For a unique hunting dog specimen, consider the hardy Jura hound. The ancient Swiss breed is an affectionate addition to the family and a willing partner for outdoor adventures. The Jura hound dates back to the Middle Ages and originated in Switzerland. The breed was developed in the Jura Mountains that border France and Switzerland. Related to the bloodhound, two varieties of the Jura hound exist, the Bruno Jura hound and the St. Hubert Jura hound. Jura hounds are hunting dogs that can traverse the rough, mountainous terrain while tracking the slightest detected scent. The scent hounds are used for hunting hares, foxes and small deer. Jura hounds are part of a collective group of four Swiss scent hound varieties called Schweizer laufhund. Although somewhat popular in parts of Europe, the Jura hound is a very rare find in the United States. The breed is not recognized by the United Kennel Club or the American Kennel Club.
The medium-sized dog stands 16 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 34 to 55 pounds. The St. Hubert Jura hound falls on the higher end of the size range and has a larger head and ears than the Bruno Jura hound. The St. Hubert also displays deeper skin folds on his neck than the smaller Bruno hound. Both variations have long, flat ears that droop and long, tapering tails. Their smooth, short coats may be black and tan, yellow or red. The yellow or red coats may display a black saddle marking on the back.
Personality
Used to hunting individually or in packs, the Jura hound gets along with other dogs in the household. His demeanor is calm, laid back and affectionate, and he gets along with children. The hunting instinct prevents him from being a good housemate with cats or other small pets. He is intelligent, alert and emits a loud bark, making him a good watchdog. He is not a good guard dog, due to his social nature and laid back temperament. He can be headstrong, and training can be mildly challenging. His keen sense of smell and curiosity will lead him along a scent trail for hours. He loves to explore and will enjoy embarking on outdoor adventures, such as hunting or hiking outings, with his owner. Jura hounds require some daily physical exercise and mental stimulation to work off energy and to feel a sense of purpose. They make good candidates for field trials and lure coursing. Early obedience training, socialization and plenty of lifelong exercise will make the Jura hound a well-behaved and beloved pet.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 11 -13 years |
| Nicknames: | Bern Hound, Bruno Jura Laufhund, Bruno Hound, and Bruno Laufhund, Jura Laufhund, Saint Hubert Hound Jura Type, French Jura Type Saint Hubert Hound |
Jura Hounds Build Information
The medium-sized dog stands 16 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 34 to 55 pounds. The St. Hubert Jura hound falls on the higher end of the size range and has a larger head and ears than the Bruno Jura hound. The St. Hubert also displays deeper skin folds on his neck than the smaller Bruno hound. Both variations have long, flat ears that droop and long, tapering tails. Their smooth, short coats may be black and tan, yellow or red. The yellow or red coats may display a black saddle marking on the back.
| Size: | Medium |
Behaviour and Personality
Used to hunting individually or in packs, the Jura hound gets along with other dogs in the household. His demeanor is calm, laid back and affectionate, and he gets along with children. The hunting instinct prevents him from being a good housemate with cats or other small pets. He is intelligent, alert and emits a loud bark, making him a good watchdog. He is not a good guard dog, due to his social nature and laid back temperament. He can be headstrong, and training can be mildly challenging. His keen sense of smell and curiosity will lead him along a scent trail for hours. He loves to explore and will enjoy embarking on outdoor adventures, such as hunting or hiking outings, with his owner. Jura hounds require some daily physical exercise and mental stimulation to work off energy and to feel a sense of purpose. They make good candidates for field trials and lure coursing. Early obedience training, socialization and plenty of lifelong exercise will make the Jura hound a well-behaved and beloved pet.
| Activity Level: | Active |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Kid friendly |
Appearance
The smooth coat of a Jura hound requires minimal grooming. A weekly brushing with a grooming mitt will remove dead hairs to minimize shedding and maintain the coat's sheen. The ears should be inspected frequently and kept clean to prevent ear infections. Brushing the teeth several times each week will maintain good dental and overall health.
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
Jura Hounds Common Health Conditions
Due to the minimal health surveys conducted on the Jura hound, no known genetic health conditions have been documented. Similar hunting breeds have been shown to be at risk for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and various eye problems. The hardy breed's average lifespan is 11 to 13 years.
Jura Hounds Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
The Jura hound originated in the Jura mountains of Switzerland. The Jura hound is also called a Jura laufhund, Bruno Jura hound and St Hubert Jura hound. The Jura hound is an eager hunting companion with a gentle and affectionate disposition. The Jura hound stands 16 to 23 inches tall and weighs 34 to 55 pounds. The Jura hound has a moderate energy level. The Jura hound requires minimal grooming. The average lifespan for a Jura hound is 11 to 13 years.
| Training: | Easy |