Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison

Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Estonian Hound - Breed ComparisonEstonian Hound is originated from Estonia but Schweizer Niederlaufhund is originated from Switzerland. Estonian Hound may grow 9 cm / 4 inches higher than Schweizer Niederlaufhund. Both Estonian Hound and Schweizer Niederlaufhund are having almost same weight. Both Estonian Hound and Schweizer Niederlaufhund has almost same life span. Both Estonian Hound and Schweizer Niederlaufhund has almost same litter size. Estonian Hound requires Moderate Maintenance. But Schweizer Niederlaufhund requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Hound dog
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Estonia
Switzerland
Height Male:
42 - 52 cm
16 - 21 inches
35 - 43 cm
13 - 17 inches
Height Female:
40 - 50 cm
15 - 20 inches
33 - 40 cm
12 - 16 inches
Weight Male:
15 - 20 kg
33 - 45 pounds
8 - 15 kg
17 - 34 pounds
Weight Female:
13 - 19 kg
28 - 42 pounds
6 - 18 kg
13 - 40 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
5 - 7
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Estonian Scenthound, Gontchaja Estonskaja
Small Swiss Hound.
Colors Available:
tan with black patches or blackish brown with red patches
mostly white with orange, tri color, mostly white with black, black with tan
Coat:
short, rough coat
smooth or coarse
Shedding:
Constant
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Cheerful, Energetic, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal
Affectionate, Courageous, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

estonian houndIn 1947, the Estonian Hound was developed and remains today the only pure breed ever developed in Estonia. At that time the national economic minister of the Soviet Union declared that every country in the USSR must have a national dog breed. Thus, the Estonian Hound and the Estonian Kennel Union were born. The Kennel Union is currently seeking breed recognition from the Federation Cynoloqique Internationale.

The Estonian Hound came from breeding local Estonian hunting dogs with several different breeds of foreign dogs. The Soviet decree also established that hunting dogs had to be no more than 17 inches high. This result in a hunting dog with great agility and drive that is extremely popular in now inependent Estonia. It is the national dog.

schweizer niederlaufhundOriginating in Switzerland, the Schweizer Niederlaufhund was established around 1900, when hunting became restricted to districts. The Swiss hunter needed a slower dog for the limited territory they could hunt in. Crossing selected Schweizer Laufhunds with Basset Hounds and other selected smaller, short legged hounds developed the Schweizer Niederlaufhund. By 1905 there was already a Schweizer Niederlaufhund Club.

The Niederlaufhund became one of the best hunting dogs in the world, with its powerful body and ability to outhunt the Laufhund in tracking big game. Slower of course than the Laufhund it has a great sense of smell and an ability to easily find wounded animals. There are a few varieties, just like with the Swiss Hound again mostly because of their coloring. The Luzerner Niederlaufhund, the Jura Neiderlaufhund, and the Schwyzerlaufhund. They have musical voices that they use to communicate with the hunters and each other as well as that amazing sense of smell. They can hunt for hours without tiring and without much information from the hunter.

They are a cross breed not recognized by the larger kennel club such as the AKC and the UKC. They are recognized by the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), the American Canine Association Inc. (ACA) and most importantly by the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI). This last one is important because it could lead to recognition as a new breed by the UKC and the AKC.

Description

estonian hound puppy - descriptionThe Estonian Hound is a strong, muscular body of medium size, with well-developed muscles and strong bones. It has a straight muzzle and skull with defined eyebrows and long drop ears. They have black noses and dark eyes. Their back is wide and straight, and their chest is deep and wide. They have skin that is tight with no wrinkles or folds anywhere.

The Estonian Hound is double coated, but the undercoat is not well developed. The top coat is rough, short and shiny. The tail has a thick covering of hair. The color is usually white with red patches, black or brown patches or yellow patches.

schweizer niederlaufhund puppy - descriptionThe Schweizer Niederlaufhund is a medium size, short dog. They look like their cousins, the Schweizer Laufhund but smaller. Their body is just slightly longer than it is tall, so you are left with the impression of a mostly square dog. The Niederlaufhund is well put together, with strong legs, a noble head, long droopy ears, broad chest, and a low held tail.

The Small Lucerne Hound has a white cote with smooth speckles of black or gray making them appear to be blue.

The Small Bernese Hound has a tricolor coat of white, tan and black. There are tan marks on the eyebrows. There is a wire haired Small Bernese as well. He has a short beard.

The Small Schwyz Hound is smooth coated in white with orange or yellow-red patches. The wired haired version is extinct.

The Small Jura Hound is a single coated dog with a black coat and tan marking above his eyes as eyebrows as well. He might have some white as well.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

estonian hound dog - characteristicsThe Estonian Hound is a happy dog and loves to play with children. He was bred to hunt though and he can get fixated on a scent and knock over a small child.

Special talents

He is a hunting dog with great agility and drive.

Adaptability

He has had to be adaptable through his short history and is now more a companion than a hunting dog. He can live in the city or country.

Learning ability

He is intelligent and trainable. He is lively and energetic and the challenge might be keeping his attention long enough to train.

schweizer niederlaufhund dog - characteristicsChildren friendliness – yes, they are but use caution around small children and small prey.

2. Special talents – the breed exhibits and amazing sense of smell.

3. Adaptability - needs room to run and explore – is very frustrated when confined.

4. Learning ability – highly intelligent and eager to learn.

Health Problems

estonian hound puppies - health problemsWith such a young breed there have not been any studies done on their health or genetic issues. It seems the breed is fairly healthy but there is too little information to really say. Being confined to Estonia there has been little commercial or backyard breeding. He is less likely than most pure breeds to have genetic issues.

It is likely that dogs of his type are at risk for:

Bloat – distended or twisted stomach

Caused by excessive exercise before or after having eaten a large meal. It is suggested that you feed your English Setter twice a day, smaller meals and not right before or after strenuous exercise.

  1. Luxating Patella
  2. Leads to lameness and arthritis
  3. Allergies skin/food
  4. See vet if issues arise
  5. Respiratory allergies - It would be very important to see vet if any breathing issues arise
  6. Joint dysplasia - This could be elbow or hip and can lead to lameness or arthritis

schweizer niederlaufhund puppies - health problemsThe Niederlaufhund Is prone to a very medical issues to keep an eye on. They include:

• Hip Dysplasia – This comes from hip joints that are not well formed and cause reduced mobility and pain. Parents can be tested before the dogs are bred to make sure their hips are good, and that dysplasia will not be passed to puppies. This dysplasia can cause arthritis and even lameness.

• Ear Infections – With long drooping ears it is easy for the dog to acquire ear infections. This is even more so for a hunting dog like the Niederlafhund. It is important to clean the dog’s ears on a regular basis.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

estonian hound dogs - caringFeed a high quality dry food made for puppies. Feed ¼ to ½ cup per day in 2-3 meals for the first six months.

Feed 1 to 2 cups in two meals from 6 months to a year or so.

Feeding the adult.

Feed about 2 to 3 cups in two meals.

Points for Good Health

As previously mentioned this seems to be a fairly healthy breed.

Be careful not to feed a large meal before or after exercise due to possibility of bloat.

Check their ears and clean them periodically.

Games and Exercises

The Estonian Hound is a hunting dog and needs a good deal of exercise – at least an hour and a half every day or a long walk if not used for hunting. He is a working dog with a lot of energy and stamina. Don’t let him off leash though or he will follow his nose and take off. He is usually calm and quiet indoors if he gets enough physical and mental stimulation outdoors. He can be destructive and loud, nervous and hyper if he doesn’t. They enjoy Frisbee, agility, tracking and of course hunting.

schweizer niederlaufhund dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy - give 1 cup per day of high quality dog food divided into 3 meals.

2.Feeding the adult – give one and one half cups of high quality dog food divided into 2 meals.

3.Points for Good Health - Stamina

4. Games and Exercises – needs a lot of daily exercise and loves field trials, running and activities like barn hunt.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  26. Estonian Hound vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Estonian Hound vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Estonian Hound vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Estonian Hound vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Estonian Hound vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Estonian Hound vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Estonian Hound vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Estonian Hound vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Estonian Hound vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Estonian Hound vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Estonian Hound vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Estonian Hound vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Estonian Hound vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Estonian Hound vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Estonian Hound vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Estonian Hound vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Estonian Hound vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Estonian Hound vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Estonian Hound vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Estonian Hound vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Estonian Hound vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Estonian Hound vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Estonian Hound vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Estonian Hound vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Estonian Hound vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison