Mary Allen
The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is the smallest of the four Swiss Mountain Dog breeds. By its nature, he is in no way inferior to his older brothers: an alert, intelligent, inquisitive and lively, fearless, and agile bunch of energy with a characteristic three-color coat pattern that will bring a lot of pleasure to active dog lovers and families.
Hard-Working Shepherd Dog from Entlebuch
The breed has been known since about 1889. As the name suggests, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog is descended from the Entlebuch. Mountain farmers from the Swiss valley between Bern and Lucerne mainly used the persistent medium-sized dog for grazing and as court guards. Thanks to his fearless nature and quick reaction, he brilliantly copes with these tasks. In 1927 general standards were set and the Entlebucher, as enthusiasts call it briefly, began to gain international popularity as a robust and child-loving family dog.
Entlebucher Mountain Dog Personality
If you are looking for a people-oriented, especially affectionate dog, you will find a loyal and good-natured companion in the Entlebucher Mountain Dog. Due to his innate guarding and protective instinct, he is extremely devoted to his family. He meets strangers with hesitation and is a little suspicious. As an incorruptible guardian, he reliably looks after children, home, and garden. By virtue of the initial area of responsibility, he is used to making decisions on his own. This also makes him very good protection and rescue dog.
Training & Maintenance of the Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Physical and mental exercise is essential to this learning-minded dog breed. The dogs love to work, are amazingly agile, and love challenges, so they are happy to take on trail work or dog sports such as agility. Since the Entlebucher Mountain Dog has almost no hunting instincts, it does not get much from exploring the area on its own outside of its garden or from extensive wanderings. He learns quickly and playfully. Because of his liveliness, he should be led consistently, but absolutely with sympathy, as he is very fond of justice and sensitivity.
Caring for the Entlebucher Mountain Dog
The Entlebucher Mountain Dog attaches needs great to the cleanliness and grooming of the coat. Thanks to the short coat, this is easy to do: brushing and, if necessary, occasional bathing is enough. Because the breed is prone to eye problems, the eyes should be checked and cleaned regularly, as well as the occasional fold ears that need attention.
Features of the Entlebucher Mountain Dog
The Entlebucher Mountain Dog weighs between 20 and 30 kilograms. Males reach a size of 44 to 50 centimeters, females are slightly smaller – from 42 to 48 centimeters. While dog tails were docked in the past, this is now banned in many countries. Therefore, animals usually present themselves with a long, straight, and slightly hanging tail. If you meet a short-tailed Entlebucher Mountain Dog today, it might be one of the rare short-tailed specimens: about 10 percent of attractive four-legged friends are born with a short tail.