Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Alternative names
Entlebucher Sennenhund Entelbuch Mountain Dog Entelbucher Cattle Dog
Country of origin
Switzerland
Classification and breed standards
FCI:	Group 2 Section 3 #47	Stds
AKC:	Working (FSS)	Stds
	The AKC Foundation Stock Service (FSS) is an optional recording service for purebred dogs that are not yet eligible for AKC registration.
CKC:	Group 3 - Working Dogs	Stds
KC (UK):	Working	[? Stds]
UKC:	Guardian Dogs	Stds

The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is the smallest of the four Swiss mountain dog and cattle dogs. It is also known as the Entlebucher Sennenhund, Entelbuch Mountain Dog, Entelbucher Cattle Dog and similar combinations. This breed was used originally for driving and guarding cattle. The breed is named for the Swiss town of Entlebuch in Lucerne. Entlebucher Sennenhund full body photo Max Taken Feb 22,2004 at the SMART/USDAA dog agility competition in Salinas, CA. Photo by Ellen Levy Finch (Elf). ... Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) (English, World Canine Organization), is an international Kennel Club based in Thuin, Belgium. ... The American Kennel Club (or AKC) is the largest registry of purebred dog pedigrees in the United States. ... The Canadian Kennel Club (or C.K.C.) is the primary registry body for purebred dog pedigrees in Canada. ... The Kennel Club in the United Kingdom is a club aiming to improve the relationships between dogs and their owners. ... The United Kennel Club (or UKC) is the second oldest all-breed registry of purebred dog pedigrees in the United States and the second largest in the world. ... The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Appenzeller Sennenhund, Entlebucher_Mountain_Dog and Bernese Mountain Dog comprise the Swiss mountain dog group. ... Entlebuch is a commune/district in Luzern, Switzerland. ... Another view across Lake Lucerne. ...

Appearance

The Entlebucher is a square, sturdy dog with typical working dog features. It has small, triangular ears and rather small, lively brown eyes. The head is well proportioned to the body, with a strong flat skull. The long jaw is well formed and powerful. The feet are compact supporting its muscular body. The smooth coat is close and harsh with symmetrical markings of black, tan and white. This tricolor coat has white on its toes, tail-tip, chest and blaze; the tan always lies between the black and the white. It has muscular broad hips. The hocks are naturally well angled. The tail is sometimes docked.

Height: 19-20"
Weight: 40-55 lbs.

Temperament

This is a wonderful breed with all the intelligence, personality, agility and loyalty you could ask for packed into a sturdy little package. It is important to make sure that this little herder is compatible with your personality and lifestyle, as this is a dog that will be happiest if it is by your side every waking hour. The Entlebucher, while being independent and self confident, is nonetheless very attached to its people and must be made a part of the family. One of the greatest qualities of this breed is its unwavering devotion to its master. This is not a breed that will do well if left in the back yard, unless, of course, that is where the family is as well.

The breed is territorial and slightly suspicious of strangers, making it a competent watch dog. They have an impressive bark and naturally announce the arrival of newcomers. While they are naturally confident and social dogs, socialization and training is required.

Entlebuchers are generally regarded as great dogs with children, although there may be exceptions. The additional time required to train a smart, willful dog is a major consideration for a busy parent. Due to the Entlebucher’s keen sense of social hierarchy, the head of the household will need to be actively involved in the training. This is an active, physical breed and loves to play and rough house. Once trained to be gentle with children, however, an Entlebucher is an excellent play mate and may even round up your kids like a small herd of cattle.

History

Entlebucher with a tennis ball

Like all of the Swiss mountain dogs, its origins are ancient, probably dating back to Roman times. Under the name Entilbucherhund the breed has been known since 1889 when Franz Schertenleib made a concerted effort to track down, identify, and breed this small mountain dog but no difference between this dog and the Appenzell Cattledog was noted. Only from 1926 has it been openly promoted as a separate purebred from the Appenzell and it started to rise in popularity. Entlebucher Sennenhund face shot Max Taken Feb 22,2004 at the SMART/USDAA dog agility competition in Salinas, CA. Photo by Ellen Levy Finch (Elf). ... Entlebucher Sennenhund face shot Max Taken Feb 22,2004 at the SMART/USDAA dog agility competition in Salinas, CA. Photo by Ellen Levy Finch (Elf). ...

Health issues

Due to inbreeding to preserve breed characteristics, Entlebuchers often suffer from congenital defects, the most common of which is hip dysplasia. Hemolytic anemia also is known to occur. Inbreeding is breeding between close relatives, whether plant or animal. ... A congenital disorder is any medical condition that is present at birth, as contrasted with an acquired disorder. ... This article covers Hip dysplasia, a condition affecting the hip joint, which occurs in humans but is more commonly associated with animals, especially dogs (Canine hip dysplasia). ... Hemolytic anemia is anemia due to hemolysis, the abnormal breakdown of red blood cells either in the blood vessels (intravascular hemolysis) or elsewhere in the body (extravascular). ...

External links

• National Entlebucher Mountain Dog Association (USA)
• Urban-Max.com - Entlebucher Sennenhund Tips & Media (USA)