Schweizerischer Niederlaufhund

The Schweizerischer Niederlaufhund is the short-legged Swiss hound, bred down from the Laufhund for enclosed hunting grounds.

History

When Swiss cantons introduced fenced hunting preserves, the full-sized Laufhund proved too fast for the ground available, so breeders produced a shorter-legged version that worked at a pace a hunter could follow on foot. It exists in the same four regional colour varieties as its taller relative and was recognised in the twentieth century.

Temperament

The breed is known for being friendly, cheerful and sociable, easy with people and dogs and persistent on a scent without the speed that outruns a handler.

Care and training

It needs substantial exercise and secure ground. Weight control matters on short legs and a long back. The long ears want routine cleaning.

Health

Generally robust, with disc problems from the build and ear infections among the known concerns. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.