The Small Swiss Hound, or the Schweizerischer Niederlaufhund, is a dog breed originating in Switzerland, at the bigining of the 20th century. In German, Niederlaufhund literally means “low running hound”, which is exactly what it is a hound with short legs. This breed owes its existence to a sport called shoots, introduced in Switzerland in the early 1900s. This hunting sport in small, enclosed, private areas required a different type of hound than the customary Schweizer Laufhund (Swiss Hound), which was too large and fast for the limited space. And so the Swiss began a controlled breeding program with planned selections of stock. The result was the so-called Niederlaufhund, a smaller and shorter legged version of the Swiss Hound.
Being a miniature version of the Schweizer Laufhund, the Small Swiss Hound exhibits most of the same physical characteristics: a roughly rectangular body shape, medium length and strong build, with a low hanging tail. It has short legs compared to other hounds of similar builds. It stands from 13 to 17 in (33 to 43 cm) tall and weighs between 18 and 33 lb (8-15 kg). Their outer coat is dense and hard, covering a soft undercoat.
There are four varieties of the Schweizerischer Niederlaufhund, differentiated only by coat color.
- the Small Bernese Hound with a tricolor coat of black and white, as well as tan markings over the eyes; it can have either a smooth or a rough coat;
- the Small Lucerne Hound, with its white coat covered in grey or black patches, seeming almost blue in overall appearance;
- the Small Jura Hound, whose smooth, black coat is only marked with small tan lines above the eyes;
- and the Small Schwyz Hound, with a white coat dotted in orange-red or yellow-red patches.
This dog breed, regardless of variety, is fundamentally a hound, a hunting dog. Thus, ir requires regular exercise such as long walks longer than with other similar dogs, because it is a scenthound and needs extra time to statisfy its instinctual needs. Without enough exercise, they become restless and unresponsive. Life in an apartment or other such enclosed spaces is nor recommended for them; ideally they should have access to outdoor areas with grass, trees and lots of mud and dirt. Regular grooming is required, but consists of basic, thorough brushing for the most part.
Friendly, loyal and reliable, the Niederlaufhund makes a fine companion. If you are a hunter amateur or not then they become an indispensable partner in the hunt. With a nose second to none, their sense of smell and true dedication mean they can pick even the most difficult trail and follow it with ease. Showing no sign of nerves or unprovoked aggression, being for the most part calm or lively, the Nierderlaufhund is an invaluable ally to any huntsman. So, whether youre looking for a family pet, a companion for your kids or a partner for your hunts, the Small Swiss Hound will surprise you with its playfulness and friendly attitude for more than a decade.
