Entlebucher Mountain Dog Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Entlebucher Mountain Dog?

These dogs are descended from large dogs that resembled Mastiffs that were bred by the Romans. The Entlebucher Mountain Dog was bred to herd cattle. Their size is quite a bit smaller than their larger cousins, and a seemingly bottomless supply of energy enabled them to run behind livestock, nipping at the heels of cattle that ran astray.

It's easy to see the resemblance of the Entlebucher Mountain Dog to other Swiss Mountain Dogs like the Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and Appenzeller Sennenhund. During the 1800s, dogs very similar to the Entlebucher were very popular in Switzerland amongst farmers to protect livestock and pull carts.

During the 1900s, with World War I and II, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog was nearly wiped out due to German Shepherd crossbreeding. After the war, not a single Entlebucher could be found in Europe.

Due to the work of a handful of breeders at the time, the breed standard was established describing the breed characteristics, and in 1926, an Entlebucher breed club was started.

This handful of breeders managed to find 17 Entlebucher Mountain Dogs to replenish the population. In 2009 the American Kennel Club recognised the Entlebucher Mountain Dog as part of the Herding Breeds group.

Who are Entlebucher Mountain Dog dogs best for?

Entles have a bit of a reputation for being high maintenance, so for first-time pet owners, they might not be the best choice. They need loads of daily exercise, and they can be strong-willed and stubborn which makes training much more difficult.

High intelligence can mean a high propensity for boredom, which can manifest as bad behaviour as they try to satisfy their need for mental stimulation, especially if not exercised. However, they can be good family dogs and will reward you with unlimited love and affection.

How much grooming does a Entlebucher Mountain Dog need?

They have a thick coat, but regular brushing keeps shedding at bay. Being short-haired, they are much easier to groom than their longer-haired cousins.

Do Entlebucher Mountain Dog bark much?

Well, since the Entlebucher Mountain Dog has been bred to guard livestock as well as their humans against potential threats, Entles will often bark at unfamiliar things. Entlebucher Mountain Dogs have a deep bark to scare off intruders. Their loud bark could irritate neighbours, especially at night.

Do Entlebucher Mountain Dog bite?

Are Entlebucher Mountain Dogs aggressive? They can be since they are a very protective breed and are very cautious of new people. This can rear its head in the form of aggression when not properly socialised and trained. Generally speaking, most of the time Entles will only bark at a stranger.

What is the temperament & personality of a Entlebucher Mountain Dog?

An Entlebucher Mountain Dog is a very affectionate dog and loves to spend time with their humans. But don't be fooled; this breed has a lot of energy and needs exercise.

First-time dog parents may find this doggo a bit of a handful. If you have what it takes to keep up, you will be rewarded with a lifelong, loving companion.

What is the weight & size of a Entlebucher Mountain Dog?

They have a small and nimble build to weave in between cattle to keep the herd in check. Males are 45 cm to 55 cm tall, measured paw to shoulder, and females are 40cm to 50cm. They weigh between 20 kg - 30 kg.

How much training does a Entlebucher Mountain Dog need?

Early socialisation and obedience training are crucial for this breed because they are very smart dogs with a mind of their own.

These are very independent dogs which can often take the form of stubbornness and can be very testing for novice dog parents, especially frustrating when trying to train them but if trained consistently with firm rules, you will start to get results.

Entles can be aggressive not only to strangers but to other dogs, making it vital to socialise Entlebucher Mountain Dog puppies early on. The more exposure your puppy has to new faces and other animals at an early age, the more relaxed it will be as it goes through life meeting new people.

For these reasons, we would recommend using a dog trainer who can give your dog the comprehensive training it needs from puppyhood.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Entlebucher Mountain Dog?

Generally speaking, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog is a very healthy breed; however, even if you get your pup from a reputable breeder who follows the breed standards and is a member of breed clubs, it may still be prone to some health issues.

Some common problems found in Entlebucher Mountain Dogs include:

• Hip dysplasia: A weakness of the hip joints, this is a genetic disorder that not only affects Entles but other breeds as well all breeds of dogs.

• Entlebucher urinary syndrome: This hereditary condition is a disease of the urinary tract that is caused by an underlying genetic predisposition.

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): This is found in certain breeds and unfortunately Entles have a genetic predisposition to it. It's like retinitis pigmentosa in humans; in a nutshell, it is the degeneration of the retina which gradually causes vision loss, ultimately resulting in complete loss of vision.

What is the lifespan of a Entlebucher Mountain Dog?

If cared for and looked after with the correct diet, this breed can live up to fifteen years which is a very long time full of love and companionship. Many larger dogs only live up to ten years, so if you're looking for a dog with a long lifespan, the Entle is perfect!

How much should you feed a Entlebucher Mountain Dog?

Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are a very active breed and require nutrient-dense, protein-focused dog food. Fortunately, with this breed and other dogs with so much energy, overfeeding is much more difficult, but it is possible and can lead to problems like canine obesity and diabetes.

In any case, make sure to choose high-quality dog food for your canine companion, and be careful how many human treats you give them. Like any other dogs, Entles can't have certain foods, so familiarise yourself with what is and isn't safe for them to eat to avoid any upset tummies.

What is the price of a Entlebucher Mountain Dog in Australia?

Generally, Entlebucher Mountain Dog puppies can go for anything between $800 to $1,500. This will depend on the breeders' reputation and location.

Make sure you choose reputable breeders who health-check their puppies. Alternatively, consider rescuing an Entlebucher Mountain Dog from your local adoption centre - these pups still have plenty of love to give and often won't cost as much initially.