Entlebucher

Entlebucher Sennehund, Entlebuch Cattle Dog

Purpose

guarding flock

driving cattle

Breed Type : Pure Breeds

Breed Size: Large

The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is a sturdy, medium-sized breed known for its distinctive small brown eyes, short coat with multiple colors, and small triangular ears. Its sleek fur typically showcases a blend of white, tan, and black, highlighted by a soft, fluffy blaze and chest area. Among the various Swiss Mountain Dog breeds, the Entlebucher is the smallest, and some suggest it has lineage tracing back to the Mastiffs that accompanied the Romans for protection and warfare. Although the American Kennel Club officially recognized this breed only in 2011, it remains relatively rare in the United States, while it enjoys a strong following in Switzerland. Nowadays, the Entlebucher is primarily appreciated as a family pet rather than a livestock guardian.

Breed Origin

There are four unique breeds of Mountain Dogs: the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, the Bernese Mountain Dog, the Appenzeller Mountain Dog, and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog. Collectively known as Sennenhunds, these breeds are thought to have been brought to Switzerland by the Romans over 2,000 years ago, during the first century. Unfortunately, by the 1900s, they faced a significant decline, nearly reaching extinction due to crossbreeding with German Shepherds and other purebreds. In 1889, Franz Schertenleib took action to preserve the remaining Entlebucher Mountain Dogs by breeding them, leading to their designation as Entlebucherhunds. Originally, these dogs were used for herding and protecting livestock, while their larger relatives managed cattle and transported dairy products to markets. Nowadays, they are mainly kept as pets and guard dogs. Until 1913, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog was considered the same breed as the Appenzell Cattle Dog. That year, Professor Albert Heim presented several of these dogs at a Swiss dog show, which resulted in their recognition as the fourth breed of Mountain and Cattle Dogs in the Swiss Canine Stud Book. However, it wasn't until 1927 that the Swiss Club of Entlebucher Cattle Dogs established an official breed standard. The American Kennel Club (AKC) formally recognized the breed 84 years later. According to the AKC, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog originates from the Entlebuch valley, situated in the District of the Cantons of Lucerne and Berne in Switzerland.

Breed Appearance

The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is a medium-sized breed known for its sturdy, square frame and muscular build. Its coat is primarily a shiny black, accented by well-defined white markings on the chest, muzzle, feet, and tail. Subtle shades of mahogany and fawn appear in the bushy eyebrows and at the junctions of the black and white fur. Some dogs may have small tan oval spots on their cheeks, and a few might feature an inverted cross marking on their chest. The breed is distinguished by a fluffy white blaze, and the tail often has a white tip. With small brown eyes, triangular ears, a strong jaw, and straight teeth, the Entlebucher has a unique look. Its nose is straight and black, enhanced by natural whiskers. The neck is robust and of medium length, while the tail can be either natural or docked, held high but not curled. The front legs are short and well-defined, in contrast to the longer hind legs, and the paws are compact.

Care Routine

Despite the Entlebucher Mountain Dog's short coat, it experiences year-round shedding, with a notable increase in the spring. To effectively manage this, it's recommended to brush your dog at least once a week using a rubber curry grooming brush, which aids in minimizing shedding and removing loose fur. Bathing should be reserved for when your dog is especially dirty, and a mild dog shampoo is best for this purpose. Monthly nail trimming is essential, and daily brushing of your dog's teeth is advised to ensure good dental health and prevent unpleasant breath. During your weekly grooming routine, take a moment to check your dog’s ears for any wax, dirt, or debris. If you find any buildup, you can clean the ears with a cotton ball and a veterinarian-recommended dog ear cleaner. Additionally, use this time to inspect your dog’s eyes for any signs of discharge or cloudiness.

Behavior & Temperament

The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is recognized for its strong territorial instincts and protective demeanor, which can lead to wariness or even aggression towards strangers. This natural behavior, coupled with its deep, commanding bark, effectively deters potential intruders. However, this trait also means that the dog may need extra time to adjust to new individuals. As an energetic breed, they require plenty of attention and physical activity, making daily walks and play sessions essential. Known for their intelligence, Entlebucher Mountain Dogs learn quickly and can easily pick up tricks, positioning them well for agility competitions. They thrive in outdoor settings, enjoying activities like hiking, running, extended fetch games, hunting, herding, and tracking. While they typically interact well with children, it’s crucial to train them to feel at ease around young kids, particularly those under five years old. Small animals, such as stray cats and squirrels, may not be safe around them due to their inherent hunting instincts. Ultimately, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog finds its greatest joy when surrounded by its family at home.

Play & Exercise

Things to Know

Cups Per Day

3.0 Cups

Daily Activity

90 Minutes

Average Lifespan

13 Years

Origin

1800s

Type

Pure Breeds

Size

Large

Origin Country

Switzerland

Brush Frequency

Weekly

Coat Texture

Straight

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