The Small Swiss Hound was created in order to have a smaller hound that could hunt more easily in a diminished area. In Switzerland at the turn of the century, enclosed hunting grounds were introduced to the country. These areas of land were too small for the popular Swiss Hounds to easily hunt as they simply ran too quickly, which necessitated a breed with shorter legs that wouldn’t cross the predetermined borders so easily and speedily! The Swiss Hounds were crossed with Bassets, and these smaller hounds fit the bill as they were just as skilled at trailing game and had just as much exuberance to hunt, but would do so at a slower pace. The first breed club was formed in 1905, and roughly a hundred years later they were also recognized by the UKC.
Energetic and friendly, the Small Swiss makes a great companion to those who can keep up with their exercise requirements, and who are able to put time and effort into training. These hounds possess big personalities and will let their owner know when they’re happy or when they’re unhappy – and will do so with lots of pizzazz! If not given enough attention they’ll think nothing of making a big destructive mess, and/or telling the neighbors all about their grievances. Like other scenthounds, they possess loud and melodic abilities to howl and bay! This said, if their mental and physical needs for exercise are met they can be calm and easygoing in the home, albeit possibly a little on the loud side.
The Small Swiss comes in the same four distinct color patterns as the original Swiss Hound. These include the bernese (tricolor), jura (black/tan), lucerne (blue speckled/tan), and schwyz (white/orange). Interestingly while the breed is usually smooth coated, the bernese color alone can also appear in a rough coated variety. This coat distinction is not found in the larger Swiss Hound. Aside from this occasional difference, the biggest variance between the two breeds include the size of the dog (which is small as compared to the original Swiss’ medium size), a more rectangular body and shorter legs.
Small Swiss Hounds are friendly with people and love to play! Quite affectionate, they love spending active time with their human families, whether it be playing in the yard or having a hiking adventure. Although they get along just fine with strangers, they develop very deep bonds with those in their households to the point that it can be difficult to re-home them if such a situation arises. These hounds also tend to get along well with both children and other dogs alike. Their good nature doesn’t often extend to small animals however as they often see them as prey, meaning families with small pets may want to look for a different breed. This is also not a good fit for those living in apartment settings because they do need lots of activity and a large yard to run in.
The Small Swiss needs daily mental stimulation as well. For owners that cannot take their dog out hunting, this can take the form of various “nose games” such as scentwork or tracking, or can also take the form of obedience training. All dogs should have at least basic obedience training and the Small Swiss is no exception! This intelligent breed can take very well to training, especially when started early, but do be aware that they have a stubborn streak and are known to “put their foot down” when they don’t feel like following a command. An owner must be even more patient and determined than the hound! Because of this trait, they do best with owners who aren’t easily swayed by manipulation.
The Small Swiss Hound is easy to maintain as far as grooming, including the rare rough coated individual. Owners only need to brush the coat once a week or so and bathe infrequently (every 6-8 weeks or so). The breed isn’t known for having a very strong doggy odor unless they roll in something gross. It is important to check and clean the long ears weekly however, as dogs with hanging ears are more prone to ear infection. Finish with a nail trim, a chore that is easiest to do weekly. After grooming is finished, wiping the coat down with a soft cloth or chamois will make it extra shiny!
