The Swiss Hounds are among the most genuine when it comes to ancient origin. They have been used for centuries to improve other scenthound breeds. The West European Hounds, to which the Swiss Hounds belong, are distinguished by their long heads with a narrow skull, low-set and folded ears, long, narrow muzzle often with convex nose ridge and a large nose. The body is elegant with skin hanging quite loosely.

Since ancient times they have been known to be excellent hunting dogs that track hare, fox and wild boar by scent. Today they are not hunted in packs but they are still strictly kept as hunting dogs. Yet their friendly temperament also makes them good companion dogs. Swiss Hounds are divided into two breeds with separate Standards.

In the medium-sized breeds, the height at the withers should be 18 1/2 to 23 inches (47 to 59 cm). It is shorter in back and more elegant in build than the smaller variety. The smaller variety is longer in the back. All varieties in each size group are distinguished by colors and named for the region in which they can be found.

The Luzerner comes from the region of Lucerne and its very spectacular coloring resembles that of the old French hound, Grand Bleu de Gascogne. It should be blue-mottled, from white with fine black specking to dark bluish-black with large black patches that should cover sides of the head and ears and may also form a mantle. It has clearly defined light to rich tan markings. The coat should be smooth and glossy in both varieties.

The Berner hound variety comes from the region around the Swiss capital Bern. The color should be white with large black patches and rich tan markings. The sides of the head and ears should always be black. The coat should be smooth and glossy in both sizes but the smaller Berner Swiss Hound may also have a wiry coat.

The Jura used to come in two varieties, a very old variety called St. Hubert was decidedly heavier with a particularly heavily boned head, a broad skull and a general lack of elegance particularly in the head structure. The St. Hubert, which is never seen today, is said to have had a black-and-tan coloring, with a lighter tan color than is seen in general today in the Jura, and with black coloring the body as a mantel One still today finds this type of tan marking in really elegant Jura specimens, although the most common color seems to be jet black with deep tan markings like the markings seen in Rottweilers.

The Schwyzer comes from the northwest of Switzerland. It must always be white with large orange patches that should cover the sides of the head and ears. Orange covering the back and sides like a mantle is permissible. The coat should be smooth and glossy in both sizes.

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