Schweizer Laufhund
- Origin
- Switzerland
- Type
- Scenthound
- Size
- Medium
- Height
- 47–59 cm (19–23 in)
- Coat
- Short, smooth and dense
- Colors
- Varies by variety: white with black and tan, black and tan, blue speckled, or white with orange-red
- Status
- Recognised by the FCI
The Schweizer Laufhund, whose name means Swiss running dog, is a scenthound from Switzerland. It covers four closely related varieties that share one standard: the Bernese, Jura, Lucerne and Schwyz hounds.
History
Hounds of this kind have been known in Switzerland since the first century and appear in Roman mosaics found at Avenches. Between the 15th and 18th centuries they became popular with French and Italian hunters for their skill on hare. French scenthounds probably influenced them in turn, brought home by returning Swiss mercenaries.
Until the 1880s they were treated as one varied breed, often called Swiss beagles or Swiss walking hounds. In 1881 a Swiss dog expert examined many of them and concluded there were seven distinct breeds. A standard for five varieties was written in 1889, including the Thurgovie hound. By 1933 the Thurgovie had disappeared, and a single standard was set for the remaining four. Many specialists still regard them as separate breeds.
Appearance
Males stand 49 to 59 cm and females 47 to 57 cm. The head is noble, with a soft, friendly expression and long hanging ears. The chest is deep and the legs strong. The long tail hangs low when the dog is calm and lifts a little when it runs. The coat should be short, smooth and dense; a wire coat occurs in some but is not preferred.
The varieties differ mainly in color. The Bernese Hound, from south of Bern, is white, black and tan. The Jura Hound, from the Jura along the French border, is usually two-tone brown or black and tan. The Lucerne Hound looks blue, an effect of black and white hairs heavily speckled together, with black patches or a black saddle. The Schwyz Hound is white with reddish-orange patches and is quite rare.
The Schweizer Laufhund is generally considered the ancestor of the shorter-legged Schweizer Niederlaufhund.
Temperament
The Laufhund is a fast, agile and passionate hunter with great stamina and a very good nose. It works independently of the hunter, finding and following a scent over difficult ground. Its usual game is hare, roe deer and fox, and sometimes boar.
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