Entlebucher Mountain Dog - TOP 10 Interesting Facts

1) Origin
It is believed, that all the Swiss Mountain dogs descends from large molloser dogs brought to Switzerland by the Romans more than 2000 years ago. But it was not until the 1889, when the Entlebucher Mountain dog was described. The Entlebucher is named after its place of origin, the valley of Entlebuch.
2) Farmdog
Throughout the history the main utilization of Entlebucher Mountain dog was to be all around farm dog. Switzerland is known for dairy farming, especially for its cheese and chocolate and the Entlebucher Mountain dog was one of the dogs that was used to herd and guard the cattle. The long and low body of Entlebucher helped a lot for herding the cattle, because it makes it easier to nip at a cow’s heels and to avoid being kicked.
3) Sennenhund
As i already mentioned in the video, this is one of the 4 swiss mountain dogs, also known as Sennenhund. The Entlebucher Mountain dog is smallest of all four, which are Bernese Mountain dog, Appenzeller Mountain dog and Greater Swiss Mountain dog.​

4) Size
But even though, this is the smallest Sennenhund, it is still a medium sized dog with pretty long body. The average height is between 19-20 inch, which is 48-50 cm and weight is typically between 45-65 pounds, which is 20-30 kg. Interesting fact is, that males have slightly longer body than females, whose body is more squared.

5) Temperament
Today, the Entlebucher Mountain dog is popular not only as working dog, but also as companion dog. And they are good companions, because this is totally devoted and loyal dog, who creates a strong bond with the whole family. On the other hand, they are alert and suspicious towards strangers, which makes them great watchdogs. And even though this is pretty independent and self confident dog, they enjoy training and thanks to their high intelligence, they understand new commands fairly quickly.

6) Exercise
The Entlebucher is a high energy dog, which means they need good amount of daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. Daily longer outdoor walks are must and it does not matter if its raining or snowing outside. You will also need to stimulate the dogs mind, these dogs just love to have some kind of a job. Dog sport is great for keeping the dogs busy mentally and physically and Entlebuchers enjoy doing agility, herding events or playing frisbee.

7) Color
The Entlebucher Mountain dog has a shiny, dense and short coat which comes in only once possible color combination which is black, tan and white. Interesting fact is, that the markings of each color should be symmetrical and that the tan color should always be between the black and white.

8) Barking
Entlebucher Mountain dogs were used for a long time as a farm guardians so they were trained to bark when they saw something suspicious. And even today, these dogs like to bark relatively often and you should be prepared for that. And these dogs have pretty loud and deep bark, which will definitely scare away any intruders.

9) Maintenance
Entlebuchers are easy keepers and they can keep their coat in good shape even without any grooming. The short and dense coat does shed and if you want to minimize the shedding, you will have to brush it at least once a week to minimize the shedding. Just like with all dogs you should regularly check the dogs ears, eyes, teeth and nails and clip them or clean them if needed.

10) Health
The Entlebucher Mountain dog realistic lifespan is between 9-12 years, but some indivuduals do live above 13 years. Due to a small foundation stock numbers and small gene pool, the Entlebucher suffer from some health issues. The major health issues include hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, allergies, cataracts or OCD in the shoulders.