Hamiltonstovare

The Hamiltonstovare, (right, Ir & Dutch Ch Lady Madonna of Flixtonia) is the most popular hound in Sweden where he was created by Count Hamilton in the late 1800s.  A founder of the Swedish Kennel Club, he founded his new breed on English Foxhounds and German hounds.  A smooth coated, richly coloured tri-colour about the size of a Labrador the Hamiltonstovare stands foursquare and has a very dignified mien.  He measures up to 60cm and is solidly built to match, weighing up to 60lbs.

Unlike most hounds he works alone and is used to find and flush game back to the guns;  he indicates his success by baying.  The Hamiltonstovare has an excellent nose and when on the trail is hard to distract, and will only return when he is ready.  Clearly, a hound who needs a secure garden and who should be exercised with due consideration for roads and livestock.

He has gained great affection in his homeland and even entered into the folklore.  A small elf, Tomten, is said to help Swedish housewives. He is accompanied by a Hamiltonstovare called Karo.  Although they are still a rare breed in this country, which means they are not awarded Challenge Certificates and so cannot earn the title of Champion they have achieved a very high standard and succeed at high levels of competition against other breeds.

As his Foxhound ancestry would suggest, the Hamiltonstovare does enjoy plenty of exercise and this must be taken into consideration before acquiring one. Do not expect him to return when called.  His temperament is good; even-tempered and friendly he makes a fine house dog as long as his exercise requirements are attended to.

His richly coloured coat is short and soft, but becomes quite thick during the winter.  A slicker brush would probably suit him best, especially when he is changing coat and a zoom-groom to hurry out the dead coat.  Boiled linseed oil added to the feed will bring out a wonderful gleam in his coat. 

To read the Kennel Club Breed Standard for the Hamiltonstovare click here. 

Hamiltonstovare Breed Clubs

• HAMILTONSTOVARE CLUB GB Mr M Cook. 01420 86183 
• STOVARE BREEDS ASSOCIATION OF GREAT BRITAIN

Hamiltonstovare Rescue and Rehoming

Contact a Breed Club. They should all be able to give you information about hounds requiring homes and procedures for re-homing; if you are in the unfortunate position of having to re-home your own Hamiltonstovare, please go through breed rescue. They will not be judgmental and are best able to find the right permanent home for your hound.

Hamiltonstovare Breeders

Bushwacker Hamiltonstovare are situated in rural Lincolnshire on the east coast of England. For more information please visit their website.  Bushwacker is also home to Welsh Springer Spaniels and Bracco Italiano. Phone 07986 309988

• Meillion
• Parkstile 
• Sufayre
• Flixtonia
• Snovantage - Queensland, Australia

If you are looking for a puppy contact the Breed Clubs and the Breeders listed and visit the puppyfinder website where there is a great deal of information on hereditary conditions.  If you are a Breeder and wish to advertise your puppies puppyfinder is an excellent showcase.