Berner Laufhund
Bernese Hound, Bernese Laufhund, Schweizer Laufhund, Swiss Hound
The Berner Laufhund is one of four varieties of Swiss Hounds, the other three being the Jura, Luzerner, and Schwyzer. The title ‘Laufhund’ means ‘walking dog’, the name was given to these scenthounds because they are not used with horses, but rather with hunters traveling on foot. Each variety specializes in its own prey, the Bernese being used with deer and small game.
Berner Laufhund Standards
- FCI (Group 6)
- UKC (Scenthound)
- 19-23"
- 33-44 lbs
- medium-sized scenthound
- ears are long, reach at least the tip of nose, and twisted or folded
- tail is long, tapers
- coat is short, smooth, and dense
- white with black patches and tan markings
- white with black saddle and tan markings
History of the Berner Laufhund
All of the Swiss Hounds are ancient breeds, each developed in a specific, isolated region in Switzerland. The Berner Laufhund hails specifically from the area just south of Berne, the capital. In 1881 these breeds were separated by region, but they returned to a single standard with four varieties in 1993.
Related Breeds: