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Entlebucher Mountain Dog

Size:
Lifespan:
Over 12 years
Coath length:
Short
Sheds:
Yes
Grooming:
Once a week
Size of home:
Size of garden:
Large garden
Town or country:
Either
Energy levels:
Medium/High
Characteristics:
Affectionate, enthusiastic and smart
Gets along with other pets:
Yes
Family dog:
Suitable for older children
Suitable for:
Active owners/families
Breed standard colours:
Below
Average dimension(s):
Height: 42-50 cm (16.5-20 in)Weight: 23-30 kg (51-66 lb)
Requires training:
Basic training

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The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is a medium-sized cattle herding dog from the Entlebuch region of Switzerland.

They are the smallest of the four breeds of Swiss Mountain Dog, which includes the more well-known Bernese Mountain Dog but they are no lightweight. They are solidly built and robust, with a long body and short, sturdy legs and are famous for their agility and endurance. The Entlebucher’s coat is short, glossy and close fitting, and carries the same tricolour coat of black, white and tan as the Bernese. Entlebuchers are friendly and sociable dogs, which love the company of people. They can be very enthusiastic and playful with their families, although their bounciness and solid frame may make them too much for younger children. Bred for speed and endurance, this is a breed that needs a good amount of exercise and their walks should include lots of time off the lead so that they can run and play. They thrive in human company and do not do well left alone for long periods. A lonely, bored Entlebucher will be loud, destructive and depressed. These smart, energetic dogs are made for rural life and are best suited to active owners and families who can offer them companionship and lots of time outdoors.

History

 

The Entlebucher is the smallest of the four Swiss mountain dogs, the others being the Appenzeller Sennenhund, the Bernese Mountain Dog, and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. The Entlebucher was developed to drive cattle down from the mountains in the Swiss Alps and was versatile enough to be used as a general farm dog which would also pull milk carts. Originally they were not regarded as distinct breeds until the Swiss Kennel Club set about classifying them as four distinct breeds in the 1900s.

Health and common issues

Generally healthy. The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is generally healthy although can still be prone to a number of health conditions including hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and haemolytic anaemia.