The Lucernese Hound is a medium-sized dog that originated in Switzerland where it was bred to hunt a variety of game including rabbits, foxes and deer. These dogs are known by a handful of different names including Lucernese Hounds, Lucernese Swiss Hounds and Luzerner Laufhunds. Lucernese Hounds are a type of Schweizer Laufhund, which is a group of Scenthounds that originated in Switzerland. They were named after the city of Lucerne where they were used mainly to hunt such game as rabbits, foxes and deer. It is thought that the Petit Bleu de Gascone may have been used to develop the breed due to its unique coloring.
The Lucernese Hound is one of the smallest Swiss Hounds, weighing only between 36 and 44 pounds fully grown. This is a short-haired dog that has blue tri-colored hair with or without ticking and a black saddle. It is a somewhat stocky and muscular breed with long droopy ears, a long tail and a square muzzle.
Personality
Lucernese Hounds are active dogs that need a lot of exercise and room to run and explore. They can get bored rather easily and may become destructive if they are not kept busy. They are generally friendly and loyal dogs that get along well with children and other dogs. However, due to their hunting instincts, many of them do not interact well with small household pets such as cats, rabbits and rodents. The Lucernese Hound is a delightful dog that originated in Switzerland where it was used to hunt a variety of game. These dogs are quite active and are happiest when they are kept busy. If you choose to add a Lucernese Hound to your home, you will want to be sure to provide it with plenty of toys and exercise.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 10 - 13 years |
| Nicknames: | Lucernese Swiss Hounds, Luzerner Laufhunds, Lucerner Laufhund, Lucerne Hound, Schwyz Laufhund |
Lucernese Hound Build Information
The Lucernese Hound is one of the smallest Swiss Hounds, weighing only between 36 and 44 pounds fully grown. This is a short-haired dog that has blue tri-colored hair with or without ticking and a black saddle. It is a somewhat stocky and muscular breed with long droopy ears, a long tail and a square muzzle.
| Size: | Medium |
Behaviour and Personality
Lucernese Hounds are active dogs that need a lot of exercise and room to run and explore. They can get bored rather easily and may become destructive if they are not kept busy. They are generally friendly and loyal dogs that get along well with children and other dogs. However, due to their hunting instincts, many of them do not interact well with small household pets such as cats, rabbits and rodents. The Lucernese Hound is a delightful dog that originated in Switzerland where it was used to hunt a variety of game. These dogs are quite active and are happiest when they are kept busy. If you choose to add a Lucernese Hound to your home, you will want to be sure to provide it with plenty of toys and exercise.
| Activity Level: | Very active |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Kid friendly |
Appearance
The Lucernese Hound does not require any extensive grooming other than an occasional bathing when it becomes dirty. However, you will need to check its ears regularly for any wax buildup or signs of infection. Additionally, if its nails become overly long, you can clip the tips of them using a guillotine-type nail clipper.
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Low maintenance |
Lucernese Hound Common Health Conditions
Lucernese Hounds are extremely hardy dogs that can live as long as 13 years or longer. While they are not typically susceptible to any serious health issues, they can tend to become obese. Furthermore, they can easily develop ear infections if you do not keep their ears clean.
Lucernese Hound 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
Most major kennel clubs treat all members of the Swiss hound group as a single breed that they call the Schweizer Laufhund. Lucernese Hounds can adjust quite well to urban living so long as they are given plenty of exercise. These dogs are rarely seen outside of their native home in Switzerland.
| Training: | Easy to train |