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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+4
Dogs
# The Small Swiss Hound: temperament, price, health, and breeders
Switzerland
A compact, hardy and diligent Swiss scent hound, built for hunting and pleasant at home.
Size MediumLife expectancy 12–14 yearsBudget ≈ €107/monthPuppy €500 – €1,500
[Find a breeder 1](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-small-swiss-hound) [ Compare with other breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare-dog-breeds?races=small-swiss-hound)
The right choice?
## Is this breed right for you?
[Find your ideal breed with our online quiz!](https://www.pedibase.com/en/choose-your-dog)
Families and children Good
Daily exercise needs High
Apartment living Fair
First-time owners Good
Other pets Good
Tolerance of being alone Good
Guarding instinct Fair
Strengths and weaknesses
- Enduring: He tolerates effort well and willingly accompanies long outings on natural terrain.
- Developed scenting ability: His keen nose and scent-driven motivation make him an effective and diligent scenthound.
- Stable temperament: At home, he is generally calm and not very prone to aggression or excessive fear.
- High exercise needs: A life that is too sedentary can lead to frustration, boredom and behavioral imbalance.
- Recall to work on: Its chasing instinct and its interest in trails require serious training.
- Not well suited to very absent owners: It thrives better with humans who are available for outings and activities.
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- Hunters: The breed was selected for the work of a scenthound and retains strong working abilities.
- Active owners: It is well suited to people who like to walk for a long time and offer varied outings.
- Homes close to nature: An environment offering regular access to large open spaces clearly helps its balance.
Not recommended for
- Sedentary people: Its physical and olfactory needs are too significant for a low-activity lifestyle.
- Owners looking for a very obedient dog: Its scent hound profile implies more independence than a very docile companion dog.
- Households without time for outings: It needs a real daily commitment to remain stable and fulfilled.
Meet the breed
## What does it look like?
1,75 mHuman
38 cmSmall Swiss Hound
- Height at the withers
- 33–43 cm
- Weight
- 9–15 kg
- Coat
- Short, smooth, harsh or double
- FCI group
- 6
- Origin
- Switzerland
- Grooming
- Easy to care for
## Photos and videos
See the Small Swiss Hound in photos and videos: coat colors, size, and distinctive expressions.
Origins
## Where does it come from?
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.
Appearance
## What does it look like?
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.
Temperament
## Temperament and personality
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.
Playful
Living together
## Living with children and other pets
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.
Training
## Training and socialization
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.
Budget
## Price and budget for the Small Swiss Hound
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.
[See cost breakdown](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/small-swiss-hound/price)
Health
## Health at a glance
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.
[Prevention and things to watch for](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/small-swiss-hound/health)
Nutrition
## Feeding your pet well
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.
[Our feeding advice](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/small-swiss-hound/food)
Did you know?
## Fun facts and popularity
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.
FAQ
## Frequently asked questions about the Small Swiss Hound
Answers to common questions from future owners before their new companion arrives.
### Is the Small Swiss Hound a good family dog?
Yes, it can be a pleasant and well-balanced companion at home if it gets enough exercise, stimulating outings and consistent training. However, it is better suited to people who can respect its scent hound temperament.
### Can it live in an apartment?
It is possible in some cases, but it is not its ideal environment. It needs real daily exercise, time outdoors and regular scent-based activities to feel good.
## Find a Small Swiss Hound breeder
The areas where Pedibase lists the most Small Swiss Hound breeders, along with their litters and typical prices.
### Small Swiss Hound breeders by country
[1 breeder of Small Swiss Hound in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-small-swiss-hound) [1 breeder of Small Swiss Hound in the Netherlands](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-small-swiss-hound/netherlands)
[All breeders of Small Swiss Hound in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-small-swiss-hound)
## Ready to welcome a Small Swiss Hound?
Find a registered, verified breeder near you and meet your future companion with confidence.
[View breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-small-swiss-hound)
## Discover other breeds
[Swiss Hound
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/swiss-hound)
[Small Anglo-French Hound
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/anglo-french-small-game-hound)
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[Westphalian Dachsbracke
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