Schweizer Laufhund

The character of all species of Schweizer Laufhunds is almost the same. But it is worth remembering that each individual has their characteristics. The key to successful training is the authority of the owner and love on his part. The Schweizer Laufhund is always friendly to all family members. This breed is suitable for communication with small children.

Breed Photos

Origin History

The history of the Schweizer Laufhund goes back to the distant past. The ancestors of the first hunting dogs came from ancient Rome to what is now Switzerland. In the Zurich Cathedral, drawings dating back to the 12th century depicting similar dogs have been found. Over time, through breeding, there were several species of Schweizer Laufhund, which differed in color. There are four types of the breed – Jurassic, Lucerne, Bernese, and Swiss. They are named after the cantons of origin. Each species has two varieties – large and small. Unfortunately, they are not known outside the country. But despite its small popularity, the Schweizer Laufhund is a top-notch hunting dog. The breed has excellent endurance, a perfect sense of smell, excellent terrain orientation.

Appearance

The head of the Schweizer Laufhund is long, with clear lines. The transition from forehead to muzzle is well defined. The jaws and teeth are strong. The noselobes are well developed.

Eyes oval in shape, always brown. The ears are floppy, curled into a tube at the base, rounded at the ends.

The body is elongated. The neck is muscular. The chest is deep with convex ribs. The abdomen is well upright. The croup is long. The tail is usually of medium length and tapers from the base to the end. Representatives of this species are well covered with fur. There is a hard-haired and a smooth-haired type of hound. The coloring depends on the hound’s subtype.

Character

The character of all species of Schweizer Laufhunds is almost the same. But it is worth remembering that each individual has their characteristics. The key to successful training is the authority of the owner and love on his part.

The Schweizer Laufhund is always friendly to all family members. This breed is suitable for communication with small children. The hound almost never shows aggression toward people it knows, even if it does not like something. Some people use the Schweizer Laufhund as a guard or in service.

The breed cannot be called fearful, but it will not provoke fights with congeners first. If socialization took place since childhood, the hound was introduced to other dogs; then there should be no communication problems.

A hound’s hunting instinct may be awakened during a walk. Any stray animal, be it a cat or a squirrel in the park, can entice the dog. In such a situation, it is necessary to capture the pet’s attention and not allow it to violate the command given by the owner. These situations are best handled as early as childhood.

During the hunt, the hound is always focused, very hardy, and persistent. It can follow the old trail; the landscape of the territory does not matter for it. The determined and confident dog always attentively listens to the instructions of the owner. This result can be obtained if you give regular training.

Care

The care of the Schweizer Laufhund does not have any special features. This breed is not for apartments; it needs a spacious area and a warm enclosure.

You should bathe your dog once every few months. After an intense walk, it is better to wipe it with a damp cloth.

Inspect your pet’s ears often. A lot of dirt can accumulate there, and it can lead to infection later on. It is worth brushing the hound’s coat daily.

Training

Its attachment to its owner and developed intelligence make this breed easy to train. The hound quickly learns the necessary commands, especially if the process is like a game. It is enough to learn a rule once, and she will remember it for life. The right tactic in the training process is to reward it with a treat at the end.

Common Diseases

Due to good health and a robust immune system, the dog has stamina and is tireless in its work. It is better not to let the Schweizer Laufhund get too cold or be exposed to the sun for a long time.

Because of insufficient ventilation of the ear canal, a hound can develop an infection. Regular hygiene will help prevent this. Mites, which carry piroplasmosis, can be a serious threat. You should always thoroughly inspect your dog’s coat after a walk.

Here are the diseases to which the Schweizer Laufhund is prone:

• arthritis;
• sprains, torn ligaments;
• otitis media;
• conjunctivitis;
• glaucoma.

Nutrition

Your dog’s daily condition depends on his nutrition. Food should be fresh, and if your dog has not touched food for a long time, you should pay attention to it.

The diet should include healthy vitamins. These can be naturally occurring ingredients: fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The meat of animal origin and other sources of protein should be the basis of the diet. Different cereals and soups can diversify some meals. You should not give your hound too fatty, smoked food or sweets. Watch the weight of your pet and do not overfeed him.