Meet the Hamiltonstovare (or Hamilton Hound to you and me), Sweden’s very own elegant hound, bred to track hares but perfectly capable of tracking down the comfiest spot on your sofa too! With their striking tricolour coat and those adorable, floppy ears, the Hamiltonstovare is a sociable, friendly, and active breed. Whether you’re looking for a dedicated running partner or just a loyal family companion, this dog has it all—intelligence, energy, and, of course, lots of love to give. If you’re up for long walks, enjoy watching a dog follow their nose, and want a pet who’s both loyal and independent, the Hamiltonstovare could be the paw-fect fit!

The Basics:

• Category: Hound
• Size: Large (23-27 kg of sleek hunting prowess)
• Exercise Needs: 2+ hours per day (with plenty of sniffing opportunities!)
• Grooming: Low maintenance
• Coat: Short and sleek, in a tricolour of black, tan, and white
• Shedding: Moderate (a brush once in a while will keep them looking sharp)
• Health Issues: Hip dysplasia, ear infections, bloat
• Lifespan: Over 10 years
• Home Needs: Secure garden and access to open spaces (they love to explore)
• Sociability: Friendly, good with children and other dogs, though that hound independence shines through 

History: A Hunting Tradition with Swedish Roots

The Hamiltonstovare has its roots in Sweden, where it was developed in the late 19th century by Count Adolf Hamilton—yes, the breed is literally named after him! A cross between English Foxhounds, German hounds, and other scent hounds, the Hamiltonstovare was bred to be the ultimate hare and fox hunter. Designed for endurance and sharp tracking abilities, they were prized for their agility, stamina, and unwavering focus on the hunt.

Today, while many Hamiltonstovares still work in hunting, they’ve also made their way into homes as devoted family companions. Their easy-going temperament and loyalty make them great pets, but don’t think they’ve forgotten their hunting roots—once they catch a scent, they’re off!

Personality: Friendly, Independent, and Always Ready for Adventure

The Hamiltonstovare is as friendly as they come, and they love being part of family life. They’re affectionate without being overly clingy and enjoy having their people around. They’ll happily settle down with the family at the end of the day, but don’t expect them to be a couch potato—they’re energetic and outdoorsy by nature.

Hamiltonstovares are known for their independent streak. This isn’t a dog that’s going to follow you everywhere like a shadow; they’ve got a curious nature and love to explore. If they catch an interesting scent, you’ll likely see them nose-down, tail-up, and focused on following their latest discovery. That’s the hound heritage shining through! It also means that recall training is essential—when your Hammy’s in scent-tracking mode, they can be a bit selective about listening.

That said, they’re fantastic with children and other dogs, making them ideal for busy households where they can burn off their energy playing and socialising. While they’re friendly with strangers, they might be a little more reserved until they get to know someone, but once they do, expect tail wags and affection.

Exercise Needs: Energetic Explorer

The Hamiltonstovare is a hound through and through, which means they’ve got a lot of energy to burn. They need at least 1-2 hours of exercise each day, and they’ll gladly join you on long walks, hikes, or runs. Their keen sense of smell makes them happiest when they’re out in open spaces, tracking scents and exploring new environments.

While they love outdoor adventures, Hamiltonstovares also thrive on mental stimulation. Give them puzzle toys, scent games, or even some basic agility work to keep their minds as busy as their bodies. If they’re left without enough exercise or stimulation, they might find their own ways to entertain themselves—like redesigning your garden, hound-style!

Grooming: Low Maintenance, High Style

The Hamiltonstovare might look like they need a lot of grooming, but their short, sleek coat is actually pretty low-maintenance. A good brush once a week is enough to keep their coat looking shiny and remove loose hairs. They do shed moderately, so during shedding seasons (spring and autumn), you might want to brush them a bit more frequently to manage the extra fur.

Because they’re a hound with floppy ears, ear care is a must. Those adorable ears can trap moisture and dirt, leading to infections if not cleaned regularly. A quick ear check and clean once a week will help keep them healthy and infection-free.

And don’t forget about dental care! As with any breed, regular tooth brushing or giving them Scrumbles Gnashers will help maintain healthy teeth and fresh breath—perfect for those close-up snuggles after a long day of sniffing.

Health: Strong and Sturdy but Watch the Hips

The Hamiltonstovare is generally a healthy breed, but like many medium-to-large dogs, they can be prone to hip dysplasia. Ensuring they don’t over-exercise while they’re still growing and keeping them at a healthy weight can help reduce the risk of joint problems later in life.

They’re also susceptible to ear infections due to their floppy ears, and bloat (gastric torsion) can be a concern, especially in larger, deep-chested dogs like the Hamiltonstovare. Feeding them smaller meals throughout the day and avoiding vigorous exercise immediately after eating can help reduce the risk of bloat.

Fun Facts About the Hamiltonstovare

• Swedish Sensation: The Hamiltonstovare is so popular in Sweden that it’s often referred to as the national hound of the country. Count Hamilton’s legacy lives on!
• Scent Power: Their sense of smell is so keen that once they’re locked onto a scent, they’ll follow it for miles. If only they could sniff out the remote when it goes missing!
• Sofa Detective: After a long day of outdoor activities, you’ll likely find them stretched out on the sofa, looking elegant and exhausted—though they’re always ready to spring into action if they catch a scent.

Living with a Hamilton hound

Living with a Hamiltonstovare is like having your very own four-legged explorer. They’re loyal, loving, and always ready for adventure, but they need a family who can keep up with their energetic lifestyle. If you love long walks, outdoor activities, and a dog that can run like the wind and then relax at home, the Hamilton Hound could be your perfect match.

These dogs are happiest when they’re out and about, following their noses and staying active, so they’re ideal for people who enjoy a lot of outdoor time. However, their independent nature means they need a secure garden to keep them safe if they pick up a scent—otherwise, you might find them off on their own adventures!

Best Food for Hamilton Hounds

Feeding a Hamilton Hound, requires a balanced diet to fuel their athletic build and keep them in peak condition. These sleek, muscular hounds thrive on high-quality protein to maintain their strength and support their active metabolism. Look for a complete diet with the right balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates to provide sustained energy for this hardy breed. Since Hamilton Hounds are known for their robust appetites, portion control is key to prevent unwanted weight gain. Opt for foods with natural, wholesome ingredients and avoid fillers or additives that could upset their stomachs. They can also benefit from a diet rich in omega-3s to support their shiny coat and joint health, which is especially important for a breed with such an active nature. Incorporating fibre and probiotics into their meals can help maintain smooth digestion—because a happy tummy makes for a happy hound. Whether you choose dry kibble, wet food, or a mix, the focus should be on high-quality, nutrient-dense options tailored to the needs of this energetic and noble breed. Here are our top picks:

• Scrumbles Chicken Dry Dog Food: Perfect for maintaining their energy levels and keeping their coat shiny, enriched with pre, pro, and postbiotics.
• Scrumbles Salmon Dry Dog Food: Rich in Omega 3 and 6 to support their joints and overall health.
• Scrumbles Duck Wet Dog Food: A delicious, nutritious option for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
• Scrumbles Softies Training Treats: Ideal for rewarding their good behaviour during training sessions.
• Scrumbles Gnashers: Great for maintaining dental health, keeping their teeth clean and breath fresh.

Is the Hamiltonstovare the Right Dog for You?

If you’re looking for a loyal, energetic, and good-natured dog that loves the outdoors as much as you do, the Hamiltonstovare could be a great fit. They’re perfect for active families who can provide plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and of course, lots of love and affection.

With the right care, regular exercise, and a nutritious diet from Scrumbles, your Hamiltonstovare will be a healthy, happy, and adventurous companion for many years to come.

References

• American Kennel Club: Hamiltonstovare
• The Kennel Club UK: Hamiltonstovare
• PetMD: Hamiltonstovare

Whilst you are here why not read 

1. Bichon Frise Breed Guide
2. Newfoundland Breed Guide
3. Scrumbles Birthday Roadtrip