Smaland Hound

Scenthound Group

The goals and purposes of this breed standard include: to furnish guidelines for breeders who wish to maintain the quality of their breed and to improve it; to advance this breed to a state of similarity throughout the world; and to act as a guide for judges.

Breeders and judges have the responsibility to avoid any conditions or exaggerations that are detrimental to the health, welfare, essence and soundness of this breed, and must take the responsibility to see that these are not perpetuated.

Any departure from the following should be considered a fault, and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.

History

The Smaland Hound originated in Sweden. It is a combination of scenthounds from Germany and Poland, mixed with English hounds and local spitz type dogs. As recently as the 1950’s new blood has been added to the breed by recognizing dogs that were of similar type but unknown pedigree.

The Smaland Hound was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 2006.

General Appearance

Robust and strong, somewhat elegant, with a harsh coat.

Characteristics

Calm and kind with a faithful and keen temperament.

Head

SKULL

The skull is lean and of medium width. It is broadest between the ears. The stop is well defined.

MUZZLE

The muzzle is the same length as the skull. It is well developed. The nasal bridge is straight and parallel to the top of the skull. The cheeks are lean. The upper lips only slightly overhang the lower.

TEETH

The Smaland Hound has a complete set of evenly spaced, white teeth meeting in a scissors bite.

Faults: Overshot, undershot or level bite.

NOSE

The black nose has large nostrils.

EYES

The dark brown eyes have a calm expression.

Fault: Light eyes.

EARS

Set fairly high and hanging flat, the ears are slightly raised when the dog is attentive, and are rounded at the tips. They should reach only half way along the muzzle when pulled forward.

Neck

Moderately long, powerful and clean, the neck fits smoothly into the shoulders.

Forequarters

The shoulder blades and upper arms are long, and form a right angle.

FORELEGS

The elbows set close to the body. The legs are straight and parallel, with strong bone. The pasterns are springy and slightly sloping.

Body

The body is square in proportion. The chest is well developed, and the ribs are well sprung. The withers are well defined, and the back is short and powerful. The loin is muscular and slightly arched, and the croup is broad and slightly sloping. The belly is only slightly tucked up.

Hindquarters

The hindquarters are strong, and the legs are parallel when viewed from behind.

HIND LEGS

The thighs are broad, and the stifle and hock joints are well angulated. The rear pasterns are short, lean and straight.

Feet

The feet are firm, with well knuckled, tight toes.

Tail

Long, set on a straight line with the back, and carried straight or slightly curved; half length; natural bob. Full or half length tails are preferably carried below the line of the back.

Coat

Medium length, harsh and close fitting, with a well developed undercoat. Under the tail and on the backs of the thighs the hair may be slightly longer.

Color

Black and tan, with or without small white markings on the chest and toes.

Faults: Lack of tan markings. Black penciling in the tan markings. White in non permissible areas. Liver and tan coloration.

Height

Height at the withers for males is 18 to 21 inches. For females, it is 16.5 to 20 inches.

Gait

Parallel, strong and long reaching.

Eliminating Faults

(An Eliminating Fault is a Fault serious enough that it eliminates the dog from obtaining any awards in a conformation event.)
Height that is more than one inch over or under the standard.

Disqualifications

(A dog with a Disqualification must not be considered for placement in a conformation event, and must be reported to UKC.)
Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid.
Viciousness or extreme shyness.
Albinism.