Breed overview
Drever
The Drever is a short-legged Swedish scenthound bred to track deer over snow, using a slow, steady pace to drive game toward hunters. Friendly and even-tempered, it makes a surprisingly adaptable companion that can settle into an apartment provided it gets 30 to 60 minutes of daily walking to satisfy that busy nose. It prefers cooler weather from 10 to 25 degrees. The short coat sheds moderately and needs minimal care. Uncommon in India, the Drever usually costs ₹25,000 to ₹40,000, with a lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
- Origin
- Sweden 🇸🇪
- Size
- Small Breed
- Lifespan
- 12 - 15 years
- Buying price
- ₹25,000 - ₹40,000
- Ideal space
- Apartment
- Weather
- 10 - 25°C
- Coat type
- Short to Medium Coat
Core Behavioral Traits of the Drever
Nutrition
Meal guidance, safe foods, and macro balance.
Nutritional Guide for Drever
The Drever is a short-legged, long-bodied scent hound that loves its food, and with adults needing about 1,200 calories, portion control is essential to prevent weight gain that would strain the long back. Protein near 30 percent supports lean muscle. Being a hound, it is highly food-motivated, so measure meals and keep treats modest. Bloat is a listed concern, so two smaller meals suit it well. A monthly budget of ₹1,200 to ₹1,800 covers a quality diet, and keeping this cheerful tracker slim protects its spine and joints.
At a glance
- Monthly food cost
- ₹1,200 - ₹1,800
- Calories per day
- 800 / 1200 kcal
Recommended foods
- Cooked deboned chicken providing lean, complete animal protein essential for the Drever's muscle repair, coat health, and moderate daily energy levels.
- Lean fresh meats including turkey, beef, or lamb delivering complete amino acid profiles to sustain the Drever's active musculature and metabolic needs.
- Fresh fish rich in marine Omega-3 fatty acids that reinforce the Drever's brain function, coat condition, joint lubrication, and cardiovascular health.
- Dog-safe fruits like blueberries, apples, and watermelon providing natural antioxidants and vitamins to strengthen the Drever's immune system without added sugars.
- Cooked dog-safe vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and green beans supplying essential fiber, minerals, and vitamins to support the Drever's digestive health.
Essential nutrients
- High-quality animal protein from chicken, fish, and meat to fuel the Drever's moderately active lifestyle and support lean muscle repair
- Omega-3 and Omega-6 essential fatty acids to maintain the Drever's coat condition, joint lubrication, and cardiovascular health
- Complex low-glycemic carbohydrates providing sustained energy release for the Drever's daily activity demands
- Prebiotic dietary fiber to regulate the Drever's bowel transit and support efficient nutrient absorption throughout the digestive system
- Fat and water-soluble vitamins to support the Drever's immune system, vision, and efficient cellular repair processes
- Calcium, phosphorus, and trace minerals to sustain the Drever's bone density, dental health, and enzymatic function
Macro breakdown
- Protein30%
High-quality animal proteins from chicken, fish, and meat support lean muscle mass and sustain the Drever's moderate daily energy demands.
- Fats15%
Essential Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids from fish oil maintain the Drever's coat condition, joint lubrication, and cardiovascular function.
- Carbohydrates40%
Complex carbohydrates from grains and vegetables provide sustained energy release and digestive fiber for the Drever's active lifestyle.
- Fibre5%
Prebiotic dietary fiber promotes smooth intestinal transit and efficient nutrient absorption in the Drever.
- Vitamins5%
Fat and water-soluble vitamins support the Drever's immune system, vision, and cellular repair processes throughout all life stages.
- Minerals5%
Calcium, phosphorus, and trace minerals maintain the Drever's bone density, dental health, and enzymatic function.
Foods to avoid
- Alcohol: Alcohol is acutely toxic to the Drever's central nervous system and liver, causing vomiting, disorientation, and potentially fatal respiratory depression even in trace amounts.
- Almonds: Almonds is harmful to the Drever's metabolic system and must be strictly excluded from its diet to prevent toxicity reactions.
- Avocados: Avocado flesh and pit contain persin, a fungicidal toxin that causes vomiting, diarrhea, and myocardial damage in the Drever.
- Cherries: Cherry pits, stems, and leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides that release hydrogen cyanide in the Drever's digestive tract, disrupting cellular oxygen uptake.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon is harmful to the Drever's metabolic system and must be strictly excluded from its diet to prevent toxicity reactions.
- Coffee / Tea: Caffeine in coffee and tea overstimulates the Drever's cardiovascular and nervous systems, triggering rapid heart rate, tremors, and seizures in dangerous doses.
Prohibited ingredients
- BHA and BHT synthetic preservatives place unnecessary oxidative stress on the Drever's liver and kidney tissues, accumulating over time and disrupting hormonal balance.
- Artificial colorants and synthetic dye agents like Red 40 and Yellow 5 offer zero nutritional value while triggering dermal sensitivities and intestinal allergic reactions in the Drever.
- Xylitol and artificial sweetener compounds cause immediate dangerous insulin surges in the Drever, leading to acute hypoglycemia and irreversible liver cell destruction.
- Excessive sodium and synthetic flavor enhancers in processed pet food spike blood pressure levels in the Drever and accelerate the progression of chronic kidney disease.
- Low-quality corn, soy, and wheat gluten fillers trigger systemic inflammatory responses in the Drever, manifesting as persistent itchy skin rashes and compromised immune function.
Feeding guidelines
- Measure meals strictly, as this food-motivated hound gains weight easily.
- Keep the dog slim to protect its long back and short-legged frame.
- Feed two smaller meals to help reduce bloat risk.
- Limit treats, counting them within the daily calorie budget.
Recommended brands
Health and wellness
Common issues, vaccinations, and daily care.
Healthcare and Preventative Guide for Drever
The Drever is a short-legged Swedish scenthound of moderate energy needing 30 to 60 minutes of daily activity. Its documented health concerns include bloat, hip dysplasia, and protection against distemper and heartworm. The long, low body means stairs and jumps should be limited to protect the spine. In India's warmth, keep walks to cool hours with shade and water, and let this nose-driven dog explore scents safely. Feed smaller meals with rest afterward to reduce bloat risk. Watch the weight closely. Expect around ₹300 to ₹750 each month for care.
At a glance
- Energy level
- Medium
- Monthly cost
- ₹300 - ₹750
- Exercise
- 30 - 60 min/day
Hereditary and Common Health Conditions in Drever
Monitor breed-specific hereditary and common conditions with regular veterinary screening.
- Bloat: The Drever can be predisposed to bloat, requiring regular veterinary monitoring and targeted preventive care protocols.
- Canine distemper: The Drever can be predisposed to canine distemper, requiring regular veterinary monitoring and targeted preventive care protocols.
- Hip Dysplasia: The Drever can be predisposed to hip dysplasia, requiring regular veterinary monitoring and targeted preventive care protocols.
- Heartworm: The Drever can be predisposed to heartworm, requiring regular veterinary monitoring and targeted preventive care protocols.
Recommended activities
- Take steady cool-hour walks with time to follow scents.
- Set up scent trails and nose games for the tracking instinct.
- Offer gentle fetch on level ground to protect the back.
- Use puzzle feeders for indoor mental engagement.
- Practice patient, reward-based obedience training.
Signs of stress
- A tight, distended belly with retching, which is an emergency.
- Reluctance to move, yelping, or a hunched back suggesting spinal strain.
- Limping or stiffness that may reflect hip dysplasia.
- Fever, coughing, or discharge that could signal distemper.
- Following scents to the point of ignoring recall when stressed.
Vaccination schedule
| Growth stage | Vaccines |
|---|---|
| Age 6-7 Weeks | DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza) and Bordetella (Kennel Cough) to establish protective immunity for the Drever |
| Age 9-10 Weeks | DHPP, Bordetella, and Leptospirosis to establish protective immunity for the Drever |
| Age 12-13 Weeks | DHPP, Leptospirosis, Canine Influenza, and Lyme Disease to establish protective immunity for the Drever |
| Age 15-17 Weeks | DHPP, Rabies, Canine Influenza, and Lyme Disease to establish protective immunity for the Drever |
General care tips
- Limit stairs and jumps to protect the long back.
- Feed smaller meals with rest afterward to lower bloat risk.
- Keep vaccinations and heartworm prevention current.
- Maintain a lean weight to spare the spine and joints.
- Walk during cool hours with shade and water.
Senior care
- Add ramps and soft bedding to protect the back and joints.
- Keep exercise gentle while maintaining light activity.
- Increase vet visits to monitor the spine and weight.
Grooming
Coat care, hygiene, and shedding notes.
Practical grooming notes for Drever
Drevers are Swedish scenthounds with a short to medium coat that sheds moderately and requires straightforward maintenance. Their low-built frame similar to a Dachshund means bellies pick up ground-level moisture and debris during Indian monsoon walks. Long, droopy ears need consistent cleaning to prevent infections. Despite their tracking heritage, grooming stays practical and affordable. Monthly costs sit within ₹700 to ₹1,200 for this sturdy small hunting breed.
At a glance
- Shedding level
- Moderate Shedding
- Monthly cost
- ₹700 - ₹1,200
Hygiene checklist
- Brush the Drever once or twice a week with a rubber curry brush or grooming mitt to lift loose hair before it settles around the house.
- Bathing every few weeks works well for the Drever; just use a mild shampoo and dry the coat properly afterwards.
- If the Drever has floppy ears, keep them dry and clean after swims or wet-weather walks.
- Trim the nails every two to three weeks so the Drever stays comfortable on hard floors and rough concrete.
- Dental care should stay on the same schedule as the coat work for the Drever; tartar builds quietly if you skip it.
Grooming benefits
- Keeps loose hair from building up on furniture and clothing around the house.
- Makes the Drever's coat stay neat without turning grooming into a full-time job.
- Helps the skin and coat look healthier in dusty, humid Indian weather.
- Gives you an easy chance to spot ear or skin issues before they turn into a problem.
- Keeps the dog more comfortable after walks, play, and general daily mess.
Adopt and shop
Buying guidance, adoption guidance, and monthly costs.
Bringing Home a Drever: Adoption and Buying Notes
Choosing a Drever is easier when the setup is honest from the start. The breed is known for being steady and dependable, but it still needs the right environment to settle in properly. A apartment usually works better than a cramped setup, and the short to medium coat means you should factor in coat care as well as the upfront price of ?25,000 to ?40,000.
At a glance
- Market price
- ₹25,000 - ₹40,000
General overview
- Make sure the upfront cost of ?25,000 to ?40,000 sits comfortably inside your budget before you move ahead.
- Check that your home and routine can support a small breed dog that suits a apartment more naturally than a rushed setup.
- Keep the short to medium coat in mind, because coat care and climate comfort are part of the long-term picture.
- Ask yourself whether you are ready for a dog whose temperament will need structure and patient handling over a life of about 12 to 15 years.
Buying guidelines
- Ask for clear pedigree, age and lineage details so you know exactly what you are paying for in a Drever.
- Review vaccination, deworming and health records before you agree to the handover, not after.
- Visit the breeder or seller in person so you can see how the puppy is housed, handled and socialized.
- Make sure the puppy has been checked for common breed concerns and is ready to move into apartment living.
- If possible, get written support on health and early care so the first few weeks feel more manageable, especially for a short to medium coat and a temperament that leans active.
Adoption guidelines
- Check rescue groups and shelters first, because a good match can come from adoption rather than purchase.
- Ask for any medical notes, behaviour history and recent vet information so you understand the dog before bringing it home.
- Spend time with the dog in person if possible, because temperament and handling are easier to judge face to face than on paper.
- Prepare a calm first-week setup with food, water, bedding and a quiet corner, especially if the dog is adjusting to a new apartment environment.
- A short to medium coat and a personality that tends toward routine and companionship both benefit from a slow, patient start and a vet check soon after adoption.
Monthly expense summary
- Monthly care₹2,200 - ₹3,750
- Food₹1,200 - ₹1,800
- Grooming₹700 - ₹1,200
- Health₹300 - ₹750
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about the Drever.
What are the common health issues in the Drever?
The Drever can be prone to conditions such as Bloat, Canine distemper, and Hip Dysplasia. Not every dog will develop these, but routine veterinary checkups, a balanced diet, and a healthy weight go a long way in early detection and prevention.
Can I keep a Drever in an apartment?
Yes, the Drever is well suited to apartment living. It stays content indoors as long as it gets its daily activity and mental stimulation. Set aside a quiet resting spot and keep to a predictable routine so this dog feels secure in a smaller space.
Is the Drever suited to the Indian climate?
The Drever adapts reasonably well to most parts of India, being most comfortable around 10 to 25 degrees Celsius. Even so, provide shade and fresh water through the hottest months and avoid activity during the hottest part of the day. Basic heat precautions keep this dog healthy across Indian conditions.
What is the price of a Drever in India?
A Drever puppy in India typically costs ₹25,000 to ₹40,000, depending on lineage, breeder reputation, and city. Always choose an ethical breeder who shares health and vaccination records, and consider adoption as a rewarding alternative.
Does the Drever shed a lot?
The Drever has a shedding level described as moderate shedding. Regular brushing helps control loose hair around the home and keeps the short to medium coat in good condition.
Is the Drever easy to train?
The Drever tends to be quick to learn thanks to its intelligent nature. Short, consistent sessions with positive reinforcement bring the best results, and early socialisation helps this dog grow into a well mannered companion.
What is the temperament of the Drever?
The Drever is known for being Energetic, Intelligent, Loyal, and Playful. With a medium energy level, this dog does best when its social and mental needs are met through regular interaction and enrichment. They are best suited to an apartment and settle in well when their daily routine is consistent.