Swiss Hound

The Swiss Hound is a medium sized dog that stands out for its lively temperament and passion for hunting, being sensitive and faithful. Its balanced physique, slender head and long ears, and short, dense coat, highlight its elegance and ability to work in the field.

General details

The breed has a medium size and a strong body structure. The average weight of the Swiss Hound generally ranges between 18 and 25 kilograms, while the height is around 47 and 58 centimeters. The life expectancy of the breed is 12 to 14 years. The Swiss Hound belongs to Group 6 of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), which includes hound-type dogs, tracking dogs and similar breeds.

Breed history in brief

The Swiss Hound has a rich and ancient history dating back to Roman times in Switzerland. Over the centuries, this hound gained recognition and popularity among Italian hunters in the 15th century and later among the French in the 18th century, due to its outstanding ability to hunt hares. The development of the breed was influenced by the appearance of French small game dogs. In 1933, a uniform standard was established for the four existing varieties of Swiss Hound. Unfortunately, the original variety of the St. Hubert type Jura Hound is now extinct, thus losing an important part of its historical legacy.

Breed characteristics

The Swiss Hound is a medium sized dog with a strong build and a noble expression. It has a slender head, long muzzle and long, drooping ears. Its eyes are of medium size and brownish color, and its tail is of medium length, carried over the back in action. The coat is short, smooth and dense all over the body, but finer on the head and ears. The color of the coat varies according to the variety. The Bernese Hound usually has a white coat with black markings, while the Jura Hound has a tan color with a black coat. On the other hand, the Lucerne Hound has a mixed coat of black and white hairs with black spots, and the Schwyz Hound has a white coat with orange spots. The temperament of the Swiss Hound is characterized by its liveliness, passion for hunting and loyalty to its family. It is a manageable dog that combines an energetic, hunting-oriented nature with a gentle and affectionate disposition towards those with whom it has a close bond.

Common health problems

As for the most common diseases in the Swiss Hound breed, some conditions have been observed that can affect them. Among the most frequent diseases are hip dysplasia, volvulo-gastric dilatation, cataract, progressive retinal atrophy, as well as some skin problems and allergies.