Entlebucher Puppies Blog » Breed Info

The Entlebucher Breed Standard

Big Dog — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:32:36 +0000

The Entlebucher mountain dog, native dog from the Switzerland, is the smallest among the four tri-colored Swiss Mountain Dogs. To make sure you are getting the best out of the Entlebucher mountain dog, learn about the breed standard carefully studied by the American Kennel Club, Inc.

This breed was once used by Swiss farmers to move cows, given with the dog’s intellignce, agility and speed they were also a big help for other large animals such as horse and hogs. So, practically this is a strong dog in a medium-sized body with powerful muscles and elongated drover with abundant bone. The standard size of the male would have to be between 17 to 21 inches while the females should be 16 to 20 inches. Know that size should be complemented with muscles that are strong, agility and sufficient bone. Too big dogs may not have the mobility desired while too small may not have enough power. The size of the head should be proportion to the planes of muzzle and skull, the ration is 9:10.

Entlebucher breed is an amiable, alert and attentive with small brown eyes in the shape of almond. Medium-sized ears that are slightly raised, black nose, a close fitted jaw with pigmentation of black – these are the facial features of the breed. The medium length, clean and strong neck should smoothly connect to the topline which is level and sturdy. For the coat, there must be top coat and under coat, the former should be short, shiny and harsh while the undercoat is wavy or soft and it varies in color.

Here are the qualities that if not met disqualifies a dog from being officially regarded as an Entlebucher. Jaw that is either overshoot or undershoot, mouth that is wry, the absence of the under-coat and eyes that are blue or yellow hawk in color.

Is an Entlebucher Dog a good choice for me?

Big Dog — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 08:04:42 +0000

I would say yes, if you would like to have a true protector for your family that will protect you at any cost and will alert you if something suspicious happens in your home. Although this dog is loyal and relatively friendly, they are not that easy to handle, therefore they are not advised to novice dog owners. The Entlebucher Dog enjoys the company of other dogs and pets in the house and they also like children, but you must never let younger children unsupervised with them.

The coat of this breed is short, hard and thick. They are average shedders, so weekly brushing will be enough. They don’t like warm climate, so in warmer weather you must provide enough shelter and water to the dogs. Never forget to provide them sufficient dental and oral care, as well as regularly clip their nails. The breed is prone to health issues like hip dysplasia and cataracts.

Training of Entlebuchers is relatively hard, as they are very strong-willed and can be dominant, so a consistent, skilled and calm trainer is required. Otherwise they are intelligent and if rewarded well, can learn relatively quickly.

All in all, these dogs are the best for experienced dog owners who will provide great amount of exercise and activity to the dog, as well as a large, securely fenced yard.

I hope this few sentences will help you decide whether the Entlebucher Dog is the best breed for you.

Basic facts everyone should know about Entlebucher dogs

Big Dog — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 14:01:24 +0000

- Its name refers to the origin: it comes from the valleys of Entlen Mountains
- This is the smallest breed in the group of the four Swiss Mountain Dogs (the other three are the Appenzeller, Bernese Mountain Dog and Great Swiss Mountain Dog)
- The first standard was completed in 1927
- The Entlebucher makes a good watchdog but has a strong herding instinct, but doesn’t have a hunting instinct at all

What are the differences between an Entlebucher and a Great Swiss Mountain Dog?

Big Dog — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:32:03 +0000

They are two of the four Swiss Mountain dogs, all four are: Bernese Mountain Dog, Appenzeller, Entlebucher, Great Swiss Mountain dDg.
For first look, the two breeds can look quite similar, both are tri-colored, and have similar shape – but the first difference that we can notice is that the Great Swiss Mountain Dog (as we could guess from the name) is taller and heavier than the Entlebucher: the first breed weighs about 40-65 kgs and is 60-72 cm tall, while his colleuge is only 25-30 kgs and 48-51 cm tall as an average.
Both were bred to be working dogs – the difference is that Swissies used to be flock guardians, while the Entlebucher’s task was to work as a herding dog.

What are the other names of the Entlebucher Mountain Dog?

Ann — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 08:57:13 +0000

The Entlebucher Mountain dog is called by several names: because they were used by the Senn herders in the Alps, they are called Entlebucher Sennehund. Another name was given due to their function as a herding dog; the Entlebucher Cattle Dog. This breed is the smallest of four Sennenhunds: The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, The Bernese Mountain Dog, and the Appenzeller.

The Federation Cynologique Internationale recognizes the breed as a native of Switzerland and having its standard established there as well. Other clubs such as the American Kennel Club recognizes the breed and is still working on other clubs in Australia and New Zealand. Because of the small number of them around, several health concerns are present such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Hip dysplasia, and hemolytic anemia, and other congenital defects. Steps are being taking by the National Entlebucher Mountain Dog Association to assist in eliminating these issues.

What is an Entlebucher Sennenhund?

Ann — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 03:26:24 +0000

The Entlebucher Sennenhund, also known as the Entlebucher Mountain Dog is the smallest of four Sennenhunds and comes from a municipality in Lucerne, Switzerland called Entlebuch. “Senn” are Swiss Alps herders. Bred as working dogs, it can be identified by its short, close fitting and shiny tri-color coat which is basic black with patches or markings of mahogany or tan.

It is rough to the touch, their bodies are compact, well muscled and a chest that is broad. A wedge shaped head with dark brown almond shaped eyes and ears which are triangular and pendulous. These dogs can stand between 16 to 20 inches and weigh around 20 to 30 kilograms. This dog has a very boisterous personality and enjoys being around its human family. Apartment living is not recommended due to the tendency of the dog being noisy. Although, they are great watchdogs that will alert their owners without fail. Affectionate and loving, they are completely devoted to pleasing their masters as well as demand the same attention.

The Entlebucher’s Temperament:

D Dog Fan — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 11:31:20 +0000

This is one sturdy little package of a dog! You want intelligence? You got it. You want personality? You got it. You want agility? You got it. You want loyalty? You got it. If you are the type of person, that loves to have a wagging tail by your side at all times, then this is the dog for you, since the Entlebucher is the happiest if he can be by your side every waking hour. Strangely enough, while being a very independent and self confident breed, the Entlebucher, seeks companionship and is very attached to the people that it loves. It must be made a part of the family. One of the greatest qualities – and something to truly respect about this breed- is the loyalty and true devotion it feels to master and family. If you intend to have this dog in the back yard, then this is not the dog for you. Unless, of course you and the family will be there as well.

Being ever-watchful and territorial, an Entlebucher is aloof with strangers. It thus excells at watch-dog duties. They will always let you know when there is an intruder! Although their confidence and social needs are undeniable, they need to be trained and socialized from an early age. Entlebuchers love children in general. An Entlebucher keenly senses and respects social hierarchy, and therefore the head of the household should be the main trainer. This is an active and playful breedthat makes an excellent play mate for children that it grows up with. It looks out for their safety under any circumstances.

The Entlebucher and the Swiss Mountain Dog Family:

D Dog Fan — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 06:08:41 +0000

The Entlebucher, which is also called the Entlebucher Sennenhund; the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Entlebucher Cattle Dog is the smallest member of the Swiss Mountain Dog family that also includes the Appenzeller , the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Although these are all cousins and belong to this family of Swiss mountain dogs, the Entlebucher mountain dog stands alone due to its smaller size. The breeds of this group all share a unique tri-colour coat, a heavy build and a kind, calm temperament. These breeds are rare and not very well known. Like all of the Swiss mountain dogs, the origins of the Entlebucher are ancient, probably dating back to Roman times. Only from 1926 has the Entlebucher breed been openly recognized as a separate purebred from the Appenzeller, since they share a lot of common features.

The Entlebucher:

The Appenzeller:

The Bernese Mountain Dog:

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog: