Entlebucher Mountain Dog
The smallest and quickest of the four Swiss mountain dogs, and a cattle drover rather than a cart puller. It works close, and it works loudly.
Photo by Pets Adviser from Brooklyn, USA, CC BY 2.0
Overview
The Entlebucher is the smallest of the four Swiss mountain dog breeds and the most energetic of them, used to drive cattle between mountain pastures in the Entlebuch valley. It is compact, low set and extremely fast.
It is tricolour like its Swiss relatives and it is often born with a natural bobtail, which is a breed characteristic rather than a docking.
Temperament
Intense, vocal and devoted. Entlebuchers are affectionate with their own families and reserved with strangers, and they are enthusiastic watchdogs.
They are herding dogs with a strong drive and they will herd children, other dogs and anything else that moves, with a nip at the heel. They are clever and need a job, and they are one of the more demanding Swiss breeds to live with.
Care and grooming
A short hard double coat that needs a weekly brush and daily attention during the moults. Straightforward.
Hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy occur, and PRA has a DNA test. Entlebucher urinary syndrome, a breed specific kidney condition, is also seen. Eleven to thirteen years is normal.
Living and exercise
Two hours a day of real work plus mental stimulation. They excel at herding, agility and obedience.
They are vocal enough to be a consideration in close housing, and they are a poor fit for a sedentary household. The breed is rare outside Switzerland.
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