Entlebucher Mountain Dogs: A guide to dogs and puppies of the Entlebucher Mountain Dog breed

The Entlebucher Mountain Dog!

Also known as the Entlebucher Sennenhund or the Entlebucher Cattledog, the Entlebucher Mountain dog is actually the smallest of the Swiss Mountain Dogs. The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is known for its intelligence, agility and fierce loyalty. It is a medium sized dog with an alert and friendly facial expression, it’s stocky, slightly elongated body is covered with a tri-color coat. The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is known for its tri-color coat. The general color of his coat is black with some tan markings on some parts of his body (above the eyes, cheeks, muzzle, on all four legs). In addition to this, expect to find white markings on the top of the head, the chin, legs and his four feet.

Some Quick Facts:

Life Expectancy:
11-13 years

Energy Level:
Average.

Living Conditions:
Prefer cool climates. Sensitive to heat. Not for apartments.

Barking:
Average

Exercise Needs:
Daily leash-free play and 30 minute walk.

Breed Group:
Herding/Working

Size:
Medium

Height:
15-20 inches

Weight:
45 – 65 pounds

Standard Hair Colors:
Tri-color coat. Black with some tan and white markings.

National breed club:
National Entlebucher Mountain Dog Association

Entlebucher Mountain Dog Skills

The Entlebucher Mountain Dogs, as well as the Appenzellers (the two smallest Swiss Mountain Dogs) were bred originally for herding cattle and dairy cows. The Entlebuchers were also good companion dogs and due to their inherent loyalty to their master, they also proved to be good watchdogs. Today, the Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are bred to be entered into shows or simply as a family pet.

Entlebucher Mountain Dog Personality

The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is a very devoted and loyal dog. It is independent and self-confident yet the dog can be very attached and affectionate to its masters. It is not uncommon to see an Entlebucher Mountain Dog happily strolling alongside its master. The normally rambunctious and playful Entlebucher Mountain Dog, if trained properly, can be quite good with children. If you want a guard dog or an alert dog, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog can fit the bill as this dog is quite territorial and is generally suspicious of strangers.

Exercise Needs

Because the Entlebucher Mountain Dog was bred for hard work, this dog is one that needs regular workouts. It would be best if the Entlebucher Mountain Dog be given a few hours a week outdoors playing ball, or just running around. In addition to this, a daily regimen that last at least an hour is advised.

Living Conditions

The Entlebucher Mountain Dogs originated in Switzerland thus, these dogs would prefer to live in places which are cold or have cool temperatures. Though Entlebucher Mountain Dogs can survive in humid climates much care would be required as they need to be kept cool at all times, ideally kept indoors and be provided with adequate air conditioning. Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are very active and need a lot of space to romp, run and play around in. Keeping the canine inside an apartment is not advisable.

Grooming Requirements

The Entlebucher Mountain Dog has a double coat of fur. The undercoat is dense and the topcoat is short, close fitting and shiny. Because of this double coat of fur, daily brushing during warmer seasons is highly recommended in order to preserve the shiny look of the topcoat. Baths every 2 weeks are also highly recommended to clean out the dense fur of the undercoat.

Health Issues

Purebred dogs like the Entlebucher Mountain Dog, and those that come from mixed bloodlines are often afflicted with a hereditary eye disease that can cause blindness called Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Most Entlebuchers exhibit signs of having PRA between the ages of 1 and 5. Another health concern common among Entlebucher Mountain Dogs is Canine Hip Dysplasia, an orthopedic birth defect where the socket and the joints have an abnormal fit thus causing pain and, in extreme cases, lameness in dogs.

If you liked this dog…

If you want to own a Swiss Mountain dog but not specifically the Entlebucher Mountain Dog, you may find these other breeds: Appenzeller, the Bernese Mountain Dog, and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog appealing.