If you love the tri-colored Bernese mountain dog, but you are seeking a slightly smaller family companion, consider the lovable and enthusiastic Entlebucher mountain dog instead. There are four different tri-colored Swiss mountain dogs, which are the Bernese mountain dog, the greater Swiss mountain dog, the Appenzeller sennenhund and the Entlebucher mountain dog. The latter is the smallest of the four breeds, all of which descended from the mastiffs of the Roman Empire. The Entlebucher mountain dog was named after the Entlebuch valley, which is located in the Lucerne, Switzerland. Farmers in the Alps utilized the breed to herd cows from one pasture to another. In 2011, the American Kennel Club recognized the Entlebucher mountain dog as a member of the herding group.
The Entlebuchers is the smallest of the Swiss Mountain Dogs. It has a square-proportioned, muscular body that is sturdy and athletic. The Entlebucher Mountain Dog have medium-sized, pendant ears and long, strong jaws. Their coats are smooth and tricolor. Grooming this dog is a breeze - regular brushing will do. The Entlebucher mountain dog is a compact, muscular dog of medium size, standing 16 to 20 inches tall and weighing 45 to 65 pounds. The double coat is short and thick. Entlebucher mountain dog coats are tricolored, presenting as predominantly black with white markings on the paws, face, muzzle and chest and fawn to mahogany shading on the eyebrows, legs and face. The eyes are always brown. The tail may be long or docked, and the triangular earflaps hang downward.
Personality
This breed is a calm, loving and friendly dog that thrives on human companionship. They are very smart and are happiest when they get to roam the outsides. They are not suitable for apartment life and need plenty of daily exercise. They are very affectionate and loving but need calm and consistent training. Entlebucher mountain dogs are active and athletic, and they excel at most canine sports activities. They are also good companions on hiking trails. They are easy to train, and they have a strong drive to please their owners. Entlebucher mountain dogs are affectionate toward family members, but they are reserved toward strangers. They are attentive watchdogs. They get along with older children, but their need for rough play makes them less suitable for homes with toddlers. They will get along with other household pets, but they will have a strong desire to chase unfamiliar animals outdoors. Entlebucher mountain dogs must always be kept mentally occupied and well exercised.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 10 - 13 years |
| Nicknames: | Entlebucher sennenhund, Entlebucher sennehund, Entlebucher cattle dog |
Entlebucher Mountain Dog Build Information
The Entlebuchers is the smallest of the Swiss Mountain Dogs. It has a square-proportioned, muscular body that is sturdy and athletic. The Entlebucher Mountain Dog have medium-sized, pendant ears and long, strong jaws. Their coats are smooth and tricolor. Grooming this dog is a breeze - regular brushing will do. The Entlebucher mountain dog is a compact, muscular dog of medium size, standing 16 to 20 inches tall and weighing 45 to 65 pounds. The double coat is short and thick. Entlebucher mountain dog coats are tricolored, presenting as predominantly black with white markings on the paws, face, muzzle and chest and fawn to mahogany shading on the eyebrows, legs and face. The eyes are always brown. The tail may be long or docked, and the triangular earflaps hang downward.
| Size: | Medium |
Behaviour and Personality
This breed is a calm, loving and friendly dog that thrives on human companionship. They are very smart and are happiest when they get to roam the outsides. They are not suitable for apartment life and need plenty of daily exercise. They are very affectionate and loving but need calm and consistent training. Entlebucher mountain dogs are active and athletic, and they excel at most canine sports activities. They are also good companions on hiking trails. They are easy to train, and they have a strong drive to please their owners. Entlebucher mountain dogs are affectionate toward family members, but they are reserved toward strangers. They are attentive watchdogs. They get along with older children, but their need for rough play makes them less suitable for homes with toddlers. They will get along with other household pets, but they will have a strong desire to chase unfamiliar animals outdoors. Entlebucher mountain dogs must always be kept mentally occupied and well exercised.
| Activity Level: | Moderately Active |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
An Entlebucher mountain dog’s coat sheds, and the shedding becomes heavier every spring. During the spring, a quick brushing each day will remove the dead hairs and minimize the accumulation of shed hair on household floors and furniture. For the remainder of the year, brushing one to two times a week should suffice. Check the ears each week, and clean them as necessary to prevent infections. The teeth should be brushed every other day to prevent periodontal disease, which can progress to adversely affect organ health.
| Shedding: | None |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
Entlebucher Mountain Dog Common Health Conditions
Entlebucher mountain dogs live an average lifespan of 10 to 13 years. Two health conditions that have been seen in the breed include progressive retinal atrophy and Entlebucher urinary syndrome.
Entlebucher Mountain Dog Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
Get a Free Pet Insurance Quote
Breed Talents and Facts
The Entlebucher mountain dog originated in Switzerland. The Entlebucher mountain dog is also called an Entlebucher sennenhund, and Entlebucher sennehund and an Entlebucher cattle dog. The Entlebucher mountain dog is loving and companionable. It is a loyal protector and an active family member. The Entlebucher mountain dog stands 16 to 20 inches tall and weighs 45 to 65 pounds. Entlebucher mountain dogs have a moderate energy level. Entlebucher mountain dogs require moderate grooming. The average lifespan for an Entlebucher mountain dog is 10 to 13 years.
| Training: | Easy to Train |