Swiss Hound
Other names: Swiss Scent hound, Berner Laufhund, Bernese Hound, Jura Hound, Bruno Jura Laufhund, Lucerne Hound, Lucerner Laufhund, Schwyz Laufhund, Schweizer Laufhund
The Schweizer Laufhund is certainly one of the best hunting dogs in the world. He looks very much like the Bloodhound. While he is a working dog, he’s very rarely kept as a family pet. This dog is a medium-sized hound, with a long body, drooping ears and short fur. There are actually 4 varieties of the Schweizer Laufhund and they are all very similar, other than their hair type. They are the Lucerne Hound, Schwyz Hound, Jura Hound and the Bernese Hound.
Key facts about the Swiss Hound
Origins and history
The Schweizer Laufhund is an ancient breed, native to Switzerland. It is thought to have been developed from Roman hounds, although it wasn’t really popular until the Middle Ages. At this time, these dogs were favoured by European nobility. The Schweizer Laufhund received pedigree status in 1880 and then followed FCI recognition in 1933.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 6 - Scent hounds and related breeds
Section
Section 1 : Scent hounds
Physical characteristics of the Swiss Hound
Adult size
Female : Between 19 and 22 in
Male : Between 19 and 23 in
Weight
Female : Between 33 and 55 lb
Male : Between 33 and 55 lb
Coat colour
The Jura Hound: Black and Tan (Grey and white markings allowed)
Lucerne Hound: Blue (a mix of black and white fur) with black patches and tan patches on lower legs
Bernese Hound: Tri-colour
Schwyz Hound: White with orange colouring and an orange saddle pattern
Type of coat
All the dogs that come under this breed have short, smooth and harsh hair.
Eye colour
Light or dark brown.
Description
All four of these Schweizer Laufhund dog varieties look extremely similar, apart from their distinctive coat colours. Each of the dog groups also appear in both Standard and Small sizes. These dogs have athletic and muscular bodies and their body shape is longer than it is tall. The dog’s ears are expansive and droopy and his eyes very expressive and pleading. The tail should be curved, while also elegant and slim.
Good to know
There are four varieties of hounds that fall under the banner of Schweizer Laufhund, but for registration purposes, they are all grouped under the same name. The Bernese Hound, Jura Hound, Schwyz Hound and the Lucerne Hound are all very similar apart from their different coat colours. The Thurgovia Hound is also a variation which is now thought to be extinct.