What Does an Entlebucher Mountain Dog Look Like?
The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is a small breed of herding dog that is often mistaken for other breeds. They have a long, lean body and a triangular head with floppy ears, amber eyes, and a black nose. Healthy Entlebuchers weigh 45-65 pounds and stand 16-20 inches tall at the shoulder.
Their short and smooth coat comes in three colors, as listed by the American Kennel Club: black, black white & tan, and black white & yellow. To put it simply, they have the same coloring as the Bernese Mountain Dog.
What Is the Temperament of an Entlebucher Like?
The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is a versatile herding breed that was originally bred in the Swiss Alps. They are independent and have the same spirit as other herding breeds, but they also love spending time with their people. They get along with children very well, but may be less friendly towards other dogs.
These dogs are excellent watchdogs and will bark to warn you of any visitors. They can be territorial and are not recommended for first-time dog owners. However, if you can keep up with their energy, you’ll have a lifelong friend.
What Amount of Exercise Does an Entlebucher Need?
The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is a breed that has a lot of energy to burn. They love to play and need at least an hour of vigorous exercise each day, and will be happy to partake in dog sports like tracking or agility. If they don’t get enough activity, they can become destructive and develop behavioral problems.
How Adaptable Are They?
The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is a moderately adaptable breed. They can tolerate cold weather quite well, and they don’t react as negatively to being left alone as many other dogs. However, they don’t adapt well to apartment living, as they need plenty of space to run and play.
How Easy to Train Are They?
The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is an easy breed to train. They are intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement. However, they can be willful at times and may require more patience than some other breeds.
They like having a job to do, so teaching them to fetch you the newspaper or pick up dirty laundry is a great way to keep them entertained – and useful!
Are There Any Health Problems to Be Aware of?
Most Entlebuchers are healthy and live 10-13 years in good condition. Still, there are a few disorders the breed is prone to, for example:
- the Entlebucher urinary syndrome – a hereditary condition where the ureter is misplaced, causing recurring bladder infections or the leaking of urine;
- hip dysplasia – a condition where the hip joint is improperly formed, causing lameness and pain;
- luxating patellas – a condition where the kneecap pops out of place, causing pain and instability;
- progressive retinal atrophy – a degenerative eye disease that can lead to blindness.
So, if you’re considering adding an Entlebucher Mountain Dog to your family, be sure to get a puppy from a reputable breeder that screens the parent dogs for the above conditions. With a healthy diet, a good amount of exercise and regular vet checkups, your pup can live a long and happy life.
What Are the Grooming Needs of an Entlebucher?
Like most herding dog breeds, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog is easy to groom. They do shed a bit, but their coat only needs to be brushed once a week or so. A stripping comb or thick bristle brush can help control the shedding.
Wiping your dog down with a damp towel will keep them looking clean between baths. They’ll also need their nails trimmed every month and ears cleaned on a weekly basis. Also, get them used to tooth brushing early and stick to doing it frequently – at least three times a week.
Where Can You Get an Entlebucher Mountain Dog Puppy?
The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is not a common breed, so finding a puppy may be difficult. Your best bet is checking with the National Entlebucher Mountain Dog Association. They have a list of breeders and a rescue form you can fill out, so that they’ll contact you when there’s a dog in need of a home.
Puppies from breeders will cost around $800-$1,500. Before you bring one home, ask to see the parents and proof of their health testing. Also, make sure the breeder has socialized the puppies well and gotten them used to a range of social situations. It’s especially important if you have children or other pets.
What’s the History of the Entlebucher Mountain Dog Breed?
The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is a relatively new breed, dating back to the early 1900s. They were bred in Switzerland as a multipurpose farm dog – able to herd livestock and also be a loyal companion. They had already existed in the 1800s, but they weren’t classified as a breed until 1908 when the Swiss Kennel Club took notice of them.
The breed was nearly lost during World War I. Only 16 surviving dogs of the type were found in 1927, and the first breed club was formed to restore the Entlebucher Mountain Dog. In recent years, it’s becoming more and more popular as a lively companion instead of a working dog.
Is the Entlebucher the Right Dog Breed for You?
The Entlebucher is a high-energy breed that needs plenty of exercise. They make great companions for active families or individuals who can give them a job to do. They’re highly affectionate with their people and make great watchdogs.
Experienced pet parents should keep up with them, but they can be a bit much for novice dog owners. And if you have other dogs at home, be sure to socialize them well from an early age – the Entlebucher can be dominant and territorial.
So, if you’re prepared for the challenge of owning a high-energy dog breed, and you have plenty of time to devote to exercise and training, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog may be the perfect pup for you.
Fun Facts about Entlebuchers
Is there anything else that’s interesting about these Swiss working dogs? Here are a couple more facts you can share with your friends.
- The Entlebucher is the smallest of the four Swiss mountain dog breeds, the other three being the Bernese Mountain Dog, the Appenzeller Sennenhund, and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.
- They’re also known as the Entlebucher Sennenhund, the Entlebuch Mountain Dog, and the Entlebucher Cattle Dog among other names.
- They’ve been recorded in the AKC’s Foundation Stock Service since 2000, and eligible to compete in herding events since 2007.
- The breed is named after Entlebuch, a town and region in the Swiss canton of Lucerne.
- They’re thought to have descended from the mastiffs that Roman legions bred for fighting and guarding.
Do You Think an Entlebucher Will Make a Great Pet for You?
If you think the Entlebucher is the right dog for you, be sure to do your research before buying one. Make sure you can provide the pup with plenty of exercise, and socialize them well from an early age if they’re going to live with other pets.
Also, be prepared to spend time training your new friend – they’re intelligent dogs, and they need the mental stimulation. They’ll quickly learn what you expect of them. If you can provide all that the Entlebucher needs, you’ll be rewarded with a lifelong companion who’s always happy to see you.
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