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Discover everything about Small Jura Hound
Explore the breed's characteristics, health, and history — and find trusted breeders
Looking for a Small Jura Hound?
At a glance
Small Jura Hound overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
S
A
B
C
D
E
Very healthyHigher risk
The Jura Niederlaufhund is considered a very robust hunting breed, for which no specific genetic tests are mandatory due to a lack of known hereditary diseases. Nevertheless, buyers should be mindful of general issues such as hip dysplasia (HD) and ear infections (otitis externa) caused by their long, floppy ears. Since there is very little genetic data available, choosing a breeder who prioritizes the longevity and fitness of the parent dogs is crucial.
Lifespan
12–14 yrs
Height
33–43 cm
Weight
13–15 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,500 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Short, dense, no undercoat
- Origin: Switzerland
Typical coat colors
- Black with red tones
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Small Jura Hound, 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 →Is the Small Jura Hound right for you?
The Jura Niederlaufhund is a persistent, keen-nosed scent hound—bred as a low-legged tracking specialist that can follow a trail for hours in difficult terrain, completely unfazed by steep slopes or dense hedges.
Perfect for you if:
- You enjoy intensive scent work like mantrailing or tracking—a dog with this background will wither away if only taken for walks around the block.
- You live in a rural area and have direct access to nature, ideally with an escape-proof garden.
- You have the patience for an independent hunter and don't expect him to constantly seek eye contact with you during walks.
- You appreciate a calm, very gentle, and pack-oriented family dog at home that forms close bonds.
Less ideal if:
- You expect to be able to let him off-leash in the forest without worry—as soon as he picks up a scent, his brain switches to autopilot and your calls are ignored.
- You live in an apartment with thin walls—as a baying hound, he has a powerful, deep voice that he uses when excited.
- You are looking for a companion for jogging or cycling—his short legs and the fact that his nose is constantly to the ground make him an endurance sniffer, not a sprinter.
The real vibes check
A Jura Niederlaufhund doesn't just go for a walk; he deciphers the invisible map of the forest with intense concentration. His world consists of scents that he follows with admirable stubbornness—which works perfectly in rough hunting terrain but requires a lot of humor and patience in everyday life on a long leash. If you channel his genetic passion for tracking into structured activities, you will get the gentlest cuddle-bug at home.
Breed Profile
The Jura Niederlaufhund, also known as the Swiss Hound or Bruno Jura Hound, is a medium-sized dog with a powerful and harmonious physique. It is characterized by a rectangular body, hanging ears and expressive, dark eyes. Its tail is medium long and is carried slightly erect. The head is proportional to the body, with a flat skull and pronounced cheekbones. Its short, dense fur without an undercoat gives it an elegant appearance. This dog belongs to FCI group 6, the running and bloodhounds. As a rule, no distinction is made between show and working lines for this breed, as it is primarily kept as a hunting dog.
- Height
- 33 - 40 cm (Female), 35 - 43 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 13 - 15 kg (Female), 13 - 15 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 12 - 14 years
- Character
- Fearless, Passionate, Kind
- Coat
- Short, dense, no undercoat
- Coat Color
- Black with red tones
- Price
- 1500 - 2500 €
History
The Jura Niederlaufhund is one of four varieties of the Swiss Small Hound (FCI Standard No. 60) and shares its early ancestry with the larger Swiss Hounds. Its distinct history, however, only began around the turn of the 20th century. At that time, several Swiss cantons introduced the so-called district hunting system, which significantly reduced the size of available hunting grounds. The traditional, fast, and wide-ranging hounds proved unsuitable for these smaller areas, as they drove game beyond the district boundaries too quickly. To address this, Swiss hunters began selectively breeding smaller, shorter-legged specimens from existing hound lines. The goal was to develop a slower tracking dog capable of hunting game persistently but at a more moderate pace and with a distinct baying voice. The Jura Niederlaufhund was thus created as a direct adaptation to these new hunting regulations. In 1905, breeders of these new, short-legged types formed the Swiss Small Hound Club to systematize breeding efforts. While its larger ancestors can be traced back to the Middle Ages, the Jura Niederlaufhund is a deliberate product of early 20th-century breeding, still valued today as a passionate and reliable hunting companion.
Original Use
Tracking dog/scenthound for district hunting (slower-paced hunting)
Origin
Switzerland
Date
Um 1900
Character & Temperament
The Jura Niederlaufhund is a fearless and passionate hunter, but also has a friendly and loving character. He is known for his endurance and tireless work ethic, but also for his devotion and loyalty to his family. In the house he is usually calm and balanced as long as he gets enough exercise and activity. The Jura Low Hound has a strong hunting instinct and therefore requires consistent and patient training. He is very people-oriented and enjoys the company of his people. He is perfectly capable of staying alone, provided he gets used to it slowly and carefully. He can get along well with other dogs, especially if he is used to it from an early age. He is alert and attentive, but not prone to yapping. However, its strong hunting behavior can tempt it to pursue wild animals, so it should only run freely under supervision or in a safe area. Overall, the Jura Niederlaufhund is a versatile and adaptable dog that can excel as both a working dog and a family dog if its needs are met.
| 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!
Although the Jura Niederlaufhund is relatively unknown in many parts of the world, it is often celebrated as the national dog in Switzerland.
What Awaits You
The Jura Niederlaufhund is a lively and enduring hunting dog, particularly suitable for tracking wounded game. It is characterized by its good sense of smell and strong hunting instinct. These dogs are intelligent and eager to learn but require consistent training and sufficient activity. The Jura Niederlaufhund is a loyal companion that integrates well into active families.
Housing & Care
The Jura Niederlaufhund is definitely suitable as a city dog if it gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. He is good-natured and tolerant of children, so he can be a great family dog. However, you should always make sure that small children do not annoy the dog or disturb his peace. The interaction between children and the dog should always take place under supervision. He generally gets along well with other dogs, but his hunting instinct can be a problem when living with smaller pets, including cats. Therefore, he should be accustomed to other pets from an early age and these interactions should always be supervised.
- Family Friendly
Loves family life and thrives in a group.
Family-oriented - Child Friendly
Gets on well with children — with adult supervision.
With supervision - Dog Friendly
Actively enjoys the company of other dogs.
Dog-friendly - City Friendly
Can manage in the city, but only with very active owners.
Difficult in cities
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.!
Training & Education
The Jura Niederlaufhund is an intelligent and trainable dog that is well suited to various dog sports. However, he can also be stubborn, so consistent but loving training is important. He responds well to positive reinforcement and can learn many commands and tricks. Due to its high energy requirements and its willingness to work, the Jura Low Hound needs a lot of activity. However, it is important to ensure a balanced mix of physical activity and mental stimulation so as not to overwhelm the dog. Activities such as agility, tracking or search games can be a good way to exercise your dog while providing him with mental stimulation. The Jura Niederlaufhund can tend to be a "ball junkie." therefore playing with the ball should be used as a reward and not as a constant activity. It is also important to teach the dog frustration tolerance and impulse control to avoid unwanted behavior.
Nutrition & Care
The Jura Low Hound's diet should be balanced and nutritious in order to cover its high energy needs. High-quality dry or wet food is usually sufficient, but can be supplemented with fresh fruit, vegetables and occasionally raw meat. The amount of food should be adjusted to the dog's age, weight, activity level and general health. Regular weight monitoring is important to avoid becoming overweight. When it comes to grooming, the Jura low-footed dog is quite easy to care for. Its short, dense coat has no undercoat and sheds moderately. Regular brushing can help remove dead hair and keep the coat clean and healthy. The Jura Low Hound is well adapted to the climate in Germany and copes well with both the cold winters and the warmer summers.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.!
Health
B
Solid
Health grade
The Jura Niederlaufhund is considered a very robust hunting breed, for which no specific genetic tests are mandatory due to a lack of known hereditary diseases. Nevertheless, buyers should be mindful of general issues such as hip dysplasia (HD) and ear infections (otitis externa) caused by their long, floppy ears. Since there is very little genetic data available, choosing a breeder who prioritizes the longevity and fitness of the parent dogs is crucial.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
You should ensure a healthy weight and joint-friendly exercise to relieve pressure on his long back, as well as regularly check and clean his ears.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the hips, elbows, spine, and eyes of the parent animals thoroughly examined to specifically reduce health risks in the line.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
What owners say about the Small Jura Hound
Andreas L., Jäger aus Hessen (Rüde & Hündin, seit 2010)
Ich führe seit 2010 Jura-Niederlaufhunde und habe damit sowohl die wunderschönen als auch die extrem fordernden Seiten dieser Rasse kennengelernt. Mein erster Rüde war ein absoluter Traum und vollkommen auf mich fixiert – andere Personen hat er ignoriert, während meine Hündin das genaue Gegenteil ist und sich über jeden Menschen überschwänglich freut.
Jagdlich sind sie hervorragend, allerdings ist ihre enorme Reichweite eine echte Herausforderung. Wenn im direkten Umkreis nichts zu finden ist, vergrößern sie ihren Radius massiv. Meine Hunde waren oft zwischen 400 und 1500 Meter weit weg unterwegs, und ich bin auch schon mal einer Spur über 3,8 Kilometer Luftlinie hinterhergelaufen. Man muss sich also im Klaren darüber sein, dass diese Hunde einen enormen Finderwillen haben und sehr selbstständig agieren.
Leider mussten wir uns auch mit gesundheitlichen Rückschlägen auseinandersetzen. Mein Rüde verstarb 2020 an Krebs, und meine Hündin ist mittlerweile aufgrund von Hüftarthrose im Ruhestand und kann nicht mehr jagdlich eingesetzt werden. Trotz der Sorgen und der anstrengenden Reichweite bei der Jagd würde ich mir wegen ihres tollen Wesens und der dosierten Wildschärfe immer wieder einen holen.
Petra S., Halterin aus der Eifel (Hündin, seit 2014)
Wenn ich mit meiner Hündin im Wald spazieren gehe, ernte ich oft skeptische Blicke von anderen Hundehaltern, die glauben, dass man so eine Bracke niemals ableinen kann. Aber das ist Quatsch: Mit der richtigen, konsequenten Erziehung kann ich meine Jura-Niederlaufhündin selbst dann zuverlässig abrufen, wenn in kurzer Distanz ein Hase oder ein Reh aufspringt.
Man darf jedoch nicht unterschätzen, dass diese Hunde einen sehr ausgeprägten eigenen Kopf haben. Sie sind zwar extrem lernbereit, aber mit Zwang erreicht man bei ihnen absolut gar nichts. Die Erziehung verlangt einem manchmal eine Konsequenz ab, die fast schon an die eigenen Grenzen geht. Die jagdlichen Anlagen liegen ihnen einfach im Blut, weshalb man diesen Trieb von Anfang an in geordnete Bahnen lenken muss.
Im Haus ist sie dagegen die Sanftmut in Person. Dass diese Hunde angeblich nicht für die Familie taugen, ist ein absolutes Vorurteil. Sie ist unglaublich anhänglich und eine Bereicherung für unseren Alltag, solange wir ihren Ansprüchen an Bewegung und geistige Auslastung gerecht werden.
Carolin S., Halterin und Züchterin aus Niedersachsen (mehrere Hunde, seit 2007)
„Ist das ein Beagle? Oder ein Basset?“ – Diese Fragen hören wir ständig, wenn wir mit unseren Hunden unterwegs sind. In Deutschland ist der Schweizer Niederlaufhund, besonders der Jura-Typ mit seinem typischen tiefschwarzen Fell und den lohfarbenen Brand-Abzeichen, immer noch ein echter Exot.
Wir haben unsere erste Hündin damals direkt aus der Schweiz importiert. Was uns an der Rasse bis heute fasziniert, ist dieser geniale Kontrast: Im Haus sind sie absolut ruhige, sonnige und unkomplizierte Begleiter, die sich eng an ihre Familie anschließen. Sobald es aber nach draußen geht, erwacht das leidenschaftliche Temperament.
Ihre feine Nase und der unermüdliche, passionierte Spurwille sind einfach phänomenal. Man muss sich darauf einstellen, dass sie jede Fährte extrem genau und ausdauernd arbeiten wollen. Wer einen leichtführigen Begleiter sucht, der nur nebenherläuft, ist hier falsch – diese Hunde wollen und müssen ihre Nase gebrauchen dürfen.
Paraphrased from real owner reports
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Frequently asked questions about the Small Jura Hound
Is a Small Jura Hound the right dog for me?
The Small Jura Hound 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 Small Jura Hound live?
The average life expectancy of a Small Jura Hound is 12-14 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Small Jura Hound need?
Small Jura Hound grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Small Jura Hound good for families with children?
The Small Jura Hound can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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