Breed Characteristics:
Apartment Friendly
?How well will this breed adapt to apartment living? Is the apartment size the most important factor when it comes to proper living conditions? Is the breed suitable for apartment living?
Good For First-Time Owners
?Some dogs aren't suitable for first-time dog owners. Is this breed a good match for someone with no dog experience? Can training help them be on their best behavior with owners with no dog experience? Are they suitable to be handled by someone who is just entering the canine world?
Overall Sensitivity
?Some dogs are sensitive. Certain breeds are rough on the outside, while having the softest heart on the inside. In other words, some dogs are 'thick-skinned' while some are 'easygoing.' Is this breed prone to sensitivity?
Tolerates Being Alone
?Separation anxiety in dogs is a serious condition that can affect a dog's life quality. Is this breed prone to this condition? Can you leave him alone for hours? How destructive this breed can become when bored, neglected, or not loved enough?
Affectionate With Family
?How affectionate this breed will be around his humans? Will he welcome new family friends easily or he will choose to be shy? Some breeds can be clingy with owners, while others don't attach a lot. Will this breed act as the family's best friend?
Kid-Friendly
?Some dogs will tolerate children, while others will adore well-behaved ones. Dogs and children should always be supervised, no matter how well trained the dog might be. Will this breed act as a nanny dog or he will stay away from children?
Friendly Toward Other Dogs
?Some dog breeds cannot wait to run to the dog park and run with others. Others prefer to be with their humans, and not to be a part of a multi-pet household. Is this breed dog lover or not? How friendly this breed will be toward other dogs?
Friendly Toward Strangers
?Some dog breeds tend to be reserved toward strangers and highly suspicious. Others are fast to walk away with them easily. How welcoming this breed is toward strangers?
Drooling Level
?If you love to clean all the time drooling level in dogs is a trait that you should mind. Is this breed less likely to drool, or you will always need a towel on hand?
Easy To Groom
?Heavier shedding during the shedding season is something that every dog needs to go through. However, some dogs shed just a bit all year round. Is this breed one of them? How often should you groom this dog?
Overall Health
?What can you expect from this breed in terms of health? Are there any genetic conditions to vary about? Is obesity a major issue in this breed? By knowing more about the dog's health, you are learning how to help him live a longer and healthier life.
Prone To Obesity
?Treats are a great addition to training sessions. Dogs love sweet bites of dog treats but they should be served in moderation. Treats can lead to obesity, next to poor nutrition. Can this breed gain extra weight from treats? How prone to obesity this breed actually is?
Trainability Level
?Training some dogs is easier than others. How easy this dog will be to train? What can you expect? Some dogs are huge people pleasers and they will master commands easily, while others will try to outsmart you.
Intelligence Level
?Dogs are smart beings. We do our best to train them, but they do still end up training us to adapt to their needs. How intelligent is this breed? Will he try to outsmart you? Or he will need multiple training sessions to master basic commands?
Prey Drive
?Dogs were bred for a specific purpose. Those who were bred to hunt have natural instincts to hunt, even today. This is why many dogs, like Terriers, will chase other animals. They will also have a hard time concentrating on your commands when there is something small moving. Is this breed prone to following his prey instincts?
Barking Level
?How vocal this breed is? Can you expect neighbors to ring you often to calm your dog? Or you can sleep without worries of hearing your Fido bark? Some breeds are highly vocal, others have unusual sounds, and some are silent. Is this breed prone to barking?
Energy Level
?Low-energy dogs are happy with regular walks and indoor chill times. High-energy dogs are always ready for action. Is this breed a couch potato, energetic dog, or somewhere in between?
Exercise Needs
?Some dogs are more than happy with a slow stroll down the street. Others need hours of active time to stay happy and fit. Is this breed demanding in terms of exercise? How much exercise this breed needs to stay happy and healthy?
Playfulness Level
?Some dogs never lose that puppy spirit, not even in their senior years. Others are more serious and prefer having a job to do. Is this breed demanding in terms of playfulness? Can you expect playfulness in their senior years as well?
The Entlebucher Sennenhund or Entlebucher Mountain Dog is a herding dog of medium-to-large size.
In fact, this breed is the smallest of four regional breeds that constitute the Sennenhund dog type – dogs that originated in the Swiss Alps. This is an old breed, that was a big risk of being extinct.
The first bred club was formed in far 1926, where in the entire world there were only 16 representatives of the breed.
From that moment on the breed slowly was restored. Even today this breed can be seen working as herding and guarding dogs, while they are mostly busy being companion dogs.
If you are searching for a family dog, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog is a perfect choice. This breed is the champion when it comes to family devotion.
For his small size, this dog has a powerful bark, and won’t be shy to use his voice whenever he feels like it. They are determined, although they may be aloof with strangers.
For this breed to thrive, human companionship is mandatory. The Entlebucher has a short, thick, and double coat. In another word, brushing him once a week is mandatory.
Overall, it’s easy to groom this dog but expect some shedding, especially in the spring when a bit more brushing is needed.
If you are ready to devote your time and energy to training this active herd dog then you might find yourself a perfect furry companion.
Quick Facts
Real name: Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Other names: Entelbuch Mountain Dog, Entelbucher Cattle Dog, Entlebucher, Bouvier de l’Entlebuch
Origin: Switzerland
Breed type: Herding Dogs
Weight: 45 to 65 pounds
Height: 16 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder
Lifespan: 10 to 13 years
Litter Size: 7 – 8 puppies
Color: Tri-color (black, white and tan)
Coat: Smooth and shorter coat
Entlebucher Mountain Dog History
Does Entlebucher Mountain Dog resemble popular and beautiful tri-colored Bernese Mountain Dog?
If so, you’re not wrong, because these two breeds are part of Sennenhund dog types, otherwise known as Swiss cattle dogs originated in the Swiss Alps.
These dogs are powerful regardless of their size and full-time farm dogs whose primary duty was to guard livestock and pull carts to the market.
Did you know that Bernese Mountain Dogs still compete in pulling carts?
Four breeds of Sennenhund are:
- Entlebucher Mountain Dog
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
- Appenzeller Mountain Dog, also known as the Appenzeller Sennenhund
They share many characteristics, temperaments, and even skills. Did you know that ‘Sennehund’ translates as ‘the herdsman’s dog?’
Just like the rest of the Sennenhund group, the Entle Mountain dogs are descendants of large Mastiff-like dogs that were bred over 2,000 years ago by Romans.
From day one, the Entlebucher Mountain Dogs were used to drive cattle. Their duties evolved over time, but their primary role remained – driving cattle.
The very first records on this breed date back to 1889, when the breed was described.
The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is one of those breeds that had almost disappeared completely.
Breeding them with German Shepherds and the World War I almost lead to complete extinction. However, thanks to dog fanciers and dog breeders who have enormous energy, dedication, and have given beyond human efforts, somehow the breed survived, the standards were created and an Entlebucher club was formed in 1926.
Somehow the breeders managed to find 17 Entlebuchers to re-propagate the breed.
The American Kennel Club accepted the Entlebucher Mountain Dog as a member of the Herding Group in 2009.
Entlebucher Mountain Dog Physical Appearance
The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is the smallest among the famous Swiss dogs.
This is a medium-sized dog with a well-balanced body, strong muscles, and a short and shiny coat.
They are commonly black with symmetrical markings of pure white color on some body parts, including chest, feet, and muzzle. Females are slightly smaller than males are.
They usually have 45 to 65 pounds and have between 16 to 20 inches at the shoulder.
All in all, these dogs are agile and well-balanced with strong posture. Their expression is attentive, friendly, and alert.
Eyes are brown, ears are not too big, and sull is flat on the top. The neck is of medium length and strong.
The coat is double, while the undercoat is dense or varying in color. As for the color they are popular tricolor, with black being the basic color.
White markings are commonly present, and the gait should be free and fluid.
Entlebucher Mountain Dog Personality
The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is a cattle dog which means that he is agile and confident. He is also always ready to jump when there is a job to be done, and they’re eager to please.
It’s common for cattle dogs to have a calm and observant temperament: for example, they are neither shy nor vicious. However, they may vary of strangers, or reserved when a new face greets you, or enter your home on a special gathering.
This is a loyal and protective dog who prefers his family members gathered under the same roof.
He will see his family members as his herd and will do whatever is in his power to protect them. As such they will protect their property.
Being self-assured and determined only supports their protective instincts. This is an intelligent and versatile dog, with a strong desire to work.
They may not be so busy driving livestock nowadays, but they will love learning new tricks and participating in dog sports, such as agility and obedience.
All in all, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog is an all-purpose dog.
Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are generally good with children. As energetic dogs who can be rowdy from time to time, they may do better in homes with older children.
With smaller children, especially toddlers Entlebucher Mountain Dogs should be supervised. All in all, they should be gentle both with children and other animals.
To prevent any kind of accident or disappointing moments, make sure that your children know how to behave around dogs.
It’s also important for dogs to know and respect dog house rules.
Entlebucher Mountain Dog Training
Training your Entlebucher Mountain Dog should be easy if you have dog experience.
It’s not common for novice owners to take dogs they are physically muscular and powerful and come with enormous energy levels.
For first time dog owners, it’s recommended to focus on getting a companion dog so you can learn basics, learn how to be the best dog owner possible, and provide the best care possible.
Once that is mastered and you know how to train larger size dogs, you can think about getting a dog, such as Entlebucher Mountain Dog, for your second dog.
Of course, you shouldn’t feel the pressure of getting a second dog or another dog if having one dog in your life is something that works for you.
However, if you have experience as a dog owner and you know for sure that Entlebucher Mountain Dog is your next dog, you should be well aware of the following:
- You will have to provide additional exercise next to regular walks on a daily level
- Training toys are mandatory, as well as toys that will keep his mind busy
- They may be aggressive toward strangers
- They may be aggressive toward other dogs
- These are dogs of higher energy
In terms of training, these are demanding dogs. Not that they need training regularly and regular walks, but they need extra activities to keep them busy.
Burning their energy is a must unless you want to deal with a bored dog. Think about participation in dog sports such as agility and obedience.
Early socialization and obedience training is a must if you want to have a well-behaved canine citizen.
They are not advised for apartment living due to their energy levels. However, if you can provide enough outdoor time and enough exercise hours they should do fine in the city area with a larger living space. When outside, they should be on a leash every moment.
Entlebucher Mountain Dog Grooming
Entlebucher Mountain Dogs have a thick and double coat. This means that they shed.
They may not be the biggest shedders within the canine world, but they do shed a fair amount.
You can expect heavier shedding during the shedding season, in spring and autumn.
Brushing him weekly is mandatory to keep his coat healthy and shiny. This practice is also a great way to check a dog’s skin for fleas and any sign of skin infection.
Use a rubber curry brush to remove dead hair successfully. Baht only when needed.
Dogs don’t need frequent bathing as humans do. Still, when you bathe your Entlebucher Mountain Dog make sure that you are using only shampoo specially designed for dogs. This way you will protect his coat and skin.
The rest is basic care:
- Trim or grind nails monthly
- Clean ears when needed
- Brush his teeth if your vet recommends it
- Check eyes and gums weekly
Entlebucher Mountain Dog Health
Entlebuchers are considered to be healthy dogs.
If you are dealing with responsible dog breeders you will be given medical documentation on the puppy, as proof that you are getting a teste puppy.
Breeders will screen puppies for the most common issues in the breed. To learn more about health issues on the breed, you should always check the national breed’s club recommendation health-wise.
For Entlebuchers national breed club recommend the following tests:
- Patella Evaluation
- Hip Evaluation
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
- PRA Optigen DNA Test
Don’t forget: If a national club of the breed recommends specific tests, you have the full right to ask the breed for those test and their results.
No matter how responsible the breeder is, and how great care you might provide, dogs can still get sick.
In fact, they can develop certain conditions, and some health conditions that may appear in this breed include:
- Hip dysplasia
- Luxating patella
- Eye disorders
Is Entlebucher Mountain Dog For You?
The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is for you if you want a dog that is medium-sized, heavily athletic, dependable, and easy to maintain.
This Swiss breed isn’t for you if you don’t want a dog who needs intense and vigorous exercise requirements, is prone to destructiveness when bored, and suspicious toward strangers.
Once again: this isn’t the breed for you if you are a first time dog owner.
If you are a first time dog owner, these are breeds to consider.
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