Small swiss hound

Overall description of the breed

Under the evocative name of the Swiss Small Hound, this breed draws its roots from various Swiss cantons. Its history begins in the early 20th century, primarily within private hunting domains. Originally designed as a hunting companion, this dog aimed to be a more compact version of its illustrious cousin, the Swiss Hound.

The initial Swiss Hound was deemed excessively swift, prompting its revision to adjust its size, making it less speedy and more suited for hunting activities within Swiss private estates. Some breeders chose to preserve characteristic traits of the Swiss Hound, including the four coat variations, the particularly sharp predatory and tracking instincts, as well as the exceptional sense of smell.

In 1905, the Swiss Small Hound Club officially established the breed. Subsequently, the international cynological federation definitively recognized it on August 27, 1954, with the publication of its current standard on October 13, 2015.

The Swiss Small Hound comes in several varieties, including the Rough-haired Bernese Small Hound, the Jura Small Hound, and the Lucerne Small Hound. All these variations are characterized by a solid morphological structure, robust bone structure, well-developed musculature, and physical harmony.

Its height at the withers is slightly less than its body length, giving it a rectangular silhouette. Its body displays a substantial build with a deep chest, a substantial ribcage, and a stout back that discreetly rounds at the level of the loins. Its moderately long neck supports a well-proportioned head of average dimensions, featuring a long muzzle and a slightly defined stop. Its ears, long and drooping along the jaws, end in curves.

Its coat, short, dense, and silky, uniformly covers its body. The acceptable coat colors according to breed standards are black and tan (for the Bernese and Jura), blue and black for the Lucerne, and white with red-orange markings for the Swiss.

The Swiss Small Hound stands out for its balance, sociability, and affection. As an everyday companion, it exhibits excellent qualities. However, its tracking and predatory instincts are strongly marked. Endowed with endurance and versatility, under its original name "Schweizer Niederlaufhund," it adapts to various situations, terrains, and types of game. It proves an exceptional partner for both novice and expert hunters.

Its remarkable sense of smell makes it particularly effective in tracking and blood trailing, capable of persevering for hours. Sociable with its peers, it requires regular contact with other dogs or humans, as solitude doesn't suit it well. Lacking protective instincts, it isn't a good guard dog. Welcoming everyone with joy and enthusiasm, it distinguishes itself by its absence of fear or aggressiveness.

The Swiss Small Hound finds fulfillment in work and requires daily activities to thrive. If its energy needs are met, it remains calm and peaceful indoors. Faithful and loyal, it represents a docile companion, ideal for hunting enthusiasts or active individuals.

In adulthood, its weight will range between 9 and 15 kg (20 to 33 lb), and its height at the withers will be between 35 cm and 43 cm (13.5" to 17") for males and between 33 cm and 40 cm (13" to 15.5") for females.