{"id":57796,"date":"2014-11-13T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2014-11-12T22:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/?p=57796"},"modified":"2025-09-17T19:15:17","modified_gmt":"2025-09-17T16:15:17","slug":"small-swiss-hound-bernese-type","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/us\/breed-small-swiss-hound-small-bernese-hound","title":{"rendered":"Small Swiss Hound (Bernese Type)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Small Swiss Hound (Bernese Type)<\/strong> is one of four unique breeds of short-legged hounds native to the picturesque cantons of Switzerland. This compact yet incredibly durable hunter excels at tracking small game like hares, rabbits, and foxes in challenging mountainous environments. Its loud, melodic voice, passion for following a scent trail, and a calm, devoted nature make it not only an excellent working dog but also a wonderful companion for active individuals. Despite its rich history and unique qualities, the breed remains quite rare outside of its homeland. To learn all about the temperament, care, and upkeep of this incredible dog, read more on Tvaryny.com\/us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The breed comprises four types, which differ mainly in coat color and their region of origin: the Small Jura Hound<\/a>, the Small Lucerne Hound<\/a>, the Small Schwyz Hound<\/a>, and the focus of our article\u2014the Small Swiss Hound (Bernese Type). Each is a scaled-down version of its larger “relative,” the Swiss Hound, and was bred with a specific purpose in mind: to hunt in areas with limited space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Characteristics of the Small Swiss Hound (Bernese Type)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Breed Name<\/strong><\/td>Small Swiss Hound (Variety: Bernese Type)
Small Swiss Hound (Bernese Hound \/ Berner Niederlaufhund)<\/em><\/td><\/tr>
Country of Origin<\/strong><\/td>Switzerland (Canton of Bern)<\/td><\/tr>
FCI Group<\/strong><\/td>Group 6: Scenthounds and Related Breeds. Section 1.3: Small Hounds.<\/td><\/tr>
Lifespan<\/strong><\/td>12\u201315 years<\/td><\/tr>
Height at Withers<\/strong><\/td>13.8\u201317 in (males)
13\u201316.1 in (females)<\/td><\/tr>
Weight<\/strong><\/td>17.6\u201333 lbs<\/td><\/tr>
Temperament<\/strong><\/td>Passionate, durable, intelligent, calm at home, loyal, sensitive, with a strong hunting instinct.<\/td><\/tr>
Coat Type<\/strong><\/td>Smooth-coated and wire-haired<\/td><\/tr>
Color<\/strong><\/td>Tricolor: a white base with large black patches (“saddle”) and tan markings above the eyes, on the cheeks, inside the ears, and at the base of the tail.<\/td><\/tr>
Purpose<\/strong><\/td>Hunting small game (hare, rabbit, fox, roe deer), companion dog for active owners.<\/td><\/tr>
Activity Level<\/strong><\/td>High. Needs daily long walks and physical exercise.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

History of the Small Swiss Hound Breed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The history of the Small Swiss Hounds, or “Niederlaufhunds,” is inextricably linked to changes in Swiss hunting laws in the early 20th century. Before this time, the larger, faster Swiss Hounds (Schweizer Laufhund) were used extensively for hunting in the Alpine regions. However, when hunting began to be conducted in designated, more confined areas (known as “revieren”), the speed and wide-ranging search of the large hounds became a drawback. The dogs would often chase game into neighboring hunting grounds, which created conflicts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1903, a law was passed that only allowed hunting with dogs no taller than 14.2 inches at the withers. This was the decisive moment for the purposeful breeding of short-legged versions of the existing hounds. Breeders began crossing standard Swiss Hounds with smaller breeds to reduce their height while preserving their outstanding hunting qualities: sense of smell, voice, and durability. To reduce the size of the Small Swiss Hound (Bernese Type), it’s likely that they used dachshund-like hounds, such as the Westphalian Dachsbracke<\/a>, which resulted in a dog with shorter legs but a powerful build. Similar selective breeding methods were used to develop the German Hound<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This selective breeding work led to the emergence of four types of small hounds, each of which retained the coloring of its “older brother” from the corresponding canton. On July 25, 1905<\/strong>, the “Swiss Dachsbracke Club” was founded, later renamed the “Swiss Niederlaufhund Club.” This organization took control of the breeding and standardization of the new breed. Initially, the small hounds were not recognized as a separate breed, but only as a variety. However, over time, their unique traits and stable type led to the development of a separate standard, which was officially recognized by the F\u00e9d\u00e9ration Cynologique Internationale (FCI).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Appearance and Breed Standard of the Small Swiss Hound (Bernese Type)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The Small Swiss Hound (Bernese Type) is a rectangular-shaped dog, noticeably longer than it is tall, with low but sturdy limbs. It gives the impression of a noble, durable, and strong hunter, despite its compact size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Head:<\/strong> Long, narrow, lean, with noble features. The skull is slightly domed, with no wrinkles on the forehead. The stop (transition from forehead to muzzle) is noticeable but not abrupt.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Muzzle:<\/strong> Long, strong, never pointed. The bridge of the nose is straight or with a barely noticeable bump. The nose is always black, with well-open nostrils.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Eyes:<\/strong> Oval-shaped, dark brown. The gaze is lively, friendly, and attentive. The eyelids are tight-fitting, with black pigmentation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Ears:<\/strong> Very long, set low, below the eye line. They hang down, forming beautiful folds, and are twisted at the base. They are thin and soft to the touch, covered in short hair.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Body:<\/strong> The topline is harmonious. The neck is of medium length, muscular, with a slight dewlap. The back is straight and strong. The chest is oval, well-developed in depth and length, providing enough space for the heart and lungs. The belly is slightly tucked up.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Tail:<\/strong> Sabre-shaped, of medium length, a harmonious extension of the backline. When calm, it hangs down, and when moving or excited, it may lift a little higher but never curls over the back.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Coat:<\/strong> There are two varieties:\n
      \n
    • Smooth-coated:<\/strong> Short, smooth, close-fitting, with a light undercoat.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Wire-haired:<\/strong> Stiff, close-lying, with a barely noticeable “beard” on the muzzle. This type is much rarer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Color:<\/strong> Classic tricolor. The main color is pure white<\/strong>. On it are large black patches<\/strong> that can form a “saddle.” Red (fawn) markings<\/strong> are mandatory above the eyes (the so-called “four eyes”), on the cheeks, the inside of the ears, and around the anus. A small amount of black ticking is allowed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      Character and Temperament<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      The character of the Small Swiss Hound (Bernese Type) is a wonderful mix of two opposites. When hunting, it is a spirited, relentless, and independent pursuer<\/strong>, capable of tracking a scent for hours and announcing its progress with a loud and melodic voice. Its passion for work is in its blood, and it fully commits to the process. It navigates even dense thickets or rocky terrain perfectly, and its short legs allow it to get into places where a larger dog wouldn’t fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      At home, this hunter transforms into a calm, gentle, and very loyal companion.<\/strong> It forms a strong bond with its family and owner, wanting to be close and participate in all household activities. It’s a sensitive dog that finely senses a person’s mood and does not handle rudeness or unfairness well. It generally gets along well with children, especially if it grows up with them, showing patience and playfulness. It coexists peacefully with other dogs, as it is used to working in a pack. However, its strong hunting instinct can create issues when living with small household pets, such as cats, rodents, or birds. Early and proper socialization is key to harmonious coexistence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Care and Maintenance of the Small Swiss Hound (Bernese Type)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
      \"\u041c\u0430\u043b\u0438\u0439<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      Although the Small Swiss Hound (Bernese Type) is an undemanding dog, its care has certain specific characteristics related to its origin and purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Grooming and Hygiene<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Grooming the coat is simple. The smooth-coated variety<\/strong> only needs to be brushed once or twice a week with a rubber brush or grooming mitt to remove dead hairs. The wire-haired type<\/strong> requires periodic stripping (plucking old hair) 2-3 times a year to maintain the coat’s texture and healthy skin. You should only bathe the dog when absolutely necessary, as frequent baths can disrupt the natural protective layer of the skin. After walks in muddy weather, it’s enough to wipe its paws and belly with a damp towel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Special attention should be paid to the ears.<\/strong> Their long, floppy shape hinders air circulation, creating a perfect environment for bacteria and fungi to grow. You need to regularly, at least once a week, check the ear canal and clean it of dirt and wax with a special solution. It’s also important to keep an eye on the claws and trim them in time if they don’t wear down naturally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Physical Exercise and Activity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      This is the most important aspect of owning the breed. The Small Swiss Hound (Bernese Type) is an energetic dog that needs daily and prolonged physical activity<\/strong>. A simple walk on a leash around the neighborhood will be woefully inadequate. The ideal scenario for this dog is 1.5 to 2 hours of active sessions per day, including running, playing, and the opportunity to explore freely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      This dog would feel best in a house with a securely fenced yard. The fence must be reliable, as once a hound catches an interesting scent, it may dig underneath or try to jump over it. Living in a city apartment is only possible if the owner is ready to dedicate a lot of time to active walks in parks or outside the city. Without sufficient activity, the dog may become restless, destructive, and start howling loudly out of boredom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Training and Raising<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Training the Small Swiss Hound (Bernese Type) has its challenges. On one hand, it is a very smart and clever dog that quickly learns commands. On the other, its innate independence and hunting instinct<\/strong> can make it stubborn. During a hunt, it is used to making decisions on its own, so it may ignore commands if it considers them unnecessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The key to success is patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement<\/strong>. Sessions should be short, interesting, and varied. Use treats, praise, and toys as motivation. Rudeness, yelling, and physical punishment are absolutely unacceptable, as they can permanently damage the trust of this sensitive dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Special attention should be given to teaching the “come” command. Due to its powerful instinct to chase, it is extremely difficult to recall a hound that has already picked up a scent. Therefore, you should only let it off the leash in well-fenced areas or in places where there is no wildlife or roads. Early socialization is mandatory: introduce the puppy to different people, sounds, places, and other animals so it grows into a confident and well-balanced dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Health and Common Breed Illnesses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      Small Swiss Hound (Bernese Type) are generally a healthy and durable breed<\/strong> with a small number of hereditary diseases. Because the breed has not become commercially popular, it has avoided many genetic problems common to other dogs. However, there are certain risks that an owner should be aware of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • Ear infections (otitis):<\/strong> As mentioned, this is the number one problem for the breed. Regular care and cleaning are the best prevention.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Hip dysplasia:<\/strong> While this is not a widespread disease for the breed, it can occur. It’s important to choose a puppy from verified parents who have been tested.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Hunting injuries:<\/strong> Cuts, sprains, and bites from insects or wild animals are typical risks for any hunting dog. After each hunt, you need to thoroughly check the dog.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Eye problems:<\/strong> Diseases such as cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy can develop with age.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        To keep the dog healthy, regular preventative check-ups with a vet, timely vaccinations, parasite control (fleas, ticks, worms), and a balanced diet are necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Dietary Recommendations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        Proper nutrition is the key to the Small Swiss Hound (Bernese Type)’s health and vitality. Since this is an active breed, its diet must be high-quality and balanced. There are two main approaches to feeding:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        1. Ready-to-eat dry kibble:<\/strong> This is the most convenient option. You should choose a premium or super-premium class food for active medium-sized dogs. The food’s composition should be rich in animal protein (meat, not by-products, should be the first ingredient listed), contain healthy fats (Omega-3, Omega-6), complex carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals. The portion size is calculated according to the dog’s weight, age, and activity level, based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        2. Natural feeding:<\/strong> This approach requires more time and knowledge from the owner. The basis of the diet (about 50-60%) should be lean raw or blanched meat (beef, turkey, chicken) and offal. The rest is composed of cereals (buckwheat, rice), fermented dairy products (low-fat cottage cheese, kefir), seasonal vegetables (carrots, pumpkin, zucchini), and a small amount of fruit. With a natural diet, it is mandatory to add vitamin and mineral supplements prescribed by a veterinarian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Important:<\/strong> Do not mix dry kibble and natural food in the same meal. Always ensure the dog has access to fresh drinking water. Keep an eye on your pet’s weight, as hounds are prone to gaining extra weight, which puts an added strain on their joints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Pros and Cons of the Small Swiss Hound (Bernese Type)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
        Pros<\/th>Cons<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
        \u2705 Excellent health and durability<\/td>\u274c Needs a very high level of physical exercise<\/td><\/tr>
        \u2705 Loyal and affectionate family member<\/td>\u274c Strong hunting instinct, prone to running off “on the scent”<\/td><\/tr>
        \u2705 Compact size, convenient to keep<\/td>\u274c Can be stubborn and independent during training<\/td><\/tr>
        \u2705 Low-maintenance coat<\/td>\u274c Loud, prone to barking and howling, especially from boredom<\/td><\/tr>
        \u2705 Gets along well with other dogs<\/td>\u274c Not suitable for living with small pets<\/td><\/tr>
        \u2705 High intelligence and cleverness<\/td>\u274c Not recommended for inexperienced owners<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

        Interesting Facts About the Small Swiss Hound<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
          \n
        1. “Niederlaufhund” means “short-legged hound.”<\/strong> The German name for the breed, Niederlaufhund, accurately describes its key feature\u2014short legs that were specifically bred for slower, more thorough pursuit of game in confined hunting grounds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        2. Voice as an instrument.<\/strong> The loud, melodic voice is the breed’s calling card. Experienced hunters can determine what game the dog is tracking and what stage the hunt is at (found the scent, sees the animal, cornering it) just by the tone and frequency of its bark.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        3. A rare treasure.<\/strong> Outside of Switzerland, France, and Italy, Small Swiss Hounds are a true rarity. Most dogs are still in the hands of hunters who value them for their unique working qualities rather than their appearance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        4. Four faces of one breed.<\/strong> Although we’re talking about the Small Swiss Hound (Bernese Type), it’s important to remember that it’s only one of four officially recognized varieties. They differ only in coloring, which they inherited from their larger “ancestors” from various Swiss cantons.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
          Variety<\/th>Main Colour<\/th>Origin (Canton)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
          Bernese Type<\/strong><\/td>White with black patches (saddle) and tan markings.<\/td>Bern<\/td><\/tr>
          Jura Hound<\/strong><\/td>Black with tan markings or a saddle.<\/td>Jura<\/td><\/tr>
          Lucerne Hound<\/strong><\/td>“Blue” \u2014 dense black ticking on a white background with black patches.<\/td>Lucerne<\/td><\/tr>
          Schwyz Hound<\/strong><\/td>White with reddish-yellow or orange patches.<\/td>Schwyz<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          Frequently Asked Questions About the Breed (FAQ)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          Is the Small Swiss Hound (Bernese Type) suitable for living in a city apartment?<\/strong>
          Yes, but with a major condition: the owner must be prepared to provide the dog with at least 1.5 to 2 hours of intense, active walks every day. Without this, the dog will suffer from boredom, which can lead to destructive behavior and loud howling. The ideal place for it is still a house with a securely fenced yard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Does this breed shed a lot?<\/strong>
          Shedding for the smooth-coated variety is moderate and increases seasonally (spring and fall). Regular brushing helps to keep this process under control. The wire-haired type sheds very little but needs periodic stripping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Can I keep a Small Swiss Hound (Bernese Type) with a cat?<\/strong>
          It’s difficult but possible if they grow up together from a young age. An adult hound that has never seen a cat is very likely to perceive it as prey. Its hunting instinct is very strong, so any cohabitation with small animals requires control and caution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Is the Small Swiss Hound (Bernese Type) a good watchdog?<\/strong>
          It has a loud voice and will definitely alert you to the arrival of guests or anything suspicious. However, it does not have aggression toward people and is not a watchdog in the classic sense. Its friendliness toward strangers makes it a poor guard dog.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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