Swiss Hound
Description
Ever wonder what makes the Swiss Hound stand out among scent hounds? Originating from Switzerland, this breed traces back to medieval hunting dogs of the Jura region. There are four main types: Bernese, Jura, Lucerne, and Schwyz, each with distinct coat colors and patterns like black saddles or tan markings. They weigh between 17.5 and 39 pounds, making them medium-sized but sturdy. Swiss Hounds are known for their sharp noses and stamina. They’re friendly and enjoy family life but have a strong hunting instinct, so they can be quite focused when tracking scents. They’re independent thinkers but also thrive on consistent training and social time with their humans. Wouldn’t you want a dog with such a rich history and unique personality?
Grooming
The Swiss Hound sports a short, smooth, and dense coat that’s easy to maintain. Shedding is light to moderate, so weekly brushing with a rubber curry or bristle brush keeps loose hairs in check and the coat shiny. Bathing every 4 to 8 weeks is enough—don’t overdo it or you risk drying out their skin. Nail trims should happen every 2 to 4 weeks, and ears need a monthly check and gentle cleaning to prevent buildup. - Brush weekly with rubber curry or bristle brush - Bathe every 4–8 weeks - Trim nails every 2–4 weeks - Clean ears monthly - Pro tidy as needed Since the Swiss Hound comes in colors like blue, white with black, or tan with black, watch for dirt on lighter patches, especially around the face and paws. Pro tip: Use a damp cloth to spot clean between baths to keep white areas bright without over-bathing.
Learn the Smooth routine:
→ Complete Smooth Grooming Guide
Walking
How much exercise does a Swiss Hound need? About 50 minutes of walking daily, usually in one solid session, suits their moderate activity level perfectly. These dogs love to follow scents, so mixing in some sniffing time during walks keeps them mentally engaged. A typical routine might start with a brisk 10-minute warm-up, followed by 30 minutes of relaxed sniffing and exploring, then finish with a 10-minute brisk walk to burn off extra energy. Example routine: - 10 minutes brisk walk to warm up - 30 minutes leisurely sniff and explore - 10 minutes brisk walk to cool down This approach satisfies their hunting instincts and keeps them happy without overwhelming their stamina.
Boarding
When boarding a Swiss Hound, a crate sized between 36 and 42 inches is ideal to give them enough room to stretch comfortably. These dogs enjoy active play, so staff should plan two active play sessions daily, combined with scent or brain games to keep their minds sharp. Avoid small-animal toys since their prey drive is strong, and ensure fencing is secure to prevent escapes. Staff should note that Swiss Hounds can be vocal, so providing a quiet environment helps reduce stress. Enrichment activities that tap into their tracking skills, like scent puzzles, keep them engaged and content. Wouldn’t you want your Swiss Hound to have fun and feel safe while you’re away?