Page 175 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

Laufhund

HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN
19–23in 33–44lb 12 years
(47–59cm) (15–20kg) SCHWYZER

This noble-headed, lean hound with Roman THE SAME OR DIFFERENT?
roots has a laid-back attitude to life
Originally all called Swiss Beagles, these Swiss
Also known as the Swiss Hound, dogs tracking rabbit, fox, and roe deer. The hunting dogs were split into four breeds based
on regional differences in 1881. Although similar
of this type have existed in Switzerland double-layered coat, with its dense
in form, the Jura, Schwyzer, Bernese (shown
for hundreds of years; a Roman mosaic undercoat and hard top coat, gives
below in a French print from 1907), and Lucerne
found at Avenches shows pack hounds protection in all weather. dogs differ in color, possibly reflecting the
resembling the Laufhund. There are four These dogs are still used for hunting different breeds used in their development.
varieties, each named after a Swiss canton today. They also make elegant companions; The Lucerne, for example, shows a marked
similarity to the Petit Bleu de Gascogne (see
and certified by its coat colors—the Bernese the fine, sculpted head and good proportions
p.163). In the 1930s the dogs were united once
(white with black patches), Lucerne (blue), lend the Laufhund an air of nobility.
again, under a single FCI breed standard, since
Schwyzer Laufhunds (white with red At home the breed is relaxed and docile, Laufhunds with four color varieties. The dogs
patches), and Bruno Jura (tan with black and is friendly to children. However, it are, however, assessed and exhibited separately
blanket; see p.140). (A further variety, the does need a lot of exercise to burn off as if they were still distinct breeds.
Thurgovia, had died out by the early its energy; it would do well in a country
20th century.) home with an active owner.
The Laufhund is a tireless, strong-nosed
tracker that works easily in high Alpine Slim, elegant, domed
terrain; it is especially well-known for head with tan markings

Pendant ears set
White with below eye level
black patches

Firm, straight back
Elegant tail carried
hanging down
Black marking
on head

Blue

Light to dark tan
markings on cheeks

BERNESE LUCERNE

173