlikely that a child will harm the dog during rough and tumble. However, you should remember that supervision during early interactions between children and any dog breed is essential. It is crucial to set the boundaries for both the children and the dog from the start.
14. Hamiltonstovares Get Along with Other Dogs
In most cases, Hamiltonstovares get along well with other dogs as they do not have a jealous streak and do not mind sharing their home and family with another dog. It is potentially beneficial to have a second dog, as it can give your Hamiltonstovare some company that offers mental stimulation, and this can reduce the risk of boredom and destructive behavior. It is a good idea to include socialization with other dogs early in their training to get them accustomed to being around other animals.
15. They Are Not Suitable for a Household with Smaller Pets
Although Hamiltonstovares get along well with dogs, they are not a good option for households with smaller pets, such as hamsters, rabbits, or guinea pigs. Hamiltonstovares have a strong hunting instinct, and it is in their nature to hunt smaller animals. Therefore, there is a risk of them injuring or even killing a small pet. If you do keep smaller pets and decide to get a Hamiltonstovare, you must take extra measures to ensure your small pets’ safety. For example, keep your dog away from the smaller pets’ enclosures.
16. The Breed is Recognized by Several Organizations
The Hamiltonstovare is a breed that is recognized by several organizations and is included on many dog registries. As soon as the breed was developed, it was recognized by the Swedish Kennel Club. It has been a recognized breed of the United Kennel Club since 2006. Currently, the American Kennel Club admits the Hamiltonstovare in its Foundation Stock Service, which is the final step before the AKC grants full recognition of a breed. Due to the breed’s increasing popularity in the United States, there is a Hamiltonstovare Club of America.
17. Hamiltonstovares Do Not Like Spending Time Alone
Ideally, a Hamiltonstovare should live in a household where there is someone at home most of the time. They do not like being left alone for long periods, and they can suffer from separation anxiety. If your Hamiltonstovare will spend a prolonged period in the house alone, make sure they have toys to keep themselves entertained to avoid boredom.
18. They Are Prone to Certain Health Conditions
As with most dog breeds, the Hamiltonstovare has an increased risk of developing some conditions. However, this does not mean that they will definitely develop these health problems. Hamiltonstovares are prone to joint problems, such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Some other health conditions to which Hamiltonstovares are prone to include bloating of the digestive system, ear infections, and epilepsy.
19. They Can Live Up to 13 Years
The lifespan of the Hamiltonstovare is typically between ten and 13 years. However, there are many factors that can impact the lifespan of your dog. Two of the most important factors to consider are diet and exercise, as a poor diet and lack of exercise can potentially shorten your dog’s lifespan. Therefore, it is vital that you make sure you feed your Hamiltonstovare a healthy diet and ensure they get enough exercise. Developing health conditions can also limit the lifespan of your dog, so you should seek the advice of a veterinarian if your Hamiltonstovare develops any new symptoms.
20. The Hamiltonstovare Features in a Swedish Folktale
In Sweden, the Hamiltonstovare’s country of origin, the breed is central to a heartwarming national folktale. The story is about a Hamiltonstovare that makes a journey across the Swedish countryside with an elf to help housewives in need. The story demonstrates some of the positive personality traits for which the breed is known.
