Smalandsstovare vs Bluetick Beagle - Breed Comparison

Among the hound group of dogs, there are some ancient breeds. The history of the Beagle and the Bluetick Beagle more specifically is fairly uncertain as breeds as we know them today didn't really develop until the 19th century. It was in the mid-1800s the Reverend Phillip Honeywood established Beagles in Essex, England and American breeders started importing Beagles from England to improve the looks of their own dogs. The breed was developed from a number of breeds and possibly the Bluetick Coonhound had some input into the markings of the Bluetick Beagle.

Today the American Kennel Club recognizes many colors and color combinations in Beagles. with white, tan and black being the more common color. Beagles can also sport ‘markings’ such as blue and red freckles or ticks. If there are black ticks, it can be referred to as blue-ticked.

The Smålandsstövare has got quite a long history and dates back to the 1600s. He is the smallest of the Swedish hound breeds. This is a scenthound.

Hounds similar to the Smålandsstövare were bred with European hounds and then brought to Småland and bred with local spitz-type farm dogs to create the foundation stock for the Smålandsstövare.

The dog was used to hunt but nearly died out in the 20th century, but breeders restored it and the first official standard emerged by the Swedish Kennel Club in 1921.

The Smålandsstövare is a rare dog breed but it is recognized by the American Rare Breed Association as well as other major kennel clubs, one of which is the Federation Cynologique Internationale as well as the United Kennel Club.

Lean, Compact and Muscular

The Bluetick Beagle is a small sized hunting dog. As part of the Hound group of dogs, he has an excellent sense of smell. He has always been used as a hunting dog, and it is why this particular dog is a popular choice for law enforcement agencies – it’s that keen sense of smell.

He is lean and compact with muscular legs, a broad head, fairly long floppy ears and a broad chest. His coat is short-haired and smooth and its the short blue coloration in his coat sets the Bluetick Beagle apart from the regular Beagle.

Temperament

The Blue Tick Beagle can have a bit of a stubborn streak, but be that as it may, he still responds well to training and socialization. Alert, he has an amicable nature, and this is what makes this breed such a great family pet He’ll get on well with children in the house as well as with other pets.

The Blue Tick Beagle isn’t an aggressive dog breed. He is lively and playful and full of energy and will require you taking him on walks, runs in the park and lots of games at home.

He loves the companionship of his human family and can’t just be left in the back yard on his own for long periods of time. He can suffer with separation anxiety and also become bored and then he starts with long, mournful howls.

The Smålandsstövare is a muscled, compact looking dog. The double coat is shortish to medium length and is thick and quite coarse to the touch. He sheds seasonally. The coat is usually black with tan markings.

The high set ears are medium length and floppy, the head is slim and the tail can be naturally short. Sometimes the tail is long and can be slightly curved in the spitz-like sabre fashion.

The eyes are brown and friendly. The height of these dogs is about 46 to 54cm and he weighs anything from 15 to 18kg.

Temperament:

Usually a well behaved, quiet, calm, gentle dog, the Smålandsstövare takes his role as guard dog seriously, wanting to protect his family.

His good temperament ensures he gets on well with all members of the family. He is full of energy and will need to be exercised well, whether it be ball games in the garden, a walk around the block, a run in the park or joining his family on hikes and camping trips.

It is why he won’t settle down well on a small property in the city. He needs larger premises to expend his energy, and if in cramped premises without exercise, he may resort to barking and whining and this may well drive your neighbors bats.

Training and socializing your Smålandsstövare will be necessary and it should be easy as he is intelligent.

Your Blue Tick beagle is an active, cheerful dog and he makes a good companion for adult or child. He is fairly adaptable and can happily fit into a home in the city- or country. A Blue Tick Beagle doesn’t want to be left alone day after day, so think about your work commitments before you buy buy your Blue Tick and leave him alone.

Being a hound, although he is gentle and amicable, he can also be stubborn which means he will require some patient training. Because he is a scenthound, he is inclined to catch an aroma and want to go after it, so you’ll need a well fenced garden to keep him in.

Other than that when he is with you, he makes a dedicated and loving companion.

The Smålandsstövare is a robust dog with a lot of stamina. He will be wanting a lot of exercise and is ideal as a pet in the suburbs or the countryside but not ideal for city living.

He makes a wonderful family pet, forming strong bonds with his owners. He makes an excellent watchdog too wanting to protect his family, and with this amicable, calm dog, you’re going to have a true friend.

Beagles are healthy dog breeds, and with good care, can enjoy an average lifespan of between 12-15 years. Like many other dogs, the Blue Tick beagle is more prone to a number of medical conditions, and more so as it ages. It is essentially a hardy breed that won’t require any particular special care, but common dog problems such as hip dysplasia and skin allergies will need to be watched.

Ear Infections

There are always some health concerns with every dog breed that every dog owner needs to be aware of. Dog with floppy ears such as what the Blue Tick Beagle has will always be prone to ear infections. The ears will need to be kept clean but you can’t just go prodding around in a dog’s ear as you could damage the ears. A visit to the veterinarian will clear up any ear problems.

Cherry Eye

This particular condition - prolapse of the gland of the nictitating membrane – is important to clear up quickly as it could lead to more serious problems. The longer the third eyelid gland is problematic, the more irritated and inflamed it becomes.

The Smålandsstövare is a rare dog breed and not much is known about congenital conditions to which he may be particularly prone.

With good care he can reach 14 or 15 years of age. The floppy ears put him at risk for ear infections, while other conditions to watch for include hip dysplasia, cancer, bloat and obesity.

Ear Infections:

If you see your dog shaking his head or pawing at his ears, look inside because the ears may be red and inflamed. It is important to get help quickly for ear problems in dogs.

Ear canals are sensitive so if you don’t want to clean the ear and work on it yourself it is important to get your pet to the vet. The vet will clean your dog’s ears and also prescribe antibiotics.

For future treatment, you will need to clean your dog’s ears and keep them dry. If you don’t want to do this yourself, make sure to get him to professional groomers who will do this for you.

Diet

A good, nutritious diet will help your Blue Tick Beagle steer clear of ill health. He is an energetic breed so will require either home prepared food or commercially manufactured dog food with the right mix of vitamins and minerals to keep his energy levels up.

As mentioned, your BlueTick can be prone to hip dysplasia and skin allergies so a supplement which includes omega 3 is an excellent choice for your dog’s overall health. Make sure to include some raw meat into your dog’s diet and always ensure a constant supply of fresh water.

Grooming

Your Bluetick Beagle isn’t a huge shedder with his short-haired coat, but he will need to be brushed at least twice a week to keep his coat in tip-top condition and to remove all those loose hairs. Bathing a dog is never encouraged as it removes the dogs natural oils, but of course there are always exceptions when a dog will require a bath.

Choosing a good diet is imperative for the Smålandsstövare. Choose a commercially manufactured dog food high in vitamins and minerals.

Give your dog a treat by providing him with some home-made food. It can be added into the dry kibble about twice a week as a treat. Boil brown rice and chicken in a pot and add in sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach. Chop all this up and give it to your dog in small portions. Also try to include some raw meat into the diet.

Never leave your pet without a constant source of fresh, cool water.

Exercise:

The Smålandsstövare is a very energetic breed and he is going to require some vigorous exercise every day. Take him for walks, allow him to run with you when you cycle or jog or take him swimming.