Exercise need
Very highThe breed works efficiently over Swedish terrain while hunting deer, hare, and fox.
BreedCue field profile
Drever
A robust, low-set Swedish scent hound whose deer-tracking persistence, agility, and hunting focus call for secure exercise and a genuine outlet for scent work.
At a glance
Everyday breed tendencies
Levels summarize the strongest applicable evidence currently in BreedCue.
Mental stimulation
HighIndependent scent tracking requires sustained concentration and access to purposeful nose work.
Trainability
ModerateThe even temperament supports training, but specialist scent-hound work rewards independent persistence.
Handling complexity
HighA breed still kept primarily for hunting needs secure management, scent outlets, and realistic recall expectations.
People sociability
ModerateThe standard describes an even-tempered hound but does not establish broad stranger sociability.
Shedding
ModerateThe harsh close coat varies in length across the body and undergoes normal shedding.
Grooming need
LowThe short, harsh, straight coat is practical and does not require specialist shaping.
Barking tendency
HighWorking scenthounds traditionally communicate on trail, so voice needs consideration even though the standard does not quantify frequency.
Chase drive
Very highThe breed was selected to track and hunt deer, hare, and fox.
Evidence still being reviewed3 traits
We have not found strong enough breed-level evidence for these traits yet:
- Living with children
- Living with cats
- Hot-climate tolerance
Day to day
What life with Drever may feel like
A practical reading of the documented tendencies below—not a prediction about every individual dog.
A normal day
The breed works efficiently over Swedish terrain while hunting deer, hare, and fox.
Keeping them engaged
Independent scent tracking requires sustained concentration and access to purposeful nose work.
What people may underestimate
The breed was selected to track and hunt deer, hare, and fox.
Before you decide
Important things to know
Specialist hunting focus and persistent scent work require secure exercise and realistic recall expectations
A breed still kept primarily for hunting needs secure management, scent outlets, and realistic recall expectations.
Compare your shortlist
Compare with similar breeds
Three nearby alternatives selected from the current catalog. Similar does not mean interchangeable.
Basset Fauve de BretagneClosest on mental stimulation and trainability; compare the trade-offs.Compare Drever vs Basset Fauve de Bretagne →
Petit Basset Griffon VendéenClosest on mental stimulation and trainability; compare the trade-offs.Compare Drever vs Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen →
Basset HoundClosest on barking and chase drive; compare the trade-offs.Compare Drever vs Basset Hound →Transparency
Evidence used for this profile
BreedCue favors breed-club, veterinary, welfare, and established kennel-organization sources. Evidence describes breed-level tendencies; individual dogs vary.
- Drever — FCI Standard No. 130Fédération Cynologique Internationale
Your life matters too
Is this breed right for your routine?
Check this profile against the time, home environment, and trade-offs you can realistically support.