Small Swiss HoundCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says that at the beginning of the 20th century enclosed hunting grounds were introduced in several Swiss cantons. The medium-sized Swiss hounds were considered too fast for them, so it was decided to replace them with smaller, short-legged hounds.

The new breed, obtained through selection and suitable crosses, was named “Niederlaufhund” (short-legged hound). It has the colours of the larger Swiss hounds, a melodious bark and great determination when searching for game. The breed club, first called the “Schweizerischer Dachsbracken Club”, was founded on 1 June 1905.

How the breed developed

• Early 20th century – Enclosed hunting grounds appear.
• 1 June 1905 – The breed club is founded.
• 27 August 1954 – The FCI recognises the breed.
• 13 October 2015 – The current FCI standard.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. The breed has no AKC profile, so the rating is based on the FCI standard.

It resembles the Swiss Hound, but is smaller and has shorter legs. The body is rectangular, moderately long and well built. The ears are very long and set low.

General appearance

The coat can be of three kinds: short and smooth; harsh, with little undercoat and a small beard; or double, with a very dense topcoat and an abundant undercoat.

The colours of the four varieties are permitted: white and black with tan markings (Bernese), black with tan markings (Jura), blue mottled with a black saddle (Lucerne) and white with an orange-red saddle (Schwyz), as well as combinations of these.

The standard describes it as a small hound that is keen, skilful and tireless, with an excellent nose, sure on the trail and with a melodious bark. It searches for and follows game with great determination, even on difficult ground, and excels at tracking wounded game.

It has a friendly character, is not nervous and is never aggressive. Its temperament ranges from calm to lively. Like any hound, it needs plenty of recall practice.

Tips for effective training

• Practise the recall. On a scent, it forgets about you.
• Keep it on a lead. Its hunting instinct is strong.
• Use its nose. Trail work calms it.
• Be patient. It works independently.

As a tireless hunting hound, it needs long walks and nose work every day, such as following trails.

Tips for a balanced life

• It is best suited to hunters.
• Check its long ears often.
• The fence must be secure.

Coat and skin care

The smooth coat is brushed once a week; the harsh or double coat more often. The very long ears are checked and cleaned regularly.

Common health problems

There are no published health studies for the breed and no known breed-specific diseases. As with any long-eared hound, it is worth watching for:

Other care

• Clean the ears weekly.
• Check for ticks after outings in nature.
• Keep it at the right weight.

An active hound needs good-quality food, adapted to its level of effort.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Split the food into two meals a day.
• Treats count towards the daily portion.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Small breeds become adults faster than large ones, usually at around one year.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In small breeds, a litter has 3–4 puppies on average. The puppies are very small and fragile in the first weeks, so they must be kept warm and handled with care. Socialisation starts early: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• “Short-legged hound”. That is what Niederlaufhund means in German.
• Made for enclosed grounds. The larger hounds were too fast for them.
• A melodious bark. The standard praises its voice on the hunt.
• Four colours. As in the Swiss Hound: Bernese, Jura, Lucerne, Schwyz.
• An extinct variety. Wikipedia says the wire-haired Schwyz variety has died out.

How does it differ from the Swiss Hound?

It is smaller and has shorter legs.

How big does it get?

Males measure 35–43 cm, females 33–40 cm.

Is it aggressive?

No; the standard says it is never aggressive.

What colours does it come in?

Those of the four varieties: Bernese, Jura, Lucerne and Schwyz, and combinations.