Entlebucher Mountain Dogs, or Entles for short, are medium to large-sized dogs of Swiss origin. The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is known to be the smallest among all the Swiss Mountain Dogs. They have muscular bodies and usually stand at a height of 21 inches.
These dogs feature short, sturdy legs, and short coats that come in black, white, and tan colors. They are also known for their attentive and friendly faces that would surely put smiles on anyone’s faces.
Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are sturdy, protective dogs for the herd. But at home, they can be very trustworthy playmates for your kids. They are the best fit for experienced owners who can give them enough time and attention, so they become more well-rounded.
Entlebucher Mountain Dog Statistics
| Dog Breed Group | Herding |
| Breed Size | Medium to Large |
| Height | 17-21 inches (male); 16-20 inches (female) |
| Weight | 50-65 pounds (male); 40-55 pounds (female) |
| Lifespan | 11-13 years |
Entlebucher Mountain Dog Ratings
| Energy level | |
| Exercise needs | |
| Requires attention | |
| Playfulness | |
| Trainability | |
| Shedding | |
| Grooming | |
| Friendly with family | |
| Friendly with kids | |
| Friendly with strangers | |
| Friendly with other dogs | |
| Prey Drive |
Entlebucher Mountain Dog History
All Swiss Mountain Dogs descended from molossus type dogs that existed over 2,000 years ago. These dogs were mainly used to assist Swiss cattlemen in moving and guarding herds before the Industrial Revolution. Four breeds were developed, and one of them is the Entlebucher Mountain Dog.
Entlebucher Mountain Dogs were developed around 1889, from the valley of Entlebuch. They were initially called Entlebuchhund or Entle for short. Like the other Swiss Cattle dogs, the Entles were employed as all-around farm dogs.
Around the 1900s, the breed’s number was endangered because of crossbreeding with German Shepherd Dogs. Then came World War I, and their numbers further decreased that not one dog could be found easily.
Fortunately, a breeder named Franz Schertenleib initiated reviving the breed, which became a huge success. By 1927, a standard was actually written, but it wasn’t until 2011 that the American Kennel Club recognized the dog breed.
Now, the dogs rank 157th as the most popular dog breed in the US. These dogs are considered to be excellent companions for both adults and children.
Temperament
Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are loyal, smart, and enthusiastic dogs. As they were developed as working dogs, you can expect them to be highly energetic and would love to spend most of their time outdoors.
It’s essential to keep these dogs busy all the time. Take them out for a walk, let them play on their own in a securely fenced yard, play fetch, frisbee, basically anything that would help them get busy. These dogs need their space, so an apartment living will not be ideal for him.
Entles love their families, and they certainly enjoy spending time with their owners. Get him to involve in your daily activities. They also love children, and if socialized properly, they are very trustworthy and gentle dogs.
They are also good with other pets they grew up with, though there are instances they’ll try to herd them. They are also generally mellow unless provoked by other dogs.
As these dogs were also used as guard dogs, expect them to be alert at all times. He will bark when unannounced visitors come, though they can also be friendly, polite, or suspicious.
They must be socialized at a young age, so they develop a stable temperament. This will also help make them more well-rounded dogs.
Training may also come challenging if you’re not assertive enough. These dogs require consistent and firm leadership but never harsh. If you do that, these dogs will learn quickly.
Care Requirements
- Nutrition: Entlebucher Mountain Dogs should do well on high-quality and well-balanced food. Since these are working dogs, they especially need proteins and carbohydrates to aid with muscle growth and provide them with energy. High-quality animal meat is the best source of protein for these dogs. Mix some fat in their meals through fish or chicken oils, while whole grains and sweet potatoes are excellent sources of carbohydrates. You can add fruits and vegetables in their diet for sources of fiber and vitamins. If you are going to give him dog food or treats, choose the premium quality ones too. Check the label and ensure that it doesn’t contain any fillers, additives, by-products, and other ingredients that can harm your dog. It’s always best to consult your vet regarding the best feeding requirements for your dog. This way, he might be able to create a meal plan specific for your dog, depending on his age, activity level, and metabolism.
- Grooming: Entlebucher Mountain Dogs don’t require heavy grooming at all. They have short, shiny double coats that shed infrequently; however, it can be too many. We recommend investing in a good brush and brush your dog’s hair weekly to keep the shedding at a minimum. During the shedding season, however, you might need to brush more often. Baths can be given occasionally, but make sure to clean their coats thoroughly. Ears should also be regularly checked to prevent ear infection. Nails should be trimmed regularly to ensure that your dog doesn’t experience any pain and discomfort.
- Exercise: Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are highly energetic dogs that need their daily exercise. Take him out for at least an hour of exercise each day in the form of long walks, run, jog, or biking. This is highly essential if you don’t want him to show destructive behaviors while at home. A tired Entlebucher Mountain is a good dog. They’ll be easier to live with if he already expelled most of his energy on outside activities.
- Health: The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is a generally healthy dog breed with a long lifespan. However, like many other dog breeds, they are prone to certain health conditions, and it’s vital for dog owners, like you, to be aware of what these are.One primary concern these dogs have is canine hip dysplasia, which is why it’s important to take them out for exercise. This will help exercise their growing joints. Minor concerns to be worried about are progressive retinal atrophy and ectopic ureter. And a few occasionally seen as cataracts. There may be other hereditary concerns too, so it’s best to meet one of your dog’s parents to be aware of what diseases your dog may acquire. You can also let him take some screening tests to detect certain conditions at an early stage.
- Lifespan: The life expectancy of Entlebucher Mountain Dogs is 12-14 years.
Fun Facts About Entlebucher Mountain Dogs
- Entlebucher Mountain Dogs originated from Entlebuch, Switzerland, hence their name.
- They descended from molossus type dogs that existed 2,000 years ago.
- They’re closely related to the Bernese Mountain Dogs.
- This breed originally developed to herd and guard cattle.
- They almost became extinct by the early 1900s.
- They are the smallest and quickest among the Swiss Mountain Dog Breeds.
- They were fully recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2011.
Check Out Other Herding Dog Breeds:
Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, Bearded Collies, Beaucerons, Belgian Malinois, Belgian Sheepdog, Belgian Tervuren, Bergamasco Sheepdog, Berger Picards, Border Collie, Bouviers des Flandres, Briards, Canaan Dog, Cardigan Welsh Corgis, Collie, Finnish Lapphund, German Shepard, Miniature American Shepherd, Norwegian Buhunds, Old English Sheepdog, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Polish Lowland Sheepdogs, Puli, Pumi, Pyrenean Shepherd, Shetland Sheepdog, Spanish Water Dog, Swedish Vallhunds