It’s hard not to be struck by the eye-catching tricolor coat and soulful gaze of the Hamiltonstovare, also known as the “Hamilton Hound,” or by breed aficionados, simply as the “Hamilton.”
The Hamiltonstovare hails from Sweden, originating in the late 1800s through the efforts of Swedish Kennel Club founder, Count Adolf Patrick Hamilton. These versatile scenthounds were originally bred to hunt both hare and fox, fulfilling Hamilton’s vision of a strong, sturdy breed that could do the job in difficult terrain and a harsh climate. One unique aspect of this breed is that it was not bred to hunt in a “pack” like so many other hounds, but rather to be a solitary hunter or to hunt as a pair.
Today, the Hamilton is still used in Sweden and Norway to do what it was originally bred to do. There remains a culture around the breed (and related breeds) where they hunt from August to March. Then they are shown and bred during the spring and summer months. In general, most people simply enjoy the breed as a friendly and even-tempered companion.
If the Hamiltonstovare is a breed that you’ve developed an interest in, here’s a look into five things to know before making the decision to bring one home:
One of the biggest issues with owning a Hamiltonstovare comes down to simply finding one. Depending on where you are on the globe, locating a breeder can be difficult. In the United States, there is just one known breeder in the country. With that, there’s a fair chance you will have to look into importing from countries like Sweden, Norway, or the United Kingdom. When going the overseas breeder route, be ready for the possibility of being placed on a waiting list due to the rareness of the breed. It may also be possible to locate a Hamilton from a rescue group within any one of these nations.
It is important to note that the breed is going to be very difficult to import into the US now that the CDC has implemented new regulations banning the importation of puppies younger than six months. Between the cost of an adult dog or older pup and the cost to ship between continents, you should expect to invest thousands of dollars upfront.
Yes, you’ve read that one correctly. Those who enjoy and know the Hamiltonstovare on a regular basis will tell you about their dogs “singing” at times, but these hounds are only loud when the situation calls for them to be especially vocal.
If you have neighbors who are sensitive to the occasional loud howling, or if you’re bothered by it yourself, it is probably best to steer clear of the Hamilton and avoid the majority of scenthound breeds, generally speaking, in your search for a new companion.
Keeping up with the Hamiltonstovare’s sleek, shiny coat does not involve a lot of intensive work. According to the breed’s AKC parent club website, the breed does not possess the same type of strong dog odor that some other breeds do, and it rarely sheds. Maintaining a normal bathing schedule and brushing during the week, as well as keeping up with ear cleaning and nail trimming, is all that is required on the grooming front for the Hamilton.
It’s truly not a good idea to allow any dog to roam in open spaces without enclosed fencing or a long leash, but this especially rings true when it comes to hound breeds like the Hamiltonstovare. Although free-roaming is recommended for the breed to get the type of exercise it needs, this must be done in a firmly secured area. Otherwise, there is no telling how long you will be waiting for your Hamilton to return, especially if it gets locked onto a scent trail.
With the instinct to track that is so naturally rooted in the breed, there’s a great risk in allowing a Hamilton to wander off-lead. Some individual hounds may have a strong recall, but not all will come when called.
The Hamiltonstovare is no couch potato, and this breed won’t do well living with one either. It is recommended for these hounds to have generous living accommodations in terms of a well-fenced backyard to run around in, and they should go for several 20-minute walks each day. Going for a hike or a jog, as well as participating in organized dog sports, will fulfill the Hamilton’s need for physical and mental stimulation.
At the same time, the Hamiltonstovare is not a dog that constantly wants to engage in intensive training sessions much like the Belgian Malinois or the Border Collie. This breed is supposed to have a clear “off-switch,” yet be ready for whatever their owner is up for at any time.
