Swiss Hound
Energetic, loyal, and keen-nosed, this breed thrives on companionship and purpose. Great with families, the Swiss Hound is happiest when active and engaged outdoors.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
47–59 cm (male)
47–57 cm (female)
WEIGHT
18–23 kg (male)
16–20 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
12–14 years
Swiss Hound: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Swiss Hound isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Swiss Hound's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Swiss Hound is known for its friendly, gentle, and devoted nature, making it a reliable companion. It is generally sociable with people and other dogs.
Key Personality Traits
Gentle and sociable with people and dogs
Quick to learn and responsive to training
Highly active and needs regular exercise
Enjoys interactive games and activities
Adjusts moderately to new environments
Strengths
- Excellent scent-tracking ability
- Loyal and affectionate with family
- Adaptable to various terrains and climates
- Generally sociable with other dogs
- Good stamina for long outdoor activities
Challenges
- Needs extensive daily exercise
- Can be vocal when tracking scents
- Prone to stubbornness during training
- Requires secure fencing due to prey drive
- May become bored without mental stimulation
Protect your Swiss Hound
Swiss Hound are active and energetic, but they can develop ear infections and hip dysplasia. Get peace of mind with PetSecur's comprehensive coverage.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Swiss Hounds are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Learns with consistency
Overall rating
This breed is intelligent and quick to learn, responding well to consistent, positive training methods. Swiss Hounds can be independent, so early training and clear guidance are recommended.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
60–90 minutes daily
recommended per day
Swiss Hounds have high energy levels and require substantial daily exercise, including long walks and opportunities to run. They also benefit from mental stimulation, such as scent games or tracking activities.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Swiss Hounds are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Swiss Hound would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Needs experienced, consistent training and handling to thrive
Apartment Living
High energy and vocal nature can cause issues in small spaces
Active Lifestyle
Thrives with plenty of exercise and outdoor activities
Kids
Usually gentle but may be too energetic for very young children
Multiple Pets
Gets along well with other dogs if socialized early
Being Left Alone
Dislikes being left alone for extended periods and may develop destructive habits
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Swiss Hounds compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Swiss Hound
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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