Entlebucher Puppies Blog

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.

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.