{"id":58644,"date":"2014-11-14T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2014-11-13T22:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/?p=58644"},"modified":"2025-09-19T16:14:01","modified_gmt":"2025-09-19T13:14:01","slug":"small-swiss-hound-schwyz-type","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/us\/breed-small-swiss-hound-small-schwyz-hound","title":{"rendered":"Small Swiss Hound (Schwyz Type)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Small Swiss Hound (Schwyz Type)<\/strong> is the embodiment of a hunter’s passion and loyalty packed into a compact, yet incredibly tough, body. This rare breed, carefully developed by Swiss farmers from larger Swiss Hounds, is a true gem for enthusiasts of working dogs. They are tireless, vociferous partners on the hunt, able to work in the most challenging terrain. Yet, away from the trail, they transform into calm, gentle family members. There’s more to discover about this unique breed, and you can read all about it right here at Tvaryny<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the most notable working traits of these Swiss “hunters” is their exceptionally loud and clear voice, which carries for miles, letting their owner know they’ve found a trail. While this smaller variety is a bit slower than its taller ancestors, it retains all the outstanding characteristics of the original breed. Its calm, even-tempered, and obedient nature allows the dog to easily integrate into family life, but don’t forget its hunting roots. The Small Schwyz Hound will never be just a lapdog; it needs serious work and plenty of space to burn off its restless energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Small Swiss Hound (Schwyz Type): Key Breed Information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Characteristic<\/strong><\/td>Description<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Origin<\/strong><\/td>Switzerland<\/td><\/tr>
FCI Classification<\/strong><\/td>Group 6 (Scenthounds and Related Breeds), Section 1.3 (Small Hounds). Standard No. 60.<\/td><\/tr>
Lifespan<\/strong><\/td>12-15 years<\/td><\/tr>
Height at Withers<\/strong><\/td>Males: 13.8-16.9 inches, Females: 13-15.7 inches<\/td><\/tr>
Weight<\/strong><\/td>18-33 pounds<\/td><\/tr>
Temperament<\/strong><\/td>Passionate hunter, courageous, resilient, calm, sensitive, very attached to their owner, non-aggressive.<\/td><\/tr>
Purpose<\/strong><\/td>Hunting small game (rabbit, deer, fox, boar), companion dog for active people.<\/td><\/tr>
Activity Level<\/strong><\/td>High<\/td><\/tr>
Tendency to Bark<\/strong><\/td>High, especially when on the trail<\/td><\/tr>
Coat Care<\/strong><\/td>Minimal<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A Short History: How the Small Swiss Hound (Schwyz Type) Came to Be<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Small Swiss Hound’s history is deeply intertwined with its “big brother,” the Swiss Hound, a breed with ancient roots going all the way back to the Holy Roman Empire. For centuries, these dogs were prized for their exceptional hunting skills. However, at the beginning of the 20th century, specifically in 1905, Switzerland passed a new hunting law that changed everything. The law introduced a system of hunting preserves and banned the use of tall, fast hounds in many cantons, as they would chase game (especially deer) far outside the designated areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This new law put the existence of these beloved national breeds at risk. Swiss hunters, unwilling to give up their reliable partners, found an ingenious solution. They decided to create a scaled-down version of their hounds\u2014a short-legged one, or “Niederlaufhund.” To do this, they began selectively breeding the smallest Swiss Hounds and crossing them with Dachshund-like Basset breeds to reinforce the shorter leg trait. This process preserved all the valuable working qualities of the breed: excellent scenting ability, endurance, a beautiful voice, and hunting drive. At the same time, the dog became slower and worked in a smaller area, which fully complied with the new hunting regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thus, in the early 20th century, four varieties of the Small Swiss Hound emerged, corresponding to the four varieties of the larger breed. On June 1, 1905, the Swiss Club for Small Hounds (Schweizer Niederlaufhund-Club) was founded, and the breed received official recognition and its own standard. As one of these varieties, the Small Schwyz Hound could now pursue game not only through thick undergrowth but even in burrows, helping hunters with badgers, deer, boars, and rabbits. Today, the breed remains quite rare and is almost never found outside of Switzerland and neighboring France.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Four Musketeers: Meet the Small Swiss Hound Varieties<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While this article focuses on the Small Swiss Hound (Schwyz Type), it’s important to know that it’s just one of four officially recognized types of the breed. All of them are united under a single FCI standard but differ in coat color and sometimes texture, reflecting their lineage from the corresponding “large” hounds. Each has a unique look and history. <\/p>\n\n\n\n