Owning a Niederlaufhund
A Berner Niederlaufhund is not for just anyone. You would have to meet some necessary standards before you think you could have the privilege of having a Berner Niederlaufhund. This is a very rare and well breed dog; a very intelligent and independent dog; a fearless and persistent hunter. In Switzerland, only an elite group of people have the Niederlaufhunds. look at the picture above; the hunter. That is Ago's two brothers (what a close resemblance, huh?). Look at the man; he is a physician by training, a professional person. Look at the quality of his clothing; hunting clothes leather lined and expensive. Look at his rifle; guaranteed the highest quality. In Switzerland, hunting is a very serious sport, and anything the Swiss take seriously, the Swiss do well. In Switzerland, mostly professional people have a Niederlaufhund. This is a very special hunting dog, and not just anyone can own this dog. It took me almost one and a half years before I was able to get mine.
In all honesty, if it was up to me, hardly anyone would get this dog. I would be very particular about what is required to have a Berner Niederlaufhund. Before I would allow anyone to have a Berner Niederlaufhund, I would conduct an extensive interview. It would have to be the right person, and specific conditions would have to be met. The person would have to be willing to devote their time and energy and patience to the dog; a strong commitment from them is a definite requirement. You need to remember that because the dog is highly intelligent, he is very independent and has a strong sense of self; in other words he can be very stubborn; being obstinate is part of his nature, but he is worth it all; you just need patience. The worst thing you can do to a Niederlaufhund is abuse them; they will simply shut down, and refuse to hunt.
A Niederlaufund needs a rural environment; the more rustic and open, the better (I have to tell you that, to this day, I still harbor reswevrations about taking Ago away from the Alps; if I had to do it again, I might not). I would keep them as far away from civilization as possible; they don;t like modern society. These are true, nature dogs; they are a a hunting dog "...in the most specific meaning of the word". . Most definitely not a city dog. When I got Ago, I was instructed to keep him..."...away from people and other dogs." Some people keep their dogs totally isolated until hunting season (during the Fall months), and only then aer the dogs truly allowed out.
I had to wait a year and a half before I got my dog; and I would gladly do it again. Remember, if one of the Swiss breeders allows you to have a dog (only males too; they are very hesitant to let a female leave Switzerland). You then have to travel to Switzerland to pick up the dog. Remember that the dog is "Never to go into the cargo area of the plane". The dog needs to be with you personally on the way back to the United States. it is imperative that you make these arrangements first before getting the dog. Usually this means having to purchase another airplane ticket specifically for the dog; so that the dog is assigned there own seat.
When I brought Ago back from Switzerland, no one ever knew he was on the airplane. Ago was in a gym back; under my feet on the plane. Aside from being at the Zurich Airport for a couple of hours, as well as a nine hour direct flight back to New York, Ago never made a peep; not a sound for the entire flight. Nor did he urinate, or relieve himself. He waited until we were waiting for a taxi in the New York Airport.
More to come....
Content copyright . George C. Assad. All rights reserved.
