Entlebucher Mountain Dog
The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is a smart and loyal companion, and although these dogs have an independent streak, they prefer to be with their people at all times; they don’t do well when left alone. They can be wary of strangers, so they make good watchdogs, and because they can be rambunctious at times, they should be supervised when they are with young children. Proper training and socialization is recommended to help Entlebuchers reach their full potential.
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Entlebucher Mountain Dog Traits
General Appearance
This active and energetic mountain dog has the compact, muscular body required to drive herds up and down rugged mountain terrain. Even though it’s more a family dog these days, the Entlebucher still has a streamlined form that’s built for activity, with a short and shiny coat that’s traditionally white, black, and a rich tan ranging from fawn to mahogany.
Coat and Colouring
The Entlebucher Mountain Dog has a rich double coat that’s short, coarse, and shiny with a base color of black with tan (ranging from fawn to mahogany) and white markings.
Distinctive Physical Traits
The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is on the smaller side, but compact and muscular, with a hard and shiny coat and small, almond-shaped eyes that are always on the lookout.
Entlebucher Mountain Dog Temperament
About as loyal as a dog can get, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog grows very fond of its owner, and prefers spending most of its time with them. It doesn’t do well when left alone for long periods of time, and can be wary of strangers. Because of this, Entlebuchers make great watchdogs.
They are generally good with kids, although they can be rambunctious at times and they should be monitored with small children. They are spirited and independent at times, but they take relatively quickly to training. This high-energy dog requires extensive exercise every day to stay happy and healthy.
The Entlebucher Mountain Dog makes a great family pet, if you’re willing to give him all the attention he needs to be happy. These dogs develop a deep bond with their people, and they prefer to spend time with them most hours of the day. They are loyal and loving, and they don’t do well when left alone. They can also be wary of strangers, and have strong, powerful barks that will alert you to new people in their presence. They are usually good around kids, but they can get rambunctious, so proper training and socialization is recommended.
Entlebucher Mountain Dog History
The word “Entlebucher” refers to the valley of the river Entlebuch, where the breed began. Swiss cattlemen developed the Entlebucher Mountain Dog as the smallest of four breeds created to move and guard their herds. The dogs were best known for their proficiency driving their charges up to pasture in the summer, keep them safe while they grazed, and drive them back down again in the winter.
The first standard for the breed was completed in 1927. Although they work less as a cattle dog these days, fans treasure them as members of the family.
Entlebucher Mountain Dog Care
Nutrition
Entlebucher Mountain Dogs require a high-quality dog food that is age-appropriate—whether it’s commercially manufactured or homemade (with a veterinarian’s supervision and approval). It’s important to monitor the amount of food you give your Entlebucher Mountain Dog. Reduce the portions or restrict calories if your pup gains weight.
Your veterinarian is always a good source to help provide you with appropriate nutrition and feeding guidelines.
Grooming
The short, dense coat of the Entlebucher Mountain Dog tends to shed a lot, so brushing them every few days with a thick bristle brush can help keep loose hairs at bay.
All dogs require regular dental care, including at-home teeth brushing and professional dental cleanings, and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog is no exception. Maintaining good dental hygiene is important for their overall long-term health.
Exercise
This high-energy mountain dog requires an hour or so of daily exercise to stay in good health and to remain out of trouble. The Entlebucher enjoys any activity that lets it spend time with its owner, so activities like running, hiking, and biking together make great exercise options.
Training
Training an Entlebucher Mountain Dog can be relatively easy, particularly when the head of the household takes the reins at an early age and uses a positive approach. Try keeping the training sessions short and include a variety of activities. This is a smart breed that can become bored easily.
Entlebucher Mountain Dog Genetic Health Conditions
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Chondrodystrophy (CDDY) and Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) Risk
Chondrodystrophy (CDDY) is a skeletal disorder characterized by shortened limbs and abnormal early degeneration of the spinal discs, or intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), which predisposes to disc herniation.
Knowing if your Entlebucher Mountain Dog is a carrier or at-risk for these conditions can help you and your veterinarian plan for your pup's lifelong care. With Wisdom Panel™ Premium, you can get results for over 200 genetic health tests.
Breed Group
Mountain Dogs
This genetic group was bred for hard work in mountainous regions. Characterized by their thick coats and sturdy, larger builds they quickly became the invaluable working companions of people in endurance activities such as drafting and hauling.
Resources
https://nemda.org/temperament/
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/entlebucher-mountain-dog/
https://nemda.org/breed-history/
http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/EntlebucherMountainDog.pdf
Reviewed 26 July 2020 by Cindy Elston, DVM, MPH
