Schwyz Hound Basics
Also known as the Schweizer Laufhund, the Schwyz hound is one of three Swiss hounds. This particular breed is named for the city of Schwyz and he is a small hound used for hunting hare, fox, and roe deer. Though developed for hunting, these dogs also make good family pets because they are highly devoted to their masters.
Also known as the Schweizer Laufhund, the Schwyz hound is one of three Swiss hounds.
Origin
The Schwyz Hound has ancient origins, though the specifics are a little hazy. Dogs of this type are depicted in mosaics dating back to the times of the Roman Helvetia and early specimens of the breed were highly sought after in Italy during the 15th century then by the French during the 18th century.
The Schwyz Hound is thought to have been influenced by French scenthounds brought to Switzerland by traveling merceneries and eventually he came to be one of five varieties of Swiss Hound. More specifically, the Schwyz Hound is one of four breeds sometimes referred to under the blanket name Scheizer Laufhund – the other varieties are the Bernese Hound, Lucernese Hound, and the Bruno Jura Hound. The first breed standard for the Schwyz Hound was established in 1882 and revised in 1909. The breed was accepted by the FCI under the name Schweizer Laufhund in 2001.
Pedigree
The Schwyz Hound is one of four hounds belonging to the Schweizer Laufhund type.
Food/Diet
The Schwyz Hound is a medium-sized breed that should do well on a high-quality adult dog food. Make sure your dog gets plenty of protein to sustain his lean muscle mass and consider choosing a diet with a higher fat content to ensure that his energy needs are met. Because this is a hunting breed, you may also want to consider a working or active breed formula.
The Schwyz Hound has strong hunting instincts that can be developed and controlled through training.
Training
The Schwyz Hound has strong hunting instincts that can be developed and controlled through training. These dogs are trained to hunt in packs, so they are a little independent by nature and can be stubborn at times. Keeping your training sessions short and offering plenty of food rewards will help to ensure success with training, plus you should keep a firm and consistent hand in leadership with this breed. Early socialization is also important for this breed.
Weight
The Schwyz Hound is a medium-sized hound that weighs 35 to 55 pounds.
Temperament/Behavior
The Schwyz Hound is a friendly breed that can do well in a family setting as long as his exercise requirements are consistently met. These dogs get along well with other dogs and they can be gentle with children as well. Just be careful with cats and other household pets because these dogs have strong hunting instincts – raising the pets together and working on early socialization will help. You should also make sure your dog gets plenty of mental and physical exercise to prevent the kind of boredom that can lead to destructive behavior.
Common Health Problems
The Schwyz Hound is generally a healthy breed, though all dogs are prone to certain health problems. Due to his size, this breed may be prone to musculoskeletal issues like hip dysplasia and bloat could be a concern as well. You should also keep an eye on your dog’s ears because they can trap moisture and become a breeding ground for infectious bacteria.
Life Expectancy
The average lifespan for the
Exercise Requirements
The Schwyz Hound is a very lively and energetic breed that requires a significant amount of daily exercise. These dogs need at least an hour of moderate to vigorous exercise each day and will also appreciate having time to run in a fenced yard. This breed may be a good candidate for dog sports as well, if you’re looking for opportunities to get him some additional exercise.
The Schwyz Hound is a friendly breed that can do well in a family setting as long as his exercise requirements are consistently met.
Recognized Clubs
The Schwyz Hound is not currently recognized by the AKC but is one of four varieties of Swiss Hound (Schweizer Laufhund) recognized by the FCI.
Coat
The Schwyz Hound has the typical hound coat which is smooth, short, and dense. The fur is very fine on the head and leathers but may be longer on the back and body. This breed is white with orange patches and an orange saddle, sometimes with orange ticking over the body. An orange blanket is also considered permissible.
Puppies
The average litter size for the Schwyz Hound is 3 to 7 puppies. Because this is a hunting breed, you’ll want to start your puppy with obedience training from a young age and get into hunting training when he’s ready. This breed has strong hunting instincts and can be a little protective at times, so early socialization is also recommended – especially if you plan to keep your dog around children and other pets. Feed your Schwyz Hound puppy a high-quality puppy food and switch to an adult formula when he reaches 12 months of age.
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