Swiss Hound
swiss hownd
Switzerland· Various cantons of Switzerland
The Swiss Hound is a medium-sized scenthound from Switzerland, comprising four regional varieties, developed for hunting hare and fox on foot over steep alpine terrain.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Medium
Exercise needs
2 hours+ per day
Home size suited to
Medium or larger
Grooming frequency
Weekly brush
Coat length
Short
Sheds
Yes
Lifespan
12-14 years
Town or country
Country preferred
Garden size needed
Large
Where it comes from
Origins of the Swiss Hound
Switzerland's steep, varied mountain terrain shaped a hound with the stamina and sure-footedness to trail hare and fox on foot across demanding ground. Four regional varieties developed in different cantons, each named for its area of origin, before being grouped under a common breed standard. Swiss hunting law, which requires hunting on foot rather than on horseback, favoured a hound of this size and endurance rather than raw speed. It remains closely tied to traditional Swiss foot hunting.
- Region
- Various cantons of Switzerland
- Climate it was bred for
- Mountainous and hilly terrain with cold winters
- Original job
- Hunting hare and fox over steep alpine terrain, traditionally on foot
The long read
About the breed
Swiss hunting traditions, which require hunters to work on foot, shaped a hound valued for stamina, sure-footedness and a clear voice rather than raw speed.
It is an affectionate, energetic dog that does best with an active owner able to provide substantial daily exercise, and it retains a strong scenting drive that makes off-lead reliability a challenge in unsecured areas.
The breed remains most common in Switzerland, used both for hunting and increasingly as an active companion, with limited numbers elsewhere.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Friendliness
3/5
How openly the Swiss Hound greets people it does not know.
Trainability
3/5
How readily the breed takes to training in an ordinary home.
Energy
3/5
How much daily exercise and stimulation the breed expects.
Barking
3/5
How vocal the breed tends to be day to day.
Grooming
3/5
How much coat work the breed needs to stay comfortable.
Suits a first-time owner
3/5
How forgiving the Swiss Hound is for someone taking on their first dog.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Skull
The Swiss Hound's skull is judged on balance rather than size — proportionate to the body, with a clean cheek and a stop typical of the breed. Coarseness or an over-refined head are both faulted.
Timeline
History & development
1800s
Regional varieties
Distinct hound types developed in Swiss cantons including Bern, Jura, Lucerne and the Schwyz region.
1882
Swiss Hound Club formed
A club was established to organise and standardise the regional hound varieties.
1933
Common standard adopted
The four varieties were grouped under a shared Swiss Hound standard, distinguished mainly by colour.
1990s
Continued hunting use
The breed has remained central to traditional Swiss foot hunting of hare and fox.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Compact, muscular body with a level topline.
- coat
- Short, dense and close-lying.
- ears
- Set at eye level, medium length, rounded at the tip.
- eyes
- Dark brown, lively expression.
- head
- Moderately long with a slightly domed skull.
- size
- Dogs and bitches 47-59cm
- colour
- Tricolour or orange and white, depending on variety.
- temperament
- Affectionate, energetic and determined, with strong stamina.
- general appearance
- A well-proportioned, medium-sized hound built for stamina over steep terrain.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
Dogs like this
Swiss Hounds added by PawPoint members through their pet passports. Share yours to appear here.
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Made for the Swiss Hound
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Swiss Hound illustration — and one everyday accessory that suits any dog.
The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
Every officially recognised breed plus the unofficial ones nobody else documents. 400+ pages, hardback, printed and shipped from the UK.
Own stock — shipped by us
Framed poster
Swiss Hound Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Swiss Hound illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
Swiss Hound Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Swiss Hound illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
Swiss Hound Mug
Ceramic mug with the Swiss Hound illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
Slicker & Deshedding Brush
Self-cleaning slicker head for coats of every length.
Fits any dog
Pawpoint on YouTube
Watch the full Swiss Hound video
Breed deep-dives, history and honest ownership talk. New film every week.
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