{"id":59569,"date":"2014-11-14T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2014-11-13T22:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/?p=59569"},"modified":"2025-09-20T16:13:52","modified_gmt":"2025-09-20T13:13:52","slug":"small-swiss-hound-smooth-coated","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/us\/breed-small-swiss-hound-smooth-haired","title":{"rendered":"Small Swiss Hound (Smooth-coated)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Smooth-coated Small Swiss Hound (Schweizer Niederlaufhund: Kurzhaarig)<\/strong> isn’t just a mini version of its larger relatives; it\u2019s a unique hunting dog whose history and personality are deeply tied to the mountainous landscapes of Switzerland. This compact yet resilient breed combines exceptional working qualities, loyalty, and a calm demeanor, making it not only a skilled hunting assistant but also an excellent companion. The smooth-coated variety stands out for its elegant appearance and diverse array of colors, each with its own story. In this article, we\u2019ll dive into the world of these amazing animals, exploring the finer points of their character, care, and training. For more on this topic, check out Tvaryny<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They combine high utility with a calm, obedient temperament, but they require constant hunting practice or adequate physical and mental stimulation. This dog is a true bundle of energy that only reveals its full potential with an active lifestyle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Smooth-coated Small Swiss Hound: Key Characteristics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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https:\/\/depositphotos.com\/illustrations\/small-swiss-hound.html<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Origin<\/strong><\/td>Switzerland<\/td><\/tr>
FCI Recognition Year<\/strong><\/td>1954 (Standard No. 60)<\/td><\/tr>
FCI Group<\/strong><\/td>Group 6: Scent Hounds and Related Breeds. Section 1.3: Small Scent Hounds.<\/td><\/tr>
Life Expectancy<\/strong><\/td>13-15 years<\/td><\/tr>
Height at the Withers<\/strong><\/td>35-43 cm (males), 33-40 cm (females)<\/td><\/tr>
Weight<\/strong><\/td>8-15 kg<\/td><\/tr>
Temperament<\/strong><\/td>Passionate hunter, loyal, calm, friendly, intelligent<\/td><\/tr>
Activity Level<\/strong><\/td>High, requires daily intensive exercise<\/td><\/tr>
Coat Care<\/strong><\/td>Minimal<\/td><\/tr>
Purpose<\/strong><\/td>Hunting small game (hare, fox, roe deer), companion dog<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

History of the Breed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The history of the Small Swiss Hound, or as it’s called in its homeland, the Schweizer Niederlaufhund<\/strong>, is directly linked to changes in Swiss hunting laws at the start of the 20th century. Before this, medium-sized Swiss Hounds like the Bernese Hound<\/a>, Jura Hound<\/a>, Lucerne Hound<\/a>, and Schwyz Hound<\/a> were widely used for hunting various game in the Alpine cantons. However, in 1905, a system of hunting grounds with limited areas was introduced, making the fast, long-legged hounds less practical. They chased game too quickly, driving it out of the allowed zone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This created an urgent need for a dog with the same excellent hunting qualities but a slower pace, better suited for working on small plots. Hunters and dog breeders decided to create a short-legged version of the national hounds. To do this, they began deliberately crossing Swiss Hounds with Dachsbracke, which already had shorter legs and a calmer working tempo. The result of this selective breeding was a dog with an elongated body and short, but sturdy limbs, which retained the excellent sense of smell, stamina, and hunting drive of its ancestors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The “Schweizer Niederlaufhund” club was founded in 1905, and from that point, systematic work on standardizing the breed began. Like their larger counterparts, the small hounds were divided into four varieties based on coat color, each corresponding to a specific geographical region of Switzerland. The smooth-coated Small Swiss Hound<\/strong> is one of the two coat types (along with the rough-haired<\/a>) and is represented in all four color variations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What the Small Swiss Hound Looks Like: Standard and Varieties<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Foto: Ilka Becker<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Small Swiss Hound is a dog with a harmonious, though somewhat elongated, build. It gives the impression of a strong, resilient animal despite its small size. Its appearance is entirely in line with its function: to hunt in difficult conditions, confidently follow a scent, and work tirelessly for many hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n