Small Swiss Hound

Breed Description

The Small Swiss Hound is a breed with ancient roots that originated in the mountainous regions of Switzerland. Its lineage is connected to local hunting dogs used for tracking and pursuing game in challenging mountain conditions. These dogs were valued for their stamina, keen sense of smell, and ability to hunt various game, including hares, deer, and even small predators. The earliest mentions of hounds resembling modern Swiss dogs can be found in documents from the Middle Ages, where they are noted as helpers of hunters in mountainous forests.

The breed evolved due to isolation and the specific conditions of the terrain. Swiss hounds were divided into several regional varieties, each adapting to its own climate and type of hunting. The Small Swiss Hound emerged as a compact version of the Swiss hounds, a result of selective breeding aimed at creating a dog suitable for hunting small game and easy to manage. It became popular among hunters due to its small size, allowing it to navigate dense vegetation and work in confined areas.

It is believed that the Small Swiss Hound took its current form in the 19th century, when hunting became more specialized and the demands on hunting dogs changed. Breeding of the breed focused on working qualities, hence it retained its endurance, keen sense of smell, and excellent voice, which helps hunters keep track of its movements during a chase. Breeders also paid attention to appearance, making it recognizable due to its elegant build and characteristic coloring.

The breed received official recognition in the early 20th century when a standard describing its features was established. The Small Swiss Hound gained popularity not only in Switzerland but also beyond its borders, especially among hunters who value the dog’s versatility and compactness. Today, it is used both for hunting and as a companion, thanks to its friendly and balanced temperament. Its history is an example of how a working dog with deeply rooted tradition has become a versatile companion for humans while retaining its finest qualities and unique appearance. The price for a puppy ranges from 40,000 to 60,000 rubles.

Appearance

The Small Swiss Hound is an elegant and compact dog with a harmonious build that emphasizes its endurance and active nature. Its body is slightly elongated, with a strong back and well-developed muscles, making it ideal for working in challenging conditions. The dog’s appearance exudes energy and lightness, allowing it to move easily and gracefully even across rough terrain. A distinctive feature of the breed is its neat head with expressive eyes and long, drooping ears, which highlight its gentle and friendly expression.

The coat of the Small Swiss Hound is short, dense, and glossy, closely adhering to its body. This provides protection against wind and moisture, which is especially important during hunting. The color of the breed varies depending on its variety, with the most common combinations being white, orange, and black in the form of spots and clear markings that give it a bright and memorable appearance.

The average height of the Small Swiss Hound ranges from 33 to 41 cm at the withers, making it compact and agile. Its weight typically varies from 8 to 15 kg, depending on sex and build, ensuring lightness of movement and endurance. The breed’s lifespan is around 12 to 14 years, during which the dog remains active and capable even in its mature age. Its appearance, combining practicality and elegance, perfectly reflects its nature: it is a hardworking and energetic dog, able to be a loyal companion both in hunting and in everyday life.

Отличительные черты

Голова

The head of the small Swiss hound is proportional, with an elongated yet elegant skull. The forehead is slightly rounded, showing a distinct transition from the forehead to the muzzle. The overall expression of the head is calm and intelligent, highlighting the dog's friendly nature.

Морда

The muzzle is long, straight, tapering towards the nose. The nose is black, with large nostrils that provide the dog with excellent sense of smell. The lips are thick and well-fitting, emphasizing the dog's neat and well-groomed appearance.

Уши

The ears are long, drooping, soft to the touch, set low, and fit snugly against the head. They give the dog an elegant appearance and enhance its sensuality, as they play an important role in boosting auditory perception.

Глаза

The eyes are medium-sized, oval in shape, and set deep. The color of the eyes is usually dark brown or black, creating a friendly and attentive expression. The gaze is lively and curious, typical of active and intelligent dogs.

Зубы

The teeth are strong, with a scissor-like bite. The jaws are powerful, which is important for holding prey or working in hunting conditions. Regular tooth brushing helps prevent plaque and tartar buildup.

Корпус

The body is somewhat elongated, with a strong and muscular build. The chest is deep and well-developed, which ensures endurance. The back is straight and strong, with a slight curve towards the lower back, highlighting a harmonious physique.

Конечности

The limbs are straight and strong, with well-defined joints. The front legs are parallel, while the hind legs have pronounced angles, providing the dog with a powerful push when running. The paws are compact and rounded, with sturdy pads that ensure stability on any surface.

Хвост

The tail is of medium length, set high, and may be slightly curved. When moving, the tail is held straight or slightly raised, emphasizing the dog's confidence and energy. It is covered with short hair, matching the rest of the body.

Шерсть

The fur is short, dense, smooth, and closely adheres to the body. It provides protection from the elements and is easy to care for. The fur is shiny, which indicates the dog's good health.

Окрас

The coloration of the Swiss Beagle varies and can include combinations of white, red, black, and brown. Distinct markings and spots emphasize its individuality and create a characteristic bright appearance typical of the breed.

Character

The Small Swiss Hound has a friendly, balanced, and energetic personality, making it a wonderful companion for active people. This dog is incredibly attached to its owner and family, showing loyalty and a desire to be helpful. Its sociability is evident in its ease of getting along with other animals and people, making it an excellent choice for family living. However, the Small Swiss Hound retains the independence characteristic of hunting breeds, so it is important for it to feel needed and engaged.

This breed is highly active and curious, requiring long walks, playtime, and physical exercise. Its natural instinct and desire to explore the surrounding world make it ideal for work in open spaces or forests. It loves tasks that involve searching or pursuing, which is linked to its hunting instinct. If it doesn’t get enough activity, it may become bored, which can sometimes lead to destructive behavior.

The Small Swiss Hound has a kind and calm temperament, making it tolerant and affectionate with children. It seeks to participate in all family activities and does not handle prolonged solitude well. Its voice is loud and melodic, which is useful in hunting but may require adjustments in everyday life if the dog barks too often. It responds well to training, especially when positive reinforcement methods are used.

This dog values stability and comfort, but its natural endurance allows it to adapt to various living conditions, whether in an apartment or a country house. The Small Swiss Hound is a cheerful, intelligent, and energetic pet that enjoys spending time outdoors and maintaining contact with people. Its friendliness and activity make it suitable for both hunting and as a family companion.

Care and Maintenance

The Small Swiss Hound requires moderate but regular care to maintain its health and appearance. This breed has short, dense fur, which means it doesn’t need extensive grooming. Brushing it once a week with a soft brush is sufficient to remove dead hair and keep its coat shiny. Bathing the dog is only recommended as necessary, using a gentle shampoo to avoid drying out the skin. Regular attention should be given to the ears, as their hanging shape predisposes them to dirt and moisture accumulation, which can lead to infections. Another important part of care is checking the eyes and cleaning the teeth to prevent oral diseases.

This breed is very active, so it requires daily walks and physical exercise. It enjoys long walks, active play, and tasks related to its natural instincts, such as searching for items or tracking scents. A lack of activity can negatively affect its behavior, leading to boredom and excessive barking. The Small Swiss Hound prefers to spend time with its family, actively participating in their lives and receiving attention. It does not cope well with solitude, making it unsuitable for people who are rarely home.

The dog appreciates stability and routine, valuing care and affection. It cannot tolerate roughness or aggressive treatment, as this can breed distrust and harm its emotional well-being. With the right approach, it becomes a loyal and loving companion, always eager to please its owner. The Small Swiss Hound thrives in a country home where it has access to open spaces, but with sufficient activity and attention, it can also live comfortably in a city apartment. Its character and habits require attentive handling and engagement, ensuring a long and happy life for this wonderful dog.

Training and Education

The Swiss Beagle is an intelligent and energetic dog that responds well to training when conducted in the right atmosphere. It strives to please its owner while maintaining a hunting independence, so training must be consistent, patient, and include elements of reinforcement. Positive reinforcement in the form of praise, treats, and play yields the best results, as this breed values the emotional bond with its owner. The best methods will be short and engaging training sessions that keep the dog from getting bored.

This breed has a natural chasing instinct, so it is important to develop skills in control and management from an early age, especially in open spaces. Teaching basic commands, such as “come” and “heel,” should be a priority so that the dog can move safely even without a leash. Its natural intelligence allows it to master not only basic commands but also more complex tasks, particularly those related to searching and tracking.

The Swiss Beagle chooses an owner who demonstrates confidence, stability, and a willingness to devote time to interaction. It bonds with the person who shows care and respect, becoming their leader while maintaining a warm and friendly approach. This breed obeys those who exhibit firmness and consistency combined with kindness, as rudeness or aggression quickly undermines its trust.

The dog is ideally suited for active individuals who can offer not only physical activity but also mental stimulation. Owners who are passionate about hunting, sports, or simply long walks will be the best partners for it. It enjoys learning if it feels support and interest from its owner. With the right approach, the Swiss Beagle becomes not only obedient but also an incredibly loyal companion ready to perform any task set by its owner. At Zoonyka, elite breed puppies are available with a complete set of documents.

How to Choose a Puppy

When selecting a small Swiss hound puppy, it’s important to approach the process carefully to ensure that it grows up healthy and meets breed standards. Start by finding a reliable kennel that specializes in this breed and has a good reputation. The breeder should provide all information about the puppy’s lineage, the health of its parents, and the living conditions. Examine the space where the puppies are kept: it should be clean, spacious, and safe, and the puppies should show activity and curiosity.

The puppy should be agile, cheerful, and inquisitive. Pay attention to its behavior: it should not display excessive fearfulness or aggression. Check the coat, ears, eyes, and paws: the coat should be shiny and clean, the eyes clear without discharge, and the ears free from odor and dirt. Observe how the puppy moves to ensure it is not limping and has no joint issues.

Documents to verify include the puppy’s registration certificate, confirming its pedigree and compliance with breed standards. Make sure the puppy’s parents have pedigrees that include several generations of ancestors, without signs of inbreeding. Note the parents’ achievements, such as titles in shows or working certificates that confirm their breed qualities.

The puppy’s veterinary passport should contain records of initial vaccinations, deworming, and parasite treatment. Ask the breeder for information about test results for hereditary diseases, such as hip dysplasia or other conditions that may occur in the breed. The breeder should also provide guidelines for feeding and caring for the puppy to ensure a smooth transition to its new home.

A good breeder is always willing to answer your questions, show you the puppy’s parents, and offer advice on training and socialization. Choosing a healthy, active, and well-socialized puppy, taking all the above factors into account, will ensure you have a reliable, beautiful, and loyal representative of the breed. On Zooinika, only verified offers with a health guarantee.

Health and Diseases

The Small Swiss Hound is generally known for its robust health and long lifespan, typically ranging from 12 to 14 years. However, like other breeds, it has predispositions to certain health issues. One of the most common problems is hip and elbow dysplasia, which can cause discomfort and limit mobility. To prevent this, it’s important to monitor the dog’s weight, avoid excessive strain at a young age, and schedule regular veterinary check-ups.

This breed may also be susceptible to eye diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts. These conditions can lead to vision impairment or even blindness, making regular check-ups with a veterinary ophthalmologist essential for early detection and treatment. The ears of the Small Swiss Hound, due to their drooping shape, are prone to infections and inflammation, especially if not properly cared for. Regular cleaning and checking of the ears can help avoid these issues.

Another characteristic of the breed is its tendency towards allergic reactions, which may manifest as skin rashes, itching, or digestive disorders. Choosing high-quality food and eliminating potential allergens can help minimize this risk. Additionally, this breed may experience tartar build-up, so regular dental care, including brushing or using special chewing toys, is necessary to maintain oral health.

The energetic and active nature of the Small Swiss Hound requires adequate physical activity to prevent obesity, which can negatively impact the joints and overall health. It’s also important to provide opportunities for the dog to express its natural instincts through active play and training, to avoid stress or destructive behavior.

With proper care, timely vaccinations, and regular preventive check-ups with a veterinarian, the Small Swiss Hound can remain healthy and active throughout its life. Attentiveness to its condition and needs helps prevent most potential problems and ensures a comfortable and long life for the pet.