Entlebucher Mountain Dog: temperament, size, care and health

About the Entlebucher Mountain Dog

The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is the smallest of the four Swiss Sennenhund breeds, which also include the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. It stands about 16 to 21 inches at the shoulder, slightly longer than tall, with a sturdy, muscular body. The short, hard coat is tricolor: black with rich tan markings and white on the chest and face. Many Entlebuchers have a naturally short tail, and some have a full tail that is docked in certain countries.

The breed comes from the Entlebuch valley in Switzerland, where it drove cattle and kept farms safe. It is an athletic, tough dog that is now kept as a family companion and as a sport competitor by people who like a thoughtful, high-spirited worker.

Temperament and family life

Entlebuchers are intensely loyal and bond closely with their families, often with one person in particular. They are playful and exuberant with those they know, and they tend to be watchful with strangers. Early and ongoing socialization is important so that a natural guarding instinct stays under control.

The breed does well with children who are gentle, but the herding instinct leads many Entlebuchers to nip heels or bump people, and an energetic young dog can knock over small kids. They get along with other pets they have been raised with, although same-sex disputes can arise between dogs. The breed barks to alert but is not a constant barker if its needs are met. It does poorly when left alone for long periods.

Exercise and training

The Entlebucher is a high-energy dog that needs hard, daily exercise along with mental challenge. Expect at least an hour and a half of activity, and the dog will take more. Running, hiking, fetch and structured sports like herding, agility, obedience and weight pulling suit it well. A fenced yard is advisable.

The breed is intelligent and trainable but can be stubborn and learns best from calm, consistent, positive methods. It tends to be sensitive, so avoid harsh correction. Without enough work, an Entlebucher can become destructive, bark more and herd family members. Start training and socialization in puppyhood.

Grooming and shedding

The short coat is among the easiest in the herding group. Brushing once a week removes loose hair, and during the heavier seasonal shed a rubber brush or hound glove helps. The coat sheds moderately and leaves short hairs on furniture and clothing.

Bathing is seldom necessary. Trim the nails regularly, check the ears for debris and brush the teeth. A quick wipe-down after muddy outings is usually enough.

Health

The breed is relatively healthy but has some known issues. Hip dysplasia is the main orthopedic concern, and breeders screen for it. Progressive retinal atrophy is the best-known eye disease, and a DNA test is available, while cataracts are also seen. As a deep-chested dog, it faces some risk of bloat, a sudden swelling of the stomach that needs emergency care. The gene pool is fairly small, so ask breeders about testing and relatedness.

This is general information, and a veterinarian is the person to ask about a particular dog.

History

The Entlebucher is named for the valley of Entlebuch in the Swiss canton of Lucerne. It is generally counted among the four Sennenhund breeds that developed in the Swiss Alps for herding and farm work. The Entlebucher was recognized as a separate breed in Switzerland in the early twentieth century, and numbers remained small for decades. It entered the American Kennel Club's Herding Group in 2011.

Is the Entlebucher Mountain Dog right for you?

The Entlebucher suits an active family with time for exercise, training and socialization, and a willingness to handle a strong-willed, athletic dog. It is a poor choice for an apartment, a sedentary home or an owner who wants an easygoing greeter.

Its larger relatives are the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, which are calmer but much heavier. For a different heeling dog with a short coat, consider the Australian Cattle Dog.