Schweizerischer Niederlaufhund

The Schweizerischer Niederlaufhund (Small Swiss Hound) is a breed of dog of the scenthound type from Switzerland. Niederlaufhund means short-legged hound. The breed has a number of different varieties.

The smaller, shorter-legged hounds were bred from the Schweizer Laufhund in the early 1900s, for hunting in smaller areas. The Schweizer Niederlaufhund Club was formed in 1905.

Appearance of Schweizerischer Niederlaufhund

The general appearance is of a hound similar to the Schweizer Laufhund, with a smaller body and shorter legs. The breed has long drop ears and a long tail. Size is 35-43 cm (13.8 -16.9 ins) at the withers, females somewhat smaller.

The varieties of the Schweizerischer Niederlaufhund are arranged by coat colour and texture:

• Small Bernese Hound (Berner Niederlaufhund) - tricolour: white, black and tan, tan marks over the eyes.
  • smooth-haired Small Bernese Hound - short and smooth coat
  • coarse-haired Small Bernese Hound - harsh single coat, small beard on the face
• Small Jura Hound (Jura Niederlaufhund) -smooth single coat, black with tan markings above the eyes, some white.
• Small Lucerne Hound (Luzerner Niederlaufhund) - smooth white coat speckled with grey or black to give a blue appearance, with black patches and tan marks over the eyes.
• Small Schwyz Hound (Schwyzer Niederlaufhund )- smooth white coat with yellow-red to orange-red patches.