Entlebucher: Origin, Temperament, Training, Exercise

Group: Mastiff

Also Known As: Entelbuch Mountain Dog, Entlebuch Cattle Dog, Entelbucher Cattle Dog, Entlebucher Sennenhund and Entlebucher Sennehund.

About Entlebucher

Origin of the Breed Switzerland is the country of origin of the Entlebucher dog. The dog owes its name to a town and region in the Swiss canton of Lucerne. It is believed that the Entlebucher had descended from the fighting and guarding mastiffs of the Roman legions. This is the smallest of the Swiss mountain dogs and is popular in Switzerland though it is rarely seen at other places. The Entlebucher is a rare breed and it had been saved from extinction by the efforts of Franz Schertenleib in 1800s. Schertenleib, with the help of Zurich show judge Professor Albert Heim, scoured the Swiss countryside searching for the mountain dogs.

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Description of the Dog

The Entlebucher has the typical working dog features. It is a square and sturdy dog with head well proportioned to the body. Its eyes are small and brown and lively. The ears are small and triangular. There is a strong and flat skull. The jaw is long, well formed and strong.

Coat

The dog’s coat is smooth, close and harsh. It is tricolor. There are symmetrical markings of black, tan and white- the white lies on the toes, tip of tail, chest and blaze while the tan lies between the black and the white.

The Entlebucher has muscled broad hips. The feet are compact and they support the muscular body of the dog. Hocks are well angled. The tail is traditionally docked. When it is not docked it remains loose and curves behind the body.

Height: The dogs attain heights of 19-20 inches.

Weight: Entlebucher dogs weigh 45-66 pounds.

Personality

Temperament of the Dog

This dog seems like a nice little package of intelligence, personality, agility and loyalty. This dog always stays alert and eager to please people. It loves the company of its near ones. The dog will simply love to be with its master for every waking hour. It was used initially as a cattle driver. Now the task of livestock guarding and companionship has been entrusted to it.

The dog has the nature of protecting whatever it views as its ‘territory’ and perceives all strangers coming within this territory with suspicion. These qualities make it stand out as an ace watchdog. Its bark is impressive and this clearly announces the arrival of some newcomer.

Though naturally confident, social and friendly, some socialization and training is necessary for the Entlebucher dog starting particularly from a young age. Training of the dog can be a time consuming and crucial affair. The dog has a keen sense of social hierarchy and it is important that the head of the family gets actively involved in its training.

The Entlebucher stays very active and loves to play around. Children can find the dog an excellent playmate. Some training needs to be given to the dogs beforehand, of course, to ensure that they are gentle with children.

Activity Level

Exercise requirement

Taking the dog for daily long walks or jogs is of utmost importance. The dog needs a minimum of an hour of rigorous activity everyday. This is an intelligent breed. Hence, the dog needs to be kept occupied with stimulating activities for it to remain happy and manageable.

Living Conditions

Entlebucher dogs are not quite suitable as pets that will remain confined to apartments. They may be provided some shelter in a yard. At the same time it must be ensured that the owner- the head/dominant person of the family gives adequate attention to it.

Grooming

The Entlebucher is an everage shedder. It is easy to keep it clean and well groomed. Regular brushing of the dog suffices.

Health Problems

Congenital defects owing to inbreeding (for preserving breed characteristics) often arise in case of Entlebucher dogs. Hip dysplasia is the most common of such defects. Besides, hemolytic anemia is also known to take place.

Life Expectancy: About 11-15 years.