Lively and full of drive when on a scent, yet sensitive, willing and strongly bonded to its owner at home.12
how to spot oneSchweizer Laufhund coat and colours
short, smooth, dense
A medium-sized, lean hound with a long, refined head, long muzzle and long ears, giving an impression of stamina and a noble bearing. The coat is short, smooth and dense, extra fine on the head and ears.12
Comes inBernese: white with black patches or saddle, tan markingsJura: tan with black blanket, or black with tan markingsLucerne: 'blue' speckled with black patches or saddle, tan markingsSchwyz: white with orange patches or saddle12
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Schweizer Laufhund. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
how busy a day looksSchweizer Laufhund exercise needs
A hunting hound that follows hare, roe deer, fox and sometimes boar with independence and determination; needs long daily outings and scent work.1
who they like aroundSchweizer Laufhund with people and other pets
Very attached to its owner and happiest with an active family or hunter who keeps it busy.1
the hands-on bitsSchweizer Laufhund grooming and care
The short, smooth coat needs only simple, regular brushing.1
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Schweizer Laufhund, and at what times?
Feed your adult Schweizer Laufhund at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. A morning and evening schedule works well. Always follow the food label and your vet's advice for amounts.4
What should a Schweizer Laufhund eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A high-quality dog food suited to their age and activity level is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. For a full list, check with your vet.5
How often should I bathe a Schweizer Laufhund?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, and general guidance recommends at least every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues.6
How often does a Schweizer Laufhund need brushing?
Brush your Schweizer Laufhund weekly to keep their short, smooth coat healthy and remove loose hair. Pet Wiki's plan also recommends weekly brushing.6
How do I trim a Schweizer Laufhund's nails, and how often?
Trim nails about every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid bleeding.6
How much exercise does a Schweizer Laufhund need?
This energetic hound needs long daily outings and scent work to stay happy. Plan for at least an hour of vigorous exercise each day, plus playtime.1
How do I look after a Schweizer Laufhund's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth at least twice a week with dog toothpaste; daily is ideal. Check their floppy ears weekly and dry them gently, never push anything into the ear canal.6
How long does a Schweizer Laufhund live?
Lifespan varies, so it's best to ask your vet or a good breeder for typical expectations for this breed.
Is a Schweizer Laufhund good with children and other pets?
They are loyal and bond strongly with their family, but as a hunting hound they may chase small animals. Early socialisation is important; ask a breeder for specific advice.12
Can a Schweizer Laufhund be left alone?
They are very attached to their owner and may struggle with long periods alone. Provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation before leaving, and ask a breeder for guidance.1
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
per year, in your countryWhat a Schweizer Laufhund costs
Running costs for a Schweizer Laufhund, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Schweizer Laufhund legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Schweizer Laufhund in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
A mosaic from Roman Avenches shows hounds very like today's Swiss Hounds.1
2
The four varieties are named after the Swiss regions of Bern, Jura, Lucerne and Schwyz, and differ mainly in colour.2
3
A fifth variety, the Thurgau hound, no longer exists.3
The name 'Schweizer Laufhund' is German for 'Swiss running dog', referring to its Swiss origin and its role as a scenthound that hunts by giving tongue while running.7
The morning air is full of stories. I put my nose to the ground and follow a trail of rabbit, then deer, then something mysterious. My humans let me lead on our hikes, and I show them all the best paths. I am a hunter, but at home I am a gentle giant. I lean against my person's legs and ask for belly rubs. When the kids play, I join in with a happy bark. I don't like loud noises, so I stay close when the world gets too much. My humans understand. At night, I curl up at the foot of the bed, my nose twitching in my dreams.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganSchweizer Laufhund history
Hounds of this kind appear in a Roman-era mosaic at Avenches, and French scenthounds brought home by Swiss mercenaries shaped them further. Five varieties were standardised in 1882; after the Thurgau hound died out, a single standard for the four remaining varieties was adopted in 1933.13
Schweizerischer Niederlaufhund
Bruno Jura Hound
Beagle
Hamiltonstövare