Scenthound Medium size 23-27 kg

Hamilton Hound

An elegant, good-natured Swedish scenthound - affectionate and fairly trainable, but a strong nose and high stamina still demand real exercise.

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Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Medium
Size
23-27 kg, 49-61 cm
High
Activity
High stamina; needs a long daily run or hike
Low
Alone-time tolerance
Pack-minded; dislikes long hours alone
Moderate
Trainability
Trainable but independent-minded
Low
Coat care
Short coat; weekly brush and shed control
Good
Fit with kids
Good with kids given supervision
Good
Other pets
Pack-social; usually fine with other dogs
Moderate
Health burden
Dental Disease, Hip Dysplasia, Bloat

The Hamilton Hound typically weighs 23-27 kg, stands 49-61 cm, and lives 12-14 years.

Consider this breed if…

you want a handsome, friendly scenthound for an active home,
you hike or run and can give long daily exercise,
you can provide secure fencing for a strong nose,
you want a fairly biddable hound that still bonds closely.

Do not consider this breed if…

you want a reliable off-leash dog around wildlife,
the dog would be home alone for long workdays,
you live in a noise-sensitive apartment,
you keep small pets it may chase on scent.

A typical day with a Hamilton Hound

  1. 6:30 · Morning
    Long walk or run before the day
  2. 9:00 · Midmorning
    Rest and a chew after exercise
  3. 12:30 · Noon
    Sniffing walk to satisfy the nose
  4. 16:00 · Afternoon
    Training or scent games
  5. 19:00 · Evening
    Affectionate family time indoors
  6. 22:00 · Night
    Sleeps calmly once exercised

Temperament and training

Stamina High
Prey drive High
Trainability Moderate
Independence Moderate
Vocality High
Affection with family High
Common owner mistakes
Assuming a friendly hound has reliable off-leash recall · Leaving a sociable dog alone for long stretches · Under-exercising a high-stamina hunting breed

Family and environment

Kids Good
Affectionate and good-natured with children.
Dogs Good
Pack-social; usually fine with other dogs.
Cats Conditional
May chase; better if raised with cats.
Apartment Conditional
Workable only with heavy daily exercise.
House with a yard Suitable
A securely fenced yard suits it well.
City Manages
With enough activity; can be vocal.
Countryside Ideal
Space and scenting work.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Moderate

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Dental Disease Routine home care and cleanings reduce risk
Hip Dysplasia Screen breeding stock; manage weight and joint load
Bloat (GDV) Deep-chested build; learn the emergency signs
Chronic Ear Infections Drop or hairy ears need regular cleaning

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

Another Swedish tricolor scenthound
Schiller Hound
A fast, hardy Swedish tracking hound built for cold-weather hunting - its stamina, drive and voice suit an active rural home, not apartment life.
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Compact Swedish hunting hound
Smaland Hound
A compact Swedish scenthound that is calm and even-tempered at home yet driven in the field - a healthy, uncomplicated hunting companion.
View profile →
Comparable friendly pack scenthound
Harrier
A sturdy, sociable pack hound like a bigger Beagle - cheerful and good with company, but energetic with a nose that pulls it away.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

Is the Hamilton Hound rare outside Sweden?
Fairly. The Hamiltonstovare is popular in Sweden but uncommon elsewhere, so breeders abroad are limited and you may face a waitlist. It is not as rare as some Scandinavian hounds, but expect to search and possibly travel to find a well-bred litter.
How much does a Hamilton Hound cost?
Where available, puppies from reputable breeders commonly run about $800-$1,500. Over a 12-14 year life, food, routine vet care and preventives typically add $12,000-$18,000 or more, and an unexpected emergency such as bloat surgery can add several thousand on its own.
Are Hamilton Hounds easy to train?
Easier than many scenthounds, since they are people-oriented and willing, but they are still hounds. Their nose can override training outdoors, so recall in particular takes patient, consistent work. Reward-based methods and secure areas for off-leash practice work best.
Do Hamilton Hounds make good family pets?
Yes, for active families. They are affectionate, even-tempered and good with children, and they settle nicely indoors once exercised. The main commitment is daily exercise and secure fencing; a bored, under-run hound can become vocal and restless.