Entlebucher Mountain Dog is a medium-sized cattle dog from Switzerland which may appear easily manageable. But behind this small frame is a very alert and muscular working dog with a high speed designed to drive cattle around Alpine regions. This dog is often found to have strong links with people and becomes very responsive when there is a specific aim for it. Its working instincts, rather than its size, are the key to understanding this breed.
Where The Entlebucher Mountain Dog Comes From
The breed comes from Entlebuch in central Switzerland, where it is the smallest of the four Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs. It was traditionally used for driving cattle, guarding, and other farm tasks. The FCI recognizes the first description of the Entlebucher in 1889, when it was known as “Entlibucherhund.” The first four Entlebuchers were exhibited in 1913, and the breed standard was drafted in 1927.
The original working tasks that the Entlebucher was bred for can tell us a lot about its personality. Herding cattle required agility, quick thinking, and persistence rather than brute strength. Dogs needed to be able to work closely with their handlers and adapt to the constantly changing conditions of the task at hand.
The Entlebucher is a rare breed today. It was officially recognized by the AKC in 2011, and it remains a versatile working dog and a popular companion for active owners.
Entlebucher Mountain Dog: At A Glance
| Feature | Typical details |
|---|---|
| Origin | Switzerland |
| Size | Medium |
| Male height | 17.5 to 20.5 inches |
| Female height | 16.5 to 19.5 inches |
| Male weight | 50 to 65 pounds |
| Female weight | 40 to 55 pounds |
| Coat | Short, dense double coat |
| Color | Black, white and tan |
| Life expectancy | 11 to 13 years |
The body is compact, muscular and slightly longer than tall. Its short coat is practical for outdoor work, but the breed still sheds noticeably.
Living With An Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Living with an Entlebucher is living with a dog that wears its heart on its sleeve. It can be loving and playful at home, but always remains watchful of its surroundings, alert to any sudden movements, strange noises, or disruptions to its routine. Its working instincts remain ever-present, which means that training your Entlebucher must focus heavily on obedience and direction.
Temperament & Everyday Behavior
Entlebucher has high levels of energy and self-confidence and is very devoted to its family members. The dog may be wary of strangers instead of being welcoming to them. This is something that can come in handy for the dog but if the dog isn’t trained enough, it might bark when there’s some activity going on outside, might get distracted by it and might participate in household activities.
Training And Exercise
Reward based training, clear boundaries and variety generally suits this intelligent working breed. Practical skills should be prioritized over a repertoire of tricks.
Training should Focus on:
- Reliable recall
- Loose leash walking
- Calm greetings
- Leave it and drop it
- Waiting at doors
- Impulse control
- Settling on a mat
The AKC recommends at least an hours of exercise per day, however this will vary according to age, health and fitness. Hiking, tracking, scent work, agility, obedience, retrieving and herding can help provide suitable outlets for this breed.
The ideal exercise maintains a good balance of physical and mental stimulation. Constant exercise when the dog is showing signs of pent up energy will lead to the animal constantly seeking stimulation in this way. Teaching an off switch is also important.
Puppies should be given age appropriate exercise, play and rest. Their developing bodies will not be able to cope with excessive high impact activity and play.
Socialization And Family Life
Early socialization is essential to ensure that the Entlebucher is not unduly timid around unfamiliar people, dogs, and places or noises. Dogs should be exposed to new environments, calmly handled, meet other suitable dogs, and be accustomed to being in the car.
The goal of socialization is to achieve confidence, not friendliness, although the two often go together. The Entlebucher can live with children, provided both are properly socialized. The dog must be allowed to lead, so children should not be allowed to bother the dog when it is eating or resting, and the dog should not be encouraged to jump up or chase the children.
It is unwise to assume that an Entlebucher will always behave in a certain way around other dogs, so individual temperaments should be taken into account.
Everyday Care For An Entlebucher Mountain Dog
The Entlebucher’s short double coat is relatively easy to care for, although the breed sheds profusely. Frequent brushing is necessary to get rid of the loose hair, and nails, teeth, and ears should be cleaned on a regular basis.
| Care area | Practical routine |
|---|---|
| Brushing | Regularly |
| Shedding | Brush more during heavy periods |
| Nails | Trim before they get too long |
| Teeth | Take care regularly |
| Ears | Check weekly |
| Bathing | Inspect once a week |
The diet of an Entlebucher should be carefully planned and portioned depending on the dog’s age, activity, and body condition. The breed can be prone to obesity, so it is better to keep the animal lean. It is important to remember that the Entlebucher can get overly excited during training sessions, and the treats used during training should be accounted for in the daily feeding allowance.
A large yard is ideal, but it is not mandatory, as long as the owner can provide the dog with the necessary amount of exercise. Living in an apartment is also possible, although the owner will have to put in extra effort to encourage the Entlebucher to settle down indoors.
Health And Responsible Puppy Selection
The Entlebucher is generally a hardy breed, but it is prone to Entlebucher urinary syndrome, hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and eye problems. The Entlebucher Club of America is also keeping watch for other genetic conditions.
Health tests recommended for breeding dogs include:
- Hip evaluations
- Patella evaluations
- Eye examinations
- PRA-prcd DNA testing
- Identification documentation
Health testing cannot guarantee that a puppy will be free from genetic defects, but it can provide valuable information to help make better breeding decisions. When looking for a reputable breeder, don’t take someone’s word for it; ask to see the results of the tests. In addition to testing the puppies’ parents, ask about their temperament and any health issues that may run in the family.
Before deciding on a puppy, consider the following:
- Health of parents
- Medical history
- Temperament of parents
- Socialization of puppies
- Medical history of family
- Legal document
- Support of breeder after adoption
The breeder should also be interested in knowing about your lifestyle, since not all families are ideal for the Entlebucher breed.
Is An Entlebucher Mountain Dog Right For Your Lifestyle?
The Entlebucher is right for owners who seek an active companion, capable of engaging in various types of training, participating in sports and walks. Organized training, hiking trips, and dog sports are great ways to stimulate the intelligence and energy of this breed.
The Entlebucher is less suitable for a person who wants to sit at home and take care of the dog in a small fenced area. He needs mental challenges and clear leadership, constant training, and socialization.
Before adopting an Entlebucher, one should think about whether they have the time and opportunity to provide:
Training sessions
- Daily physical activity
- Mental stimulation
- Socialization
- Housebreaking and rules
- Preventive veterinary care
- Quality time and interaction
Although the Entlebucher is small in size, potential owners should not be misled by this regarding their characteristics and abilities. The breed is still a cattle dog at heart, so it is essential to provide it with proper working conditions. Energy, intelligence, and determination are some of the best qualities that can be channeled into positive qualities for the owner if they know how to treat the Entlebucher.
FAQ’s
Is Entlebucher Mountain Dog a family dog?
Yes, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog is suitable for the family but only with the right training and socialization, as the dog has plenty of energy, so it might not be the best choice for young children.
How much exercise does an Entlebucher need?
The Entlebucher needs at least an hour of exercise every day, so if you are looking for an active dog that can keep up with your family, this breed is right for you.
Is Entlebucher Mountain Dog easy to train?
Yes, it is intelligent but can be independent. Reward based training is effective
Does Entlebucher Mountain Dog shed hair?
Yes, Entlebucher sheds, although it does not have a thick coat, it has a double coat, so it is necessary to brush it regularly.
References
-
AKC. Entlebucher Mountain Dog:
Entlebucher Mountain Dog
- Fédération Cynologique Internationale. Entlebucher Sennenhund: https://www.fci.be/nomenclature/Standards/047g02-en.pdf
- National Entlebucher Mountain Dog Association. Health and genetics: https://nemda.org/Health-and-Genetics
Disclaimer: No 2 Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are same. Their temperament, fitness, diet and health can vary depending on age, genetics and other factors. This article is intended to provide general information only. For specific advice concerning your dog, please consult a Veterinarian or other qualified canine professional familiar with your animal’s individual needs.
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