Schweizer Laufhund

The Schweizer Laufhund is the Swiss scent hound, kept as four regional varieties that share one standard.

History

Swiss hounds are among the oldest in Europe — Roman mosaics in Switzerland show dogs of the type — and four regional strains survived into the modern era: the Bernese, the Jura, the Lucerne and the Schwyz. They were brought under a single breed standard in 1933 while keeping their distinct colours, and they are worked on hare over Swiss terrain that demands a slow, careful hound.

Temperament

The breed is known for being gentle, sociable and lively, easy with people and other dogs and thoroughly committed to a line.

Care and training

It needs a great deal of exercise and secure ground. The short coat is easy; the very long drop ears want routine cleaning.

Health

Generally robust, with ear infections the usual complaint. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.