A Laufhund is a type of hunting dog that originated in Switzerland. “Laufhund” translates to “scent hound” in English, indicating their primary function in tracking scents and assisting hunters. Laufhunds are known for their exceptional sense of smell, endurance, and agility, which make them well-suited for hunting in various terrains.

These dogs are typically medium to large in size, with a well-muscled body and a strong nose. They possess long, droopy ears and expressive eyes. Laufhunds come in different breeds, each specializing in hunting different types of game, such as hares, boars, or deer.

I’ve had my dog for four years, and each day is filled with delightful surprises and joy. Prior to this, I wasn’t particularly fond of dogs, having never owned one even during my childhood. However, since welcoming my Laufhund into my life, everything has changed drastically. Allow me to share with you the wonderful experience of living with a Laufhund.

The friendship

Owning a dog is undeniably one of the most fulfilling friendships one can experience. Your furry companion remains loyal to you unconditionally. However, when you both share a common passion, this bond becomes even more profound.

The shared love for hunting creates an incredibly strong connection between you and your dog. This connection extends beyond the hunting season, as I devote time every week throughout the entire year to training my dog.

Despite being a “hunting dog,” I make a conscious effort to foster social connections between my dog and the people in my life. I bring my dog along with me wherever I go because I don’t want him to be viewed solely as a tool that I use once a year and I also want him to experience every aspect of life.

The sacrifice

I’ll get straight to the point: owning this type of dog requires sacrifice. While Laufhunds are generally easy to live with, they have specific needs such as walking, exploring, and hunting. This means you need to be active and avoid laziness. I spend nearly three hours a day walking my dog, and even more time on weekends. If you want your dog to be physically and mentally healthy, you must dedicate your free time to them.

Hunting training is also time-consuming. If you want your dog to excel, you’ll need to wake up early and train with them.

However, as the saying goes, “no pain, no gain.” All the hours you spend with your dog will strengthen your bond. Ultimately, your dog will become better, and you will grow as a person.

The involvement

Owning this particular type of dog entails the responsibility of representing the breed. Swiss Laufhunds are unfortunately gradually diminishing in numbers, so as an owner, it becomes crucial to actively participate in their promotion. Personally, I take part in hunting and beauty contests, and I am a member of two clubs. Additionally, I write content, such as this piece, about these dogs.

While it’s not obligatory to engage in all of these activities, if we truly desire to preserve our heritage, it is essential to promote the Laufhund breed.

The organization

Every dog has its own unique personality, and we have to learn to deal with it because no dog is perfect. In my case, my dog has one particular flaw: he despises being alone. This means I can’t leave him at home by himself. And please don’t mention all the techniques to try and change this behavior, as I’ve already attempted them all.

As I mentioned earlier, no dog is flawless, so I made the decision to adapt my life to this aspect. It involves organizing my own schedule and that of my girlfriend to accommodate our dog’s needs. We both work from home for two days and every Wednesday, our dog goes to a wonderful place where he can play with other dogs all day long.

Initially, this adjustment was somewhat uncomfortable, but now that we’ve adjusted to this structure in our lives, we can’t even imagine living any other way.

Having my dog has taught me how to become less selfish and more considerate of others’ needs.

The love

The final point is the most significant one, and it revolves around the love I have for my dog. Every dog owner understands this feeling, especially when you share a common passion or when your dog is your working partner. The connection formed can be so intense that you may prefer your dog’s company over that of other humans. This bond is even stronger for hunters.

Unfortunately, many people hold misconceptions about hunting dogs. They perceive the relationship between hunters and their dogs as aggressive and lacking respect. However, let me assure you that every hunter I know deeply loves their dog and shares a special connection with them. This love is evident in the eyes of a hunter when they speak about their dog. It is crucial to acknowledge that there are hunters who mistreat their dogs, but I believe this issue reflects a deeper problem within our society.

While some individuals view dogs as mere accessories, we regard them as active members of our families.

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