Overview
The Bruno Jura Hound, or Bruno du Jura, is one of the Swiss Laufhund family, developed in the Jura mountains along the French border to hunt hare, fox and roe deer on steep, wooded ground. It is a medium-sized, smooth-coated hound in solid tan or tan with a black saddle, with long ears and a strong, deep voice.
These are working hounds first and companions second, and few live in Britain. Expect independence, a nose that never switches off, a calm attitude to other dogs and a tendency to announce every discovery.
Exercise and walking needs
Around ninety minutes a day of active walking, with time to track on a long line, keeps a Jura hound settled. They were bred for long days on rough ground and have stamina to spare.
A route with hills, woodland and plenty of scent is worth more than a long flat pavement walk. Give the nose a job and the body follows.
On the walk
- Recall: Unreliable once a trail is found. Swiss hounds are prized for following scent for hours. Off lead only behind a secure fence.
- Voice: The breed hunts by voice and uses it freely. Expect baying on scent and barking at interesting things.
- Pulling: Steady and strong for the size when the nose is down. Harness and fixed lead.
- Other dogs: Easy-going and usually indifferent. Pack life makes them tolerant of most company.
Tips for professional walkers
- Use a long line in parks and let the dog follow a trail for a while before moving on.
- Dry and look inside the ears after wet walks; long hound ears are prone to trouble.
- Keep well away from deer and livestock; the hunting instinct is undiminished in a working hound.
- Count on a slower walk with lots of stops rather than a brisk one.
What to ask the owner
- Has the dog hunted or tracked, and what sets it off?
- Is it used to being walked alone, or does it normally live with other hounds?
- What does the owner do when it finds a scent and refuses to come back?