Swiss Laufhunds

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Swiss Laufhunds is a medium size dog that originated in Switzerland. Also known as Swiss Hound, Schweizer Laufhund and Chien Courant Suisse, this breed was developed out of need for a sturdy dog that would suit hunting in high altitudes of Alps. This breed dates back to middle ages. This breed was speculated to have been developed in the Swiss-France border during the 1500s. Swiss hunters wanting a hunting dog that is lean but strong to be able to work in high elevations of the Swiss Alps have crossed the Porcelaine with Switzerland's native breeds. They achieved what they aimed for. The Swiss Hound is a tireless hunter that is capable of working in very harsh weather conditions and at high altitudes.

There are four types of Swiss Laufhunds which differ only in colour. All the four varieties have excelled in hunting different game. A Bernese Hound?s quarry is the hare; wild boar and deer are for the Jura Hound; the Lucerne Hound that is very similar to the Blue Gascony Hound hunts deer. The Schwyz Hound?s quarries are rabbit and hare. All varieties are very versatile and can work in packs or on their own. This is a medium size breed that stands between 19-23 inches and weighs around 33-44 lbs.

A Swiss Laufhunds comes with a rounded, noble head, finely chiseled muzzle and well developed black nose. Soft eyes are slightly oval shaped. Low set, long ears are supple and hang down close to the cheeks. The mascular body has a straight back, well muscled loin, deep chest and slightly tucked-up belly. The coat is short and dense and differs only in colour for the four varients of this breed.

This breed is NOT recognised by AKC however it is recognised by FCI and UKC.

Color

The four varients of Swiss Laufhunds differ only in colour. A Bernese Hounds white coat is covered with black patches. The dog can also have a black saddle. The Jura Hound has a beautiful tan coat with black blanket. A predominantly black coat would have tan markings in the eyes, cheeks and legs. Blue coat that results from a black and white hair combination is for the Lucerne Hound. The Schwyz Hound?s white hair has orange patches. The dog may also have an orange saddle.

Coat

The coat of Swiss Laufhunds is short, smooth and dense. It is very fine on head and ears.

Personality

Calm and even temperament and docile nature makes Swiss Laufhunds a very suitable family companion besides being a tireless and passionate hunter. Sociable, easy going and friendly, this breed would make a suitable pet and playmate of the children. Because Swiss Hounds love children, they would be wonderful playmates of younger children as the breed would be very protective and would tolerate the rough handling that the kids would dish out. This dog tends to attach itself to its master more though it is friendly and kind to all its family. It gets along very well with other dogs and pets in the family. As a keen hunter, this dog will always be ready to accompany its master on a hunting trip. This dog loves to hunt and makes an excellent and very passionate hunting partner. This breed has high exercise needs and would make a great hiking and jogging companion.

Care

This is an easy to care breed. Brushing the short coat with curry brush once a week will remove dead hair and keep the shine of the coat. Ears should be checked for infection.

Training

The Swiss Hound is an obedient and amenable dog that would be easy to train with positive and gentle training methods. Harsh training methods will not work with this sensitive breed.

Activity

The Swiss Hound is not a breed for lazy owners nor is it for apartment dwellers. Reason is same. This tenacious and hard working breed has high energy levels and consequently, high exercise demands. As such, the owners need to take the dog for daily walks and provide it with ample playing time when it is not hunting or kept solely as family companion. The Swiss Hound will make a great hiking and jogging companion.