Entlebucher Mountain Dog

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Entlebucher Mountain Dog Profile

Named for the town of Entlebuch in Lucerne, Switzerland, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog is the smallest of four Swiss cattle driving breeds of the same lineage. Among them are the Appenzell Mountain Dog, Bernese Mountain Dog, and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Friendly, clean and only barking for a reason, the Entlebucher is an ideal family pet. They get along with other animals and children, and are rather easy to care for. They make excellent working dogs, bred for pulling carts and herding. They love to have a job to do. This breed is not for those who like to leave home often, as they do not do well in the backyard or by themselves. They love human companionship and thrive off of it. Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are easygoing, intelligent and very trainable. They are eager to serve and help out. Some owners say their Entlebuchers enjoy heights, climbing atop their dog house, tables or whatever they can find "perhaps looking for the Alps." They are very playful, and with proper training are well suited for children. Entlebuchers need training and socialization from puppyhood, but once attained, do very well with others. They are protective, but not aggressive. They are a short, medium-sized breed with a muscled appearance. They have triangular drop ears, with a straight muzzle and a flat skull. Their eyes are dark brown, and their bodies resemble the appearance of a mastiff. Entelbucher's tails are naturally docked. They come in tricolors, and are a handsome breed. Entelbuchers are perfect for the loving family with a job for them to do.

Other Names: Entelbucher, Entelbucher Sennenhund, Entelbucher Cattle Dog

Type: Working

Height: 16 - 20 inches.
Weight: 55 - 66 lbs.

Colors: Tricolor. Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are black and tan with white on their toes, tail tip and chest. They also have a white blaze. The tan is always between the black and white.
Coat: Short, smooth, thick and dense. Coat feels hard and glossy.

Temperament: Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are affectionate, friendly and playful. They are a hard working breed, but love to be with their masters. Some have been recorded to die "of a broken heart" when their owners have died, so closely do they bond with their family. Needless to say, they are not good backyard or 'leave-at-home' dogs. Entlebucher Mountain Dogs love heights, as they will climb certain heights to enjoy the view. They are obedient, easy to keep, and easygoing. They are intelligent and highly trainable. They are good-natured and self-confident. Entlebucher Mountain Dogs tend to be protective of their space, but not aggressive. They can work independently, and are sensitive to their owner's feelings. They are loyal and agile, following their masters to the death. They can be suspicious of strangers and a good watch dog. They bark, but only for good reason. Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are good with children as long as they are taught to be gentle, as this breed likes to rough-house.
With Children: Yes, good with children if socialized and trained to play gently.
With Pets: Yes, generally gets along with other animals.
Special Skills: Herding, guarding, and family pet.

Watch-dog: High. They alert their owners to any strange occurrences with a loud bark.
Guard-dog: Medium. Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are protective, but not always aggressive. They are generally friendly dogs with a slight suspicion of strangers.

Entlebucher Mountain Dog Care and Exercise: Entlebuchers require minimal care. They need regular grooming with a bristle brush, but do not need much more than that. Although they do not need it, they tend to want it. If others are being groomed, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog will demand its own turn. Exercise should be regular walks or training. They tend to become chubby if not regularly exercised.
Training: Training should be relatively easy, as this breed loves a job to do. Herding, guarding, or driving, this breed thrives on working for their masters.
Learning Rate: High. Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are very intelligent. Obedience - High. They love to work. Problem solving - High.

Activity: Medium.
Special Needs: Socialization and training.
Living Environment: The Entlebucher Mountain Dog thrives off of doing a job or following its owner around, making an apartment unsuitable for this breed. Although their activity levels are not excessively high, they still need adequate exercise and an environment where they can do so. Entlebucher Mountain Dogs require enough space to play and run. The best owner for this breed would be an experienced, active owner with a backyard in a rural or suburban environment.

Entlebucher Mountain Dog Health Issues: Certain inbreeding that occurred in 1900s has caused a few congenital defects such as hip dysplasia and Hemolytic anemia. Other health concerns include eye problems and orthopedic problems.

Life Span: 11 - 13 years.
Litter Size: 3 - 6 puppies.

Country of Origin: Switzerland
Entlebucher Mountain Dog History: Descending more closely from the Appenzell Mountain Dog, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog is related to the four Swiss breeds used for pulling carts and herding: the Appenzell, Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Entelbucher Mountain Dog. Although origins are unknown, the Entlebuch is said to have descended from the ancient Roman Molossus dogs which were used to guard and guide the Romans through Europe 2000 years ago. In the late 1800s, all four distinctions of the breed had nearly disappeared. But thanks to Herr Franz Schertenleib and Zurich professor Albert Heim in 1889, the four breeds were revived. Schertenleib had heard stories of the dogs from his father, and went in search of the dog that was soon to be extinct. After finding the species, Heim joined him in his efforts and the breeds were brought back. At first the Entelbucher and Appenzell were simply known as the Appenzell, but in 1926 breeders identified a difference between the two and bred them thusly. The breed was used for pulling carts, herding, guarding and driving cattle. Today the Entelbucher Mountain Dog is still not well known, but is making a slow appearance into the people's dog world.

First Registered by the AKC: FSS (Foundation Stock Service - not yet eligible for the AKC)
AKC Group: FSS
Class: Working
Registries: FCI (Group 2), CKC (Group 3), KC (UK) (Working), UKC (Guardian Dogs).

Entlebucher Mountain Dogs

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