what they are likeSchweizerischer Niederlaufhund temperament
A keen, untiring little hound with a superb nose and a melodious voice. Steady and friendly, ranging from calm to lively, and never aggressive.13
how to spot oneSchweizerischer Niederlaufhund coat and colours
smooth, rough or double coat
A low, rectangular scent hound, a scaled-down version of the Swiss Hound with a noble head and very long, low-set folded ears that reach to the nose tip. The coat may be short and smooth, harsh with a slight beard, or dense with an undercoat.12
ColoursSmall Bernese: white, black and tanSmall Jura: black with tanSmall Lucerne: blue speckled with black mantleSmall Schwyz: white with orange-red mantle13
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Schweizerischer Niederlaufhund. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
by countryIs the Schweizerischer Niederlaufhund legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Schweizerischer Niederlaufhund in the 44 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Checked 2026-11-05. Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
how busy a day looksSchweizerischer Niederlaufhund exercise needs
Bred to hunt on its own, giving tongue as it follows game; needs regular long walks and outlets for tracking.13
the hands-on bitsSchweizerischer Niederlaufhund grooming and care
Coat care depends on coat type; all three are fairly easy to keep with regular brushing.1
who they like aroundSchweizerischer Niederlaufhund with people and other pets
A friendly, people-oriented hound that enjoys working together with its owner.13
where it all beganSchweizerischer Niederlaufhund history
Around 1900 several Swiss cantons limited hunting to smaller districts, where the fast medium-sized Swiss Hounds covered too much ground. Breeders selected shorter-legged dogs to create a slower, compact hound for these areas, and the breed club was founded in 1905.132
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
It was created specifically for hunting in small, enclosed districts where bigger hounds ran too fast.3
2
Its ears are so long that, folded forward, they reach the tip of the nose.2
3
Three coat types are allowed: smooth, rough and double.1
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The breed name "Niederlaufhund" means "short-legged hound" in German, referring to its smaller stature compared to the standard Swiss Hound.4
told by a Schweizerischer NiederlaufhundA day in the life
I start my day sniffing the alpine breeze on our morning walk, my nose twitching with every scent. I follow a trail through the meadow, giving a melodious bay when I find a rabbit’s path. Back home, I curl up on the sofa, watching my human work. In the afternoon, we play hide-and-seek in the garden – I always find the treat first. Evening brings a gentle stroll, and I sleep with my nose tucked under my tail, dreaming of tomorrow’s adventures.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
the official bitsRecognised by
FCI
Standard no. 60, Group 6, Section 1.3 Small-sized hounds, with working trial; four varieties (Bernese, Jura, Lucerne, Schwyz).1
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Schweizerischer Niederlaufhund, and at what times?
Feed an adult at least twice a day, and a puppy three to four smaller meals, at consistent times that suit your routine. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests daily meals, and your vet can help set exact portions.5Pet Wiki plan
What should a Schweizerischer Niederlaufhund eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a balanced dog food, following the label for amounts and checking with your vet. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, xylitol, onions, garlic, and alcohol.65
How often should I bathe a Schweizerischer Niederlaufhund?
Bathe at least every three months, or more often if your dog gets dirty or has skin issues. Pet Wiki's plan suggests a bath about every eight weeks, using a gentle dog shampoo.7Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Schweizerischer Niederlaufhund need brushing?
Brush weekly for smooth coats, and more often for rough or dense coats, to keep them easy to manage. Pet Wiki's plan recommends brushing every seven days.71Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Schweizerischer Niederlaufhund's nails, and how often?
Trim nails when they nearly touch the ground, cutting a little at a time and stopping before the quick. Pet Wiki's plan suggests every three weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor.7Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Schweizerischer Niederlaufhund need?
This keen hound needs regular long walks and chances to track, as it was bred to hunt. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily walks and play to keep it happy and healthy.13Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Schweizerischer Niederlaufhund's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, and check ears weekly, drying them since floppy ears trap moisture. Pet Wiki's plan suggests daily teeth brushing and weekly ear checks.7Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Schweizerischer Niederlaufhund live?
Lifespan varies, but senior years often start around age 10, so plan for regular vet checkups then. Your vet can give more specific guidance for your dog. Pet Wiki plan
Is a Schweizerischer Niederlaufhund good with children and other pets?
Yes, this breed is steady, friendly, and never aggressive, making it good with children and other pets. It is people-oriented and enjoys working with its owner.13
Can a Schweizerischer Niederlaufhund be left alone?
It varies by individual, as this friendly hound prefers company and may not like long solitude. Ask a good breeder or your vet for advice based on your dog's temperament.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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