Small Schwyz Hound
Table of contents
Features of the breed
History of Origin
The Small Schwyz Hound is one of the four subspecies of the Small Swiss Hound, bred from the medium-sized Swiss Hound crossing and the Basset Hound. This breed is very similar to its older cousin, the medium-sized Schwyz hound, which differs only in its relatively long limbs.
A smaller version of the Schwyz Hound was bred in the 20th century due to the emergence of a new type of hunting. Private enclosed hunting grounds were gaining popularity due to the prohibition of hunting with a rifle in open grounds in some areas of Switzerland. The Swiss hounds, which were considered the best for hunting, were too fast and big for small hunting grounds. So the idea was born to breed a smaller dog, which would have the same hunting qualities as the Swiss Hound.
Small Schwyz Hounds were used for hunting small game – hare, rabbit, badger, sometimes – for birds. In modern times, this breed is considered very rare and is not often found outside Switzerland.
Appearance: height, weight, fur, color
The Small Schwyz Hound is a short dog with an elongated body and straight back, long neck, strong and muscular limbs. The taut body and strong limbs allow the animal to develop good speed.
This dog has an elongated and slightly narrow skull, a long muzzle and strong jaw, a developed and always black nasal lobe. The eyes of the Schwyzka hound are oval, outlined with black eyelids. The gaze of this hound is serious and somewhat thoughtful.
This breed’s representatives have a short, smooth coat of white color with large red or light brown spots. It is very rare to find a Small Schwyz Hound with a completely red color.
Small Schwyz Hounds are excellent hunters, characterized by excellent flair, endurance, and the ability to develop good speed. These dogs are independent and hardy, able to be active for a long time. Have the ability to navigate the area of any complexity. When hunting, Small Schwyz Dogs can work both in groups with other dogs and alone.
Despite its hunting nature, the Small Schwyz Hound can be a good companion to its owner. This dog quickly becomes attached to him, mostly behaves obediently and calmly, does not show aggression. It is characterized by friendliness, intelligence, and good wit.
The Small Schwyz Hound is a dog that is not demanding in terms of grooming. Short hair hardly sheds, so it is enough to comb the pet once a week and wash as needed. Regular hygienic procedures are not less important in the care of the representative of this breed – regular cleaning of ears and eyes, trimming of claws for the Small Schwyz Hound are just as necessary as hair care.
Even though the small size allows to keep representatives of this breed in an apartment, it is still more comfortable for them to live in a country house, where the pet will have the opportunity to be active and enjoy freedom.
Training and training of Small Schwyz Hounds are better to begin at an early age when they cannot do without the owner’s assistance and require his constant presence. The prerequisites for effective training are obedience and attachment of the pet to the owner.
In training, it is important to remember the Small Schwyz Hound’s independence and self-confidence, which are due to its hunting nature. Therefore, sometimes the owner will have to be patient and persistent, but at the same time avoid aggression and use of force.
As a hunting dog, the Small Swiss Hound needs a sufficient amount of physical activity, so it is very important to exercise the pet regularly. Lack of regular exercise can harm the health and emotional well-being of the hunting dog.
Small Schwyz Hounds, in general, have good and reliable health. They have a strong immune system, and with proper care and regular preventive examinations at the veterinarian, they are very rarely sick.
As members of a breed with long floppy ears, they can often be diagnosed with ear infections and inflammation. If not responded to the problem in a timely manner, such diseases can progress to a chronic form. Avoiding such problems is easy – you need to follow the recommendations for your pet’s ears’ regular hygienic care.
When making a diet plan for a small-sized hound, care must include lean raw meat in the diet. The daily norm for a Small Schwyz Hound is from 200 grams. It is also possible to feed representatives of this breed with vegetable soups on meat broth, milk porridge, in which it is recommended to add eggs sometimes. There should always be drinking water in the pet’s bowl, which should be changed twice a day. Care should be taken to provide a balanced and varied diet for the dog. Portions should be appropriate for his age and appropriate for his physical activity.