Small Swiss Hound
Description
The Small Swiss Hound is a compact hunting dog with roots deep in Switzerland’s past. It weighs between 18 and 33 pounds, sporting a smooth or rough medium-length coat that lies close to the body. Their colors range from black and white to pied, often marked with tan or black spots. This breed was bred to track game, using its sharp nose and loud bark to communicate during hunts. They’re friendly but can be reserved around strangers. Small Swiss Hounds bond tightly with their families and get along well with other dogs. Their bark is loud and melodic, a trait that helped hunters locate them when they were working in packs. They’re not shy but don’t jump into new situations without a moment to assess. This breed fits well with active owners who appreciate a dog with history and character.
Grooming
The Small Swiss Hound’s coat needs regular care to stay healthy and looking sharp. Their medium-length coat can be smooth or rough, with low shedding since dead hair tends to hold in the coat rather than fall out. Card the coat weekly to remove loose hairs and keep the texture fresh. Use a light slicker brush gently to avoid damaging the coat. Handstripping every 8 to 12 weeks helps maintain the coat’s texture and color, especially for the rough coat variety. This process pulls out dead hairs and encourages new growth, keeping the coat lively and healthy. Pay attention to the pied and white areas, as they can show dirt more easily—wipe those spots with a damp cloth as needed. Bullet list: - Card weekly to remove dead hair - Use slicker brush lightly and gently - Handstrip every 8–12 weeks - Spot clean white and pied areas Pro tip: Handstripping isn’t just for show dogs—it keeps your hound’s coat feeling right and looking its best year-round.
Learn the Smooth routine:
→ Complete Smooth Grooming Guide
Walking
The Small Swiss Hound needs about 50 minutes of walking daily, best done in one solid session. This breed enjoys exploring scents and following trails, so let them sniff and investigate during the walk. They’re not built for long, fast runs but do well with steady, purposeful movement. Because they bark a lot, walks can also serve as a good outlet for their vocal energy. Keep the leash secure, as their hunting instincts might pull them toward interesting smells or sounds. A well-planned walk helps keep them calm and focused at home. Example routine: - 10-minute warm-up stroll around the yard - 30-minute neighborhood walk with scent breaks - 10-minute cool-down and playtime back home
Boarding
When boarding a Small Swiss Hound, provide a crate sized between 36 and 42 inches. They need enough room to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably. This breed enjoys active play sessions, so plan for two play blocks daily that include scent or brain games to keep their minds sharp. Staff should introduce themselves slowly and predictably, as these hounds can be reserved with new people. A steady routine helps them settle faster. They thrive with consistent cues and gentle handling, so avoid sudden changes in their environment. Enrichment ideas include scent trails, puzzle feeders, and short training sessions. These keep the Small Swiss Hound engaged and reduce barking or restlessness. Staff should note the dog’s vocal nature and be ready to manage barking with calm redirection rather than punishment.