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Drever
Hound breed from Sweden
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Drever
The Drever is a medium-sized Swedish scent hound, known for its short legs and long body. It has a short coat that can be any color or combination, always with white markings. The breed is alert, calm, friendly, intelligent, loyal, even-tempered, and courageous. Its energy level is moderate (3 out of 5), and it is moderately trainable (3 out of 5). Grooming needs are low (2 out of 5), but shedding is moderate (3 out of 5). The Drever is generally good with children (4 out of 5) and other dogs (4 out of 5), but it is not well-suited for apartment living (2 out of 5). Adult males and females weigh between 14 and 18 kg, with a height of 30 to 38 cm. The estimated lifespan is 12 to 15 years. Recognition status varies by registry.
Quick facts
Drever at a glance
Sizemedium
Breed groupHound
OriginSweden
Lifespan12–15 years
Male weight14–18 kilogram
Female weight14–18 kilogram
Male height30–38 centimetre
Female height30–38 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Drever was developed in Sweden in the early 20th century. It originated from the German Westphalian Dachsbracke, which was imported to Sweden around 1910. The breed was refined to be slower and better suited for driving deer toward hunters. The name 'Drever' was officially adopted in 1947 by the Swedish Kennel Club. The breed is classified in the Hound group and is known for its endurance, keen nose, and even-tempered nature, built for tracking deer and game over difficult terrain with a robust, agile construction.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
14–18 kilogramAdult weight30–38 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesShortCoat colorsWhite markings, Any colour or combinationRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Alertcalmfriendlyintelligentloyaleven-temperedcourageous
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Moderate compared with other breeds
Moderate compared with other breeds
Lower coat-maintenance demand
Moderate compared with other breeds
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Drever-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 4
- Commonly described as loyal.Supported by temperaments.loyal: true
Potential challenges
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Growth chart
Drever puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight14–18 kilogramAdult female weight14–18 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Drever?
The Drever is a medium-sized breed. Adult males and females weigh between 14 and 18 kg and stand 30 to 38 cm tall at the shoulder. The estimated lifespan is 12 to 15 years.
What is the Drever's temperament like?
The Drever is described as alert, calm, friendly, intelligent, loyal, even-tempered, and courageous. However, individual dogs may vary.
How much exercise does a Drever need?
The Drever has a moderate energy level (3 out of 5). It likely needs regular daily exercise, but specific requirements are not provided in the facts.
What are the grooming needs of a Drever?
The Drever has a short coat and low grooming needs (2 out of 5). It sheds moderately (3 out of 5). Regular brushing may help manage shedding.
Is the Drever good with children and other dogs?
The Drever scores 4 out of 5 for child suitability and 4 out of 5 for dog compatibility, suggesting it is generally good with children and other dogs, but individual temperaments can vary.
Is the Drever suitable for apartment living?
The Drever scores 2 out of 5 for apartment suitability, indicating it is not well-suited for apartment living and likely needs a home with a yard.
Where does the Drever originate from?
The Drever originates from Sweden. It was developed in the early 20th century from the German Westphalian Dachsbracke, imported around 1910.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.