The Berner Niederlaufhund (known in the United States

United States

The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

 as the Small Bernese Hound) is a scent hound

Scent hound

Scent hounds are a type of hound that primarily hunts by scent rather than sight. The Scenthound breeds are generally regarded as having some of the most sensitive noses among canines....

 standing around 15 to 23 inches, which originated in Switzerland

Switzerland

Switzerland name of one of the Swiss cantons. ; ; ; or ), in its full name the Swiss Confederation , is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe,Or Central Europe depending on the definition....

. It is a medium dog that is very powerful, and was used to hunt

Hunting dog

A hunting dog refers to any dog who assists humans in hunting. There are several types of hunting dogs developed for various tasks. The major categories of hunting dogs include hounds, terriers, dachshunds, cur type dogs, and gun dogs...

 big game. The Berner Niederlaufhund is considered a "Hunting Dog in the Most Specific Meaning of the Word." The Berner Niederlaufhund is considered by many to be the best hunting dog

Hunting dog

A hunting dog refers to any dog who assists humans in hunting. There are several types of hunting dogs developed for various tasks. The major categories of hunting dogs include hounds, terriers, dachshunds, cur type dogs, and gun dogs...

 in the world. It is a tri-colored

Coat (dog)

The coat of the domestic dog refers to the hair that covers its body. A dog's coat may be a double coat, made up of a soft undercoat and a coarser topcoat, or a single coat, which lacks an undercoat...

hound, but one in every 20 or more dogs has a rough coat.