Swiss Hound (Lucerne type)

The history of the Lucerne Hound, or “Luzerner Laufhund”, is deeply rooted in the hunting traditions of Europe. This ancient breed is one of the four varieties of Swiss Hounds, each originating from a specific canton in Switzerland. It is believed that the ancestors of these dogs arrived in the territory of modern Switzerland as early as the Roman Empire. However, the key influence on the formation of the Lucerne type came from French hounds, particularly the Small Blue Gascony Hound. This connection is obvious in the characteristic “blue” colouring, which is the result of mixing black and white hairs, creating the impression of a silvery or blue hue densely covered with black speckles. This is a characteristic feature for breeds like the Hellenic Hound and the Sealyham Terrier.

In the Middle Ages, these dogs were extremely popular among the aristocracy for hunting deer, wild boars, hares, and other game. They were valued for their endurance, incredible sense of smell, and melodic voice, which they used to alert the hunter to a found trail. There are records that show the kennels of the French King Louis XVI housed about 60 representatives of this breed, who were considered the standard for hunting dogs. Over time, with changes in hunting methods and the reduction of large forest areas, the breed’s popularity somewhat declined.

However, enthusiasts in Switzerland made every effort to preserve the purity of the bloodline and the unique working qualities of these dogs. In 1933, a single standard was established for all four types of Swiss Hounds: the Jura, the Bernese, the Schwyz, and the Lucerne, which differ mainly in their coat colour. The modern Luzerner Laufhund has retained all the features of its ancestors, with the possible exception of being slightly smaller, which makes it more adapted to modern conditions.

The Lucerne Hound is a medium-sized dog that combines strength, endurance, and elegance. Its appearance shows it’s a typical hound, bred for long runs over rough terrain.

1. General Appearance: A dog of an elongated format, with a strong bone structure and well-developed muscles, but without excessive bulk. The body is slightly stretched, which gives it flexibility.
2. Head: Long, narrow, with clean lines and a distinctive aristocratic profile. The skull is slightly domed. The stop is smooth.
3. Muzzle: Long, straight, not pointed. Lips are tight, there may be a small fold at the corners. Jaws are strong with a perfect scissor bite.
4. Eyes: Oval-shaped, dark brown, with a lively, kind, and slightly sad expression, which is characteristic of many hounds.
5. Ears: Very long, set low, hanging in graceful folds. They are narrow, with rounded tips. The length of the ears is such that they easily reach the tip of the nose.
6. Neck: Long, muscular, elegantly arched, with no dewlap.
7. Body: The back is straight and strong. The chest is deep and well-developed, providing enough space for the lungs and heart. The belly is slightly tucked up.
8. Tail: Sabre-shaped, of medium length, and is a continuation of the topline. When at rest, it is held low; in motion, it may be raised, but it never curls into a ring or is carried high over the back.
9. Limbs: Dry, muscular, and bony. Paws are compact, rounded, with tightly-knit toes and strong claws.
10. Coat and Colour: The coat is short, smooth, dense, and shiny. The main colour is “blue”. This is an optical effect created by a mixture of black and white hairs, on which large black patches or a “mantle” are scattered. A bright, reddish-tan marking above the eyes, on the cheeks, chest, and paws is mandatory.

Behind the aristocratic appearance of the Lucerne Hound lies a sensitive, calm, and very loyal character. This is a dog that becomes strongly attached to its family and owner, striving to spend as much time as possible with them.

At work, it is a passionate, persistent, and independent hunter. Its passion is to follow a trail. When pursuing game, it is completely focused and can work for hours, tirelessly covering kilometres. Its melodic voice is an integral part of the hunt. At home, it is a gentle and calm companion. It loves comfort and cosiness but is always ready for active games or a long walk. Lucerne Hounds generally get along well with children, especially if they grow up together. They are patient and not prone to aggression. However, due to their hunting instincts, relationships with small pets (cats, rodents, birds) can be complicated.

Early socialisation is key for a harmonious coexistence. Representatives of this breed are intelligent and quick-witted, and they quickly understand what is expected of them. However, like many other hounds, they can be a bit stubborn, especially if a command contradicts their instincts. This doesn’t mean they are unintelligent; it’s just their nature to make independent decisions during a hunt. They are cautious with strangers but not aggressive, which makes them decent watchdogs who will always alert you to the arrival of guests with a loud bark.

The Lucerne Hound is a breed with robust health, which is the result of natural selection and a focus on working qualities. They have a stable immune system and are not prone to many genetic diseases that plague other breeds. However, as with any dog, there are certain health aspects to which you should pay attention.

• Ear Infections (Otitis): This is probably the most common problem for all breeds with long, floppy ears. The anatomical structure of the ear hinders ventilation, creating a warm and humid environment ideal for the multiplication of bacteria and fungi. Regular inspection and cleaning of the ears is an essential preventive procedure.
• Hip Dysplasia: Although this disease is not widespread in the breed, it can occur. It is a hereditary pathology, so it’s important to choose a puppy from reputable parents with appropriate health tests.
• Musculoskeletal Injuries: As an active hunting dog, the Lucerne Hound is prone to sprains, dislocations, and cuts when running over rough terrain. It’s important to inspect the dog’s paws and body after every intensive walk.
• Bloat (Gastric Torsion): This is a serious and life-threatening condition, typical of dogs with deep chests. For prevention, do not feed your dog immediately before or right after intensive physical exercise, and divide the daily food allowance into 2-3 meals.

To maintain the robust health of your pet, you need to provide it with simple but important things: a balanced diet, sufficient physical activity, and timely care. Regular visits to the vet for check-ups and vaccinations are also an integral part of dog care.

The Luzerner Laufhund does not require complicated care, but some procedures should be regular. It adapts easily to different living conditions, but you should remember that this is an energetic hunting dog. The best place for it would be a house in the countryside with a large, securely fenced yard. Keeping it in a cramped city flat is only possible on the condition of daily long and intensive walks.

Coat Care

The short and smooth coat of the Lucerne Hound does not require complicated grooming. It is enough to brush it once a week with a special rubber brush or grooming glove to remove dead hairs and maintain a natural shine. During the shedding season (usually in spring and autumn), the procedure can be performed more often. Frequent bathing should be avoided, as it can disrupt the skin’s natural protective layer. In most cases, it is sufficient to wipe the coat with a damp towel or special wipes.

Ear, Eye, and Dental Care

As already mentioned, the ears are the breed’s weak point. They should be inspected weekly for redness, dirt, or a bad smell. For cleaning, use special lotions recommended by a vet. The eyes should be checked daily and, if necessary, wiped with a clean cloth soaked in warm water. Teeth require regular cleaning to prevent the formation of tartar and periodontitis.

Representatives of the Swiss Hound breeds are characterised by high intelligence and receptiveness to training. However, their innate independence, which is necessary for hunting, can manifest as stubbornness during training. It is important to establish a trusting relationship with the dog from the first days and show who the leader is. Key training principles:

• Early start: Socialisation and the basics of obedience should begin from puppyhood.
• Consistency and patience: Be persistent in your demands but remain calm. Shouting and physical punishment are unacceptable and can only do harm.
• Positive reinforcement: The best results can be achieved by using praise, treats, and games as a reward for correctly performing commands.
• Controlling instincts: Special attention should be paid to the “Come!” command. A strong hunting instinct can make the dog ignore everything around it once it’s on a trail. Practice this command in a safe place until it becomes automatic.

Physical activity is the key not only to good health but also to good behaviour in your pet. An under-exercised hound can become destructive. Exhausting runs over rough terrain, swimming, fetching, or participating in special dog sports (for example, coursing) will bring it much more joy than a monotonous walk on a lead.

Proper nutrition is the foundation of the Lucerne Hound’s health and longevity. As an active dog, it needs a high-quality, balanced diet rich in proteins and fats. There are two main approaches to feeding:

• Ready-made dry food: This is a convenient and balanced option. You should choose premium or super-premium class foods for active dogs of medium breeds.
• Natural feeding: This approach requires more time and knowledge, but it allows you to completely control the diet. The basis should be lean types of meat (beef, turkey, chicken) and offal. The diet also includes cereals (rice, buckwheat), vegetables, fermented dairy products, and eggs.

The relatively low weight of this Swiss Hound does not diminish its need for protein-rich meals. After intensive work or training, your four-legged helper will require a larger portion than usual. It is important not to overfeed the dog to avoid obesity. Always ensure access to fresh, clean water. The daily water intake is approximately 40-50 ml per 1 kg of an adult dog’s weight but can increase significantly during hot weather or physical exertion.

The Lucerne Hound is often compared to other hunting breeds. For example, unlike the Hellenic Hound, which is more specialised in hunting in mountainous terrain, the Swiss Hound is more versatile. Compared to terriers, such as the Sealyham Terrier, the Lucerne Hound has a much calmer and less excitable temperament, and it is not prone to fighting with other dogs. Its character is softer and more compliant, making it a better choice for a family.

• There are four varieties of Swiss Hounds, and the Lucerne is the best known due to its unique colouration. The other three are the Schwyz Hound (white with red patches), the Bernese Hound (tricolour), and the Jura Hound (black and tan).
• The name “Laufhund” from German translates to “running dog,” which perfectly describes the purpose and abilities of this breed.
• Despite being a hunting breed, Lucerne Hounds rarely show aggression towards people and are wonderful companions if their activity needs are met.
• The voice of the Lucerne Hound during a hunt is considered one of the most melodic among all hounds. Each dog has its unique timbre, by which an experienced hunter can recognise it.
• This breed is relatively rare outside of its homeland, Switzerland, and neighbouring countries such as France and Italy.