Discover Everything About Luzerner Low Running Dog
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
At a glance
Luzerner Low Running Dog overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
There are currently no mandatory breed-specific genetic tests for the Luzerner Niederlaufhund, which points to a largely robust working breed. Nevertheless, buyers should be aware of general vulnerabilities such as hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED), which can occur in the skeletal structure of scent hounds. Additionally, the breed's long, floppy ears are prone to painful ear infections (otitis externa), which requires consistent care.
Lifespan
12–14 yrs
Height
33–43 cm
Weight
13–18 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,200 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Short, dense, without undercoat
- Origin: Switzerland
Typical coat colors
- Varied
- including black
- blue
- brown
- fawn
- red
- more.
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Luzerner Low Running Dog, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Breed Profile
The Luzerner Low Running Dog is a versatile Swiss hunting breed (FCI 060), known for endurance, a keen nose, and its distinctive blue-speckled coat.
| Height | 33 - 40 cm (Female), 35 - 43 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 13 - 18 kg (Female), 13 - 18 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 12 - 14 years |
| Character | Intelligent, alert, affectionate with the family, but reserved towards strangers, high hunting drive |
| Coat | Short, dense, without undercoat |
| Coat Color | Varied; including black, blue, brown, fawn, red, and more. |
| Price | 1200 - 2500 € |
History
The history of the Swiss Niederlaufhund, especially the Lucerne Niederlaufhund, dates back to the 19th century. Originally, these dogs were bred in Switzerland to serve as versatile hunting and companion dogs. They were characterized by their endurance, keen sense of smell, and calm yet eager-to-work nature. Especially in the Lucerne region, they were valued as reliable Niederlaufhunde used for hunting small game such as hares and rabbits. Over time, the Lucerne Niederlaufhund was selectively bred to preserve its hunting abilities and pleasant character. Today, the breed is considered a valuable companion for hunters and nature enthusiasts and is a symbol of the Swiss hunting dog tradition.
The Lucerne Low Hound is a variety of the Swiss Low Hound and was bred to hunt hares and foxes.
Switzerland
1900
Character & Temperament
The Swiss Niederlaufhund (Lucerne Niederlaufhund) is a lively and versatile hunting dog with a keen sense of smell and a strong bond with its owner. It is characterized by its endurance and pronounced hunting instinct, while remaining friendly and sociable with the family. This dog is very eager to learn and enjoys working closely with its owner, making it an ideal partner for small game hunting. It requires a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to stay balanced. Without sufficient activity, it can become restless or stubborn. The Lucerne Niederlaufhund is attentive and alert but does not show excessive protective behavior. Its prey drive is strongly developed, which is why consistent training and a reliable recall from an early age are important. Despite its hunting instinct, it is family-friendly and enjoys being close to its people, integrating well into everyday life.
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
| Watchfulness Reports unusual activity but stays controlled. | Moderate |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
The Swiss Niederlaufhund, also called the Lucerne Niederlaufhund, is a true specialist on short legs: Despite its compact size, it has an impressive sense of smell and was traditionally used for hunting small game. Its agile nature and tireless hunting drive make it the perfect companion for anyone looking for a small but highly dedicated hunting dog!
What Awaits You
The Swiss Niederlaufhund (Lucerne Niederlaufhund) is a lively and enduring hunting dog, particularly suitable for tracking and retrieving. It is characterized by its good obedience and pronounced sense of smell. These dogs are friendly in nature but require consistent training and sufficient activity. Due to their strong hunting drive, they are active companions who need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
Housing & Care
The Swiss Niederlaufhund (Lucerne Niederlaufhund) is a lively and friendly companion that is well suited for active families. It shows a strong enthusiasm for work and requires regular mental and physical exercise to remain balanced. Despite its hunting passion, it is generally compatible with other dogs and pets if socialized early. The Lucerne Niederlaufhund is attentive and eager to learn, making it a reliable family dog. It feels comfortable both in rural areas with plenty of space to run and in a home with sufficient activities. It is usually friendly and patient with children, but interactions should always be respectful and supervised.
| Family Friendly Loves family life and thrives in a group. | Family-oriented |
| Child Friendly Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride. | Patient with children |
| Dog Friendly Actively enjoys the company of other dogs. | Dog-friendly |
| City Friendly City-appropriate with enough exercise and stimulation. | Manageable in cities |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
The Swiss Niederlaufhund (Lucerne Niederlaufhund) is an intelligent and eager-to-work hunting dog that requires consistent and varied training. Similar to the Labrador, it is important to give the Lucerne Niederlaufhund meaningful tasks that promote its natural scenting ability and endurance. Retrieving and search games are excellent for challenging its skills, but a balanced mix of activity and rest periods should be maintained. Compared to the German Shepherd, the Lucerne Niederlaufhund shows a pronounced hunting drive that must be controlled and channeled early to avoid unwanted behavior. Frustration tolerance and impulse control are therefore central training elements. Positive, reward-based training strengthens the bond between you and your dog and motivates it to work reliably. The Lucerne Niederlaufhund is well suited for various dog sports such as tracking, obedience, or retrieving trials. It is important that the training is varied to prevent boredom and to mentally and physically challenge the dog. Due to its friendly and willing-to-learn nature, it is a loyal companion that, with the right support, becomes a balanced and content family dog. Note that the Lucerne Niederlaufhund requires time, patience, and consistency in training. Those willing to make this investment will be rewarded with an intelligent, eager-to-work, and affectionate dog.
Nutrition & Care
The Swiss Niederlaufhunde, especially the Luzerner Niederlaufhund, require a balanced diet that supports their active urge to move. High-quality food with a good proportion of proteins and essential nutrients is essential to strengthen the muscles and promote health. Be careful to avoid overfeeding, as these dogs can tend to become overweight despite their endurance. The coat of the Luzerner Niederlaufhund is short and dense, which makes grooming easier. Regular brushing, about once a week, is sufficient to remove loose hair and keep the skin healthy. During the shedding season in spring and autumn, increased hair loss can occur, making more intensive grooming advisable. The Luzerner Niederlaufhund is well adapted to the Central European climate. Its coat protects it from the cold, but in very hot weather, sufficient shade and water should be provided to prevent overheating. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are important to balance the natural hunting instinct and energy of this lively dog.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Barely any shedding — occasional vacuuming is enough. | Minimal |
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Experiences with the Luzerner Low Running Dog
Stefan M., Jäger aus dem Schwarzwald (Rüde, seit 2018)
Ich führe meinen Luzerner Niederlaufhund nun schon seit einigen Jahren aktiv jagdlich, hauptsächlich bei der Jagd auf Rehböcke. Im Vergleich zu den großen Schweizer Laufhunden, bei denen das Wild oft wie eine Rakete an einem vorbeischießt, ist das Tempo bei den Niederlaufhunden deutlich angenehmer und kontrollierbarer. Er jagt mit einem unglaublich tiefen, melodischen Spurlaut, den man im Wald weithin hört – für mich ist dieses Geläut jedes Mal ein akustisches Highlight.
Eine seiner besten Eigenschaften ist, dass er sehr selbstständig, aber kontrolliert arbeitet. Meistens bricht er die Jagd nach einer halben Stunde bis maximal einer Stunde ab und findet von selbst wieder zu mir zurück. Außerhalb der Jagdsaison fordert er allerdings seinen Ausgleich: Wir machen dann viel Schweißarbeit und Gehorsamsübungen, um seinen extrem feinen Spürsinn auszulasten. Ohne diese Beschäftigung merkt man schnell, dass ihm etwas fehlt.
Andrea S., Halterin aus Hessen (Hündin, seit 2021)
Wenn ich mit meiner Hündin unterwegs bin, werde ich ständig gefragt: „Ist das ein Beagle?“ oder „Ein Basset?“. Der Luzerner Niederlaufhund ist hier in Deutschland einfach ein absoluter Exot. Dabei ist sie mit ihrer blau-grau gesprenkelten Zeichnung und den langen, elegant gefalteten Ohren eine echte Schönheit. Sie hat ein unglaublich sanftes, freundliches und anhängliches Wesen im Haus und sucht immer den engen Familienanschluss.
Man darf sich von ihrer ruhigen Art drinnen aber nicht täuschen lassen. Sobald wir die Tür nach draußen öffnen, ist die Nase am Boden. Sie hat einen enormen Finderwillen und eine immense Ausdauer. Als reiner Begleithund ohne Aufgabe wäre sie unglücklich. Wir lasten sie daher das ganze Jahr über mit Schleppfährten und Nasenarbeit aus. Das braucht sie einfach, um ihren ausgeprägten Jagdtrieb in geordnete Bahnen zu lenken.
Christian B., Halter aus Bayern (Rüde, seit 2019)
Als Halter fasziniert mich die Rasse jeden Tag aufs Neue – sie sind extrem intelligent, arbeiten auf der Fährte unglaublich sicher und binden sich eng an ihre Bezugsperson. Allerdings sollte man sich vor dem Kauf intensiv mit der Herkunft des Welpen beschäftigen. In der Vergangenheit gab es in der Zucht außerhalb der offiziellen Vereine leider Fälle von schweren neurologischen Erkrankungen wie SCA und NCL. Deshalb war es mir extrem wichtig, meinen Hund nur aus einer geprüften VDH/CCF-Zucht zu holen, wo die Elterntiere genetisch getestet sind.
In der Erziehung braucht man viel Einfühlungsvermögen, denn Härte vertragen diese sensiblen Hunde überhaupt nicht. Gleichzeitig darf man den selbstständigen Jagdtrieb nicht unterschätzen. Wenn sie erst einmal auf einer heißen Spur sind, neigen sie dazu, sehr weiträumig zu suchen. Ein verlässlicher Rückruf erfordert monatelanges, konsequentes Training und jede Menge Geduld.
sinngemäß aus echten Halterberichten
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Frequently asked questions about the Luzerner Low Running Dog
Is a Luzerner Low Running Dog the right dog for me?
The Luzerner Low Running Dog is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Luzerner Low Running Dog live?
The average life expectancy of a Luzerner Low Running Dog is 12-14 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Luzerner Low Running Dog need?
Luzerner Low Running Dog grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Luzerner Low Running Dog good for families with children?
The Luzerner Low Running Dog can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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