Let's talk Entlebuch Mountain Dogs
Enthusiastic and bright are just two of the traits that make up the marvelous Entlebuch Mountain Dog. Characterised by their tawny brown, black, and white coat, they, like their Swiss canine brethren, are also acknowledged for their always-pleasant visage and eager presence. The breed shows much loyalty to the family and a determined disposition, attracting all who come into their orbit. Take caution however: their appetite is a big one. Meals may disappear if left unattended.Official name: Entlebuch Mountain Dog
Other names: Entlebuch Cattle Dog, Entlebuch Bouvier, Entlebucerh Mountain Dog, Entlebuch
Origins: Switzerland
| Drooling tendencies |
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Warm weather? |  |
| Shedding level |  |
Suited to apartment living? | |
| Energy Level (high, low, medium)* | High | Family Pet?* |
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| Compatibility with other pets | |
Can stay alone?* | |
* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.
Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed specifics should be taken as an indication.
For a happy healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socializing your pet as well as covering their basic welfare needs (and their social and behavioral needs.
Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.
Contact your breeder or veterinarian for further advice.
All domestic pets are sociable and prefer company. However, they can be taught to cope with solitude from an early age. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or trainer to help you do this.
Male
44 - 50 cm
Height
22.5 - 29.5 kg
Weight
Female
42 - 48 cm
Height
18 - 25 kg
Weight
| Baby age | Birth to 2 months |
| Puppy age | 2 to 12 months |
| Adult age | 1 to 7 years |
| Mature age | 7 to 10 years |
| Senior age | From 10 years |
The breed shows much loyalty to the family and a determined disposition, attracting all who come into their orbit
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Get to know the Entlebuch Mountain Dog
All you need to know about the breed
Lively, focused, and always willing. The Entlebuch Mountain Dog’s winning personality is chock full of these great traits and many more. Raised in the Swiss mountains to herd cattle, this is a breed that is satisfied most when they have a job to do, and that’s daily, please. They don’t shy away from much as self-confidence is one of the Entlebuch Mountain Dog’s top characteristics.
An alert outlook is a hallmark of this dog, signifying their all-around great disposition. With health concerns that are minimal, the Entlebuch Mountain Dog is a very vital breed to boot.
Known for their smarts, the breed is also said to have a big appetite. Maybe it’s all that get-up-and-go, but it can also get them up in poundage. Feed them consistently - in terms of time and amount - to keep your Entlebuch Mountain Dog at an ideal weight, and to, in turn, monitor any weight loss.
This is the dog for an active owner, as the energy level of the Entlebuch Mountain Dog is very high. Couch potato owners need not apply! If it’s a carefree breed you seek, with a buoyant approach to life and a verve to beat all, the Entlebuch Mountain Dog may just be the dog for you.
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2 facts about Entlebuch Mountain Dogs
1. A good student
This is a breed that loves to learn, and is most content when doing so. Doused with smarts, the Entlebuch Mountain Dog was bred to be a worker so not only do they very much desire a job, they’ll prosper from it almost immediately, and look forward to the next.
2. Too content?
Confident and carefree, with an expression that transmits that fully, the temperament of the Entlebuch Mountain Dog is naturally upbeat and marked by an intrepid mindset. All-too eager to keep at a task or keep by your side, the breed is full of boundless enthusiasm. Can a dog really be that willing and that great? It seems so.
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History of the breed
The hills are alive with the sound of barking, from the Entlebuch Mountain Dog. One of four mountain dogs to emerge from the Swiss Alps, this sturdy and blissful dog was bred to herd cattle and traverse the steep paths to which it was assigned. Named for the valley of the River Entlebuch, the Entlebuch Mountain Dog is the smallest and quickest of the lot. Before industrialisation, Switzerland’s cattlemen relied on agile dogs to move their cows up to high mountain pastures for summer grazing, watch them for the season, and move them down to the valley for winter. The role was vital since milk formulates the two biggest products - cheese and milk chocolate - of the Swiss economy.
The Entlebuch Mountain Dog variety was first shown by Albert Heim in 1913 at the Langenthal Dog Show and recognised by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1954.
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From head to tail
Physical characteristics of Entlebuch Mountain Dogs
They don’t shy away from much as self-confidence is one of the Entlebuch Mountain Dog’s top characteristics
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Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Entlebuch Mountain Dog
A health concern with their name on it
As far as their health, the Entlebuch Mountain Dog is as robust as they come. As with much in life though, there’s one exception: Entlebuch urinary syndrome, a name given for several urinary abnormalities, one especially specific to the breed where the ureter doesn’t attach to the bladder. Not found in all dogs, leaking or incontinence are sure signs. The syndrome is treatable but screen your dog fully at the vet to rule out any possibilities.
A bit of a barker
Pleasant as they are, the Entlebuch Mountain Dog breed is known to be a barker when faced with protecting his posse. They can be territorial - what they are bred to do, at least so far as they think - and wary of strangers to the household so will feel the need to voice their concerns. Make sure to take your “Entle” to obedience classes early and get them used to being around newcomers and friends alike.
Their short double coat can be wiped with a damp cloth to keep it clean until their next bath, which can be every few months or as needed
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Caring for your Entlebuch Mountain Dog
Grooming, training and exercise tips
Grooming the Entlebuch Mountain Dog is a snap. Their short double coat can be wiped with a damp cloth to keep it clean until their next bath, which can be every few months or as needed. Thick bristle brushes or a stripping comb work well to keep the breed’s frequent shedding under control. As with all dogs, make sure to keep nails trimmed, and ears and teeth cleaned. As a high-energy breed, they will need lots of exercise, but just ensure your Entlebuch Mountain Dog isn’t getting too much, to prevent strains or joint issues. That said, they are always up for an outing, whether running alongside you on foot or bike. The very smart Entlebuch Mountain Dog is a pleasure to train, and they’ll enjoy it just as much where affirmation and rewards are involved. Mixing it up with different types of activity will keep them engaged. Staying upbeat will yield positive results all around.
All about Entlebuch Mountain Dogs
The four breeds of Sennenhund, or dogs of the Senne, the Alpine herds and dairymen, are the Entlebuch Mountain Dog, the Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and the Appenzeller. Each is an able-bodied canine marked by a short, muscular neck and strong limbs used to herd, pull carts, and guard flock - and for snuggling as well.
Self-assured, determined, devoted, and highly bonded to their family, the Entlebuch Mountain Dog is a wonderful companion, especially when they are a member of a busy household. Their compact size and eager-to-please demeanor are pluses for group harmony. Socialising this breed early on will help them warm up to strangers as well.
Read more on this topic
How to adopt a dog
Things to consider before getting a dog
Sources
1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
2 - Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book
5 - American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/