The Small Swiss Hound: temperament, price, health, and breeders

The Petit Chien Courant Suisse was developed in Switzerland from the Swiss Hound, by selecting smaller individuals and through crossbreeding, in order to obtain a dog that is less fast and better suited to the context of managed hunts introduced at the beginning of the 20th century. The breed club was created in 1905 and the breed has been recognized by the FCI since 1954.

The Petit Chien Courant Suisse is a medium-sized scenthound, powerfully built and with a length slightly greater than the height at the withers. Its head is elongated and noble, its ears are set low and hanging against the head, its chest is broad and well let down, and its medium-length tail is carried low at rest. Its coat is short and close-lying, and may be smooth, harsh or double depending on the individuals and the varieties.

When hunting, the Petit Chien Courant Suisse is agile, enduring, diligent and endowed with a very fine sense of smell. At home, he is generally calm, pleasant to live with, neither fearful nor aggressive. He nevertheless retains a true scenthound temperament, with strong olfactory motivation and a certain taste for autonomy.

This dog needs long daily outings and fully thrives when it can trot, sniff and move about on natural terrain. It likes activity and does not cope well with a life that is too sedentary. Indoors, it can be calm if its physical and mental needs are truly met.

As with many hunting dogs, recall must be worked on very early and maintained throughout life. Its docility is not its strongest point, but regular, consistent, firm training without harshness and motivated by practical exercises gives good results. Early socialization and work in a stimulating environment are important.

The purchase price varies mainly depending on the lineage, the quality of the breeding, the availability of the breed and the health monitoring offered. The relative rarity of the Petit Chien Courant Suisse can also influence the price depending on the countries and the breeders.

The Petit Chien Courant Suisse is considered a rather robust dog, with generally solid health when breeding selection is serious and care is adapted to its level of activity. Like many hunting dogs with drooping ears and of medium size, it mainly requires regular joint and ear monitoring.

The Petit Chien Courant Suisse needs good-quality food, adapted to its age, its size and above all to its activity level. A dog that hunts or goes out a lot will not have the same needs as an individual living mainly as a companion.

The breed exists in several regional varieties and traditional colorings, notably Bernese, Jura, Lucerne and Swiss. It is also appreciated for its harmonious voice and for its qualities in blood tracking, in addition to its use as a scenthound.