Swiss HoundCharacteristics, history, training and care
Swiss Hound. · Pleple2000 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped and resized.
The Swiss Hound (Schweizer Laufhund) is a medium-sized hound with very long ears, which exists in four varieties: Bernese, Jura, Lucerne and Schwyz, differing mainly in colour. It hunts hares, roe deer, foxes and sometimes wild boar, independently, giving tongue on the trail. The standard describes it as lively, passionate about hunting, sensitive, docile and very attached to its owner.
Quick facts
| Common name | Swiss Hound (Schweizer Laufhund) |
| Scientific name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Country of origin | Switzerland |
| Official recognition | FCI, definitively since 25 August 1954 (group 6, scent hounds; standard no. 59) |
| Lifespan | No published data for the breed; medium-sized breeds usually live 10–13 years |
| Size (males) | 49–59 cm at the withers |
| Size (females) | 47–57 cm at the withers |
| Coat type | Short, smooth and dense |
| Common colours | Depends on the variety: white with black, tan with black, blue mottled, white with orange |
| Energy level | High |
| Suited to an apartment? | No |
| Temperament | Lively, keen, sensitive, docile, attached to its owner |
| Tendency to aggression | Low |
| Good with children | No specific data |
| Good with other animals | Poor with small animals; hunting instinct |
| Genetic predispositions | No breed-specific diseases are known |
- Primary category:Dog breeds
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History and origin
The FCI standard says the breed has very ancient origins: its presence in Roman Helvetia is attested by a mosaic discovered at Avenches, showing pack hounds that match today's varieties. In the 15th century it was sought after by Italian dog lovers, and in the 18th century by the French, for its talent at hunting hares.
In 1882 a standard was set for each of the five varieties. In 1909 they were revised, by which time the Thurgau Hound had disappeared. On 22 January 1933 a single standard was set for the four remaining varieties.
How the breed developed
- Roman times – Pack hounds on the Avenches mosaic.
- 15th century – Sought after by Italian dog lovers.
- 1882 – Standards for five varieties.
- 22 January 1933 – A single standard for four varieties.
- 25 August 1954 – The FCI recognises the breed.
Breed rating
| Feature | Stars |
|---|---|
| Training and intelligence | ★★★★☆ |
| Easy to train | ★★★★☆ |
| Intelligence | ★★★★☆ |
| Independence | ★★★☆☆ |
| Stubbornness | ★★★☆☆ |
| Behaviour and temperament | ★★★★☆ |
| Affectionate with family | ★★★★★ |
| Friendly with children | ★★★☆☆ |
| Good with other dogs | ★★★★☆ |
| Good with cats and other animals | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Loyalty | ★★★★★ |
| Tendency to be aggressive | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Tendency to bark | ★★★★★ |
| Needs and care | ★★★☆☆ |
| Shedding | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Needs frequent grooming | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Activity and lifestyle | ★★★★☆ |
| Energy level | ★★★★☆ |
| Daily exercise needs | ★★★★★ |
| Suited to apartment life | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Health and longevity | ★★★☆☆ |
| Life expectancy | ★★★★☆ |
| Predisposition to genetic diseases | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Working abilities and uses | ★★★☆☆ |
| Good hunting dog | ★★★★★ |
| Good companion dog | ★★★★☆ |
Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. The breed has no AKC profile, so the rating is based on the FCI standard.
Physical characteristics
It is a medium-sized, well-built hound, with a body about 15% longer than its height and a chest depth of about half its height.
General appearance
The hair is short, smooth and dense, very fine on the head and ears. The four varieties differ mainly in colour.
| Feature | Swiss Hound |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Height at the withers | males: 49–59 cm; females: 47–57 cm |
| Coat | Short, smooth |
| Varieties | Bernese, Jura, Lucerne, Schwyz |
| Ears | Long |
| Type | Hound |
The colour depends on the variety: the Bernese is white with black patches or a black saddle and tan markings; the Jura is tan with a black saddle or black and tan; the Lucerne is blue mottled; the Schwyz is white with orange.
Training and socialisation
The standard describes it as lively and passionate about hunting, sensitive, docile and very attached to its owner.
It hunts independently, giving tongue on the trail, and searches for and follows game with great determination, even on difficult ground. Like any hound, it needs recall practice.
Tips for effective training
- Be gentle. It is sensitive.
- Practise the recall. Its nose can take it a long way.
- Keep it on a lead. Its hunting instinct is strong.
- Think of the neighbours. It barks on a scent.
Activity needs and lifestyle
As a mountain hound, it needs plenty of exercise and nose work every day.
| Activity | How often | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Long walks | daily | Stamina |
| Scent work | several times a week | Hound instinct |
| Running in a fenced area | several times a week | Energy |
Tips for a balanced life
- It is best suited to hunters.
- Check its long ears often.
- The fence must be solid.
Care and health
Coat and skin care
The short, smooth coat is brushed once a week. The 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:
| Condition | Description | Common symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Ear infections | Infections of the long ears | Head shaking, bad smell, red ears |
| Hip dysplasia | The hip joint forms incorrectly and, over time, arthritis develops | Limping, difficulty getting up or jumping, hip pain |
Other care
- Clean the ears weekly.
- Check for ticks after outings in nature.
- Check the paws.
Diet and nutrition
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.
| Dog's weight | Calories per day (neutered) | Calories per day (not neutered) | Dry food per day (approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 kg | 850 kcal | 960 kcal | 210–270 g |
| 18 kg | 980 kcal | 1,100 kcal | 240–310 g |
| 22 kg | 1,140 kcal | 1,280 kcal | 280–370 g |
- Split the food into two meals a day.
- Do not let it run right after a meal.
- 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.
Reproduction and development
Physical and emotional maturity
In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Most breeds become adults at around 13–15 months.
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 dogs, a litter has 5–6 puppies on average, and the number rises with the size of the breed. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.
Interesting facts
- Four varieties. Bernese, Jura, Lucerne and Schwyz.
- On a Roman mosaic. It appears on a mosaic from Avenches.
- An extinct variety. The Thurgau Hound had disappeared by 1909.
- Sought after by Italians. In the 15th century it was in demand in Italy.
- A single standard. Since 1933 the varieties have shared one standard.
In popular culture
Frisching's portrait
Wikipedia shows a 1785 painting by Jean Preudhomme of Franz Rudolf Frisching, an officer of the Bernese hunters, beside a Swiss Hound.
Frequently asked questions
How many varieties does it have?
Four: Bernese, Jura, Lucerne and Schwyz.
How big does it get?
Males measure 49–59 cm, females 47–57 cm.
What does it hunt?
Hares, roe deer, foxes and sometimes wild boar.
Is it a family dog?
It is attached to its owner, but it is mainly a hunting dog.
