Small Schwyz Hound

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Small Schwyz Hound is one of the variants of Small Bernese Hound, originating in Switzerland. There are four varients of Small Bernese Hound that are known as Small Bernese Hound, Small Jura Hound, Small Lucerne Hound and Small Schwyz Hound. All of these dogs are similar in appearance and temperament but differ only in colour.

This breed (the Small Bernese Hound or Small Swiss Hound) is a reduced version of Swiss Hound which was developed when the new shoots or enclosed methods of hunting were introduced that needed a small dog with excellent hunting skills.

The Small Schwyz Hound is a passionate hunter of small game with excellent nose and melodious voice. It stands between 13-17 inches and weighs about 18-33 lbs. It comes with a rectangular body with firm and straight back, broad and muscular loin, deep and broad chest and slightly tucked-up belly. It has a noble head, strong muzzle, dark eyes and supple, low hanging ears with fine hair.

The Small Schwyz Hound has a smooth coat that comes in black colour and tan markings above eyes, on cheeks, legs and chest. Alternatively, this variant of Small Swiss Hound can have tan colour with a black saddle. Small white patches on chest are acceptable.

This breed (Small Swiss Hound) is NOT recognized by AKC however it is recognized by FCI.

Color

The Small Schwyz Hound comes in basic white color with larger or smaller yellowish-red to orange red patches.

Coat

This variant of Small Swiss Hound has a smooth, short and close-fitting coat with a minimal undercoat.

Personality

The Small Schwyz Hound is an excellent family companion with its tendency to bond strongly with its family. This breed is very affectionate and loving to all its family. Very human oriented, the dog loves to spend time with its family. It is very playful and friendly to children. This friendly nature is not limited to family and children alone, it is not uncommon for this dog to wag its tail to welcome strangers. It is friendly to other dogs as well. The Small Schwyz Hound has an independent nature and is known to be able to hunt on its own, without its master. This independent nature calls for firm obedience training. This breed become quite a handful in the hands of a weak or inexperienced owner. Suitable for apartment living, these dogs would need to be taken for long daily walks to satisfy their primal need to walk.

Care

Simple grooming is needed for this breed as it has a low maintenance coat. Weekly brushing will be enough to keep the coat clean and in top condition.

Training

A firm and confident owner is needed to train this rather independent breed. Positive and consistent training by an experienced trainer will help this dog become a well rounded and obedient family pet.

Activity

This dog can do well in an apartment as long as it is taken for daily walks. This lively breed is relatively active indoors and can fulfill most of its exercise needs while playing indoor but needs daily outing to satisfy walking instincts.