Entlebucher mountain dogs are bold, zesty members of the herding group. They’re also known as the “laughing dogs” of the Swiss Alps because of their markings and personalities.
These dogs make for very spirited pets and aren’t a good fit for every household. They need lots of exercise and attention every day. For experienced owners, though, they can be delightful companions.
Characteristics of Entlebucher Mountain Dogs
Entlebucher mountain dog size. Entlebucher mountain dogs are a medium-sized breed. The males are usually slightly larger than the females.
Males reach an average height of 17 to 21 inches at the shoulder. Females range from 16 to 20 inches. A healthy male weighs from 50 to 65 pounds and females are an average of 40 to 55 pounds. Talk to your veterinarian if you’re worried that your dog is overweight or underweight.
This medium size makes mountain dogs easy for many to accommodate. They can fit nicely into a car and don’t take up too much space in a home — as long as they have plenty of outdoor space to roam.
Body shape. Entlebucher mountain dogs have compact, well-muscled bodies. They also have a substantial amount of bone. They’re longer than they are tall, which gives them a rectangular shape.
Their limbs are even and end in compact, well-arched toes.
Other Entlebucher mountain dog traits include flat skulls and strong muzzles.
Their ears are set high on their skulls and far apart from each other. They lay flat when the dogs are at rest.
The breed standard says that either docked or undocked tails are acceptable, but keep in mind that veterinarians don’t recommend docking tails or ears for aesthetic reasons. This practice doesn’t benefit the animal.
Lifespan. Entlebucher mountain dogs have a normal lifespan for their size. The average Entlebucher mountain dog lifespan is 11 to 13 years. This means that you should plan on spending at least a decade with this dog if you adopt one as a puppy.
Coats. Entlebucher mountain dogs have a double coat. This means that they grow two kinds of coats, each with distinct properties.
Their undercoats are short and dense. Their outercoats are also short and close-fitting. They’re harsh to the touch and look shiny when well-groomed.
Their coats can come in three recognized color combinations:
- Black
- Black, white, and tan
- Black, white, and yellow
They can also have white, brown, or yellow markings.
Eyes. The Entlbucher’s eyes are usually brown and almond-shaped. They can also be blue and yellow. These colors aren't accepted by the breed standard, but most families don’t mind in the slightest.
Personality. Entlebucher mountain dogs have strong personalities. They’re very enthusiastic dogs — so much so that they can be overwhelming for inexperienced owners.
They’re intelligent dogs that like having work to do. When given a task, they complete it with stubborn determination.
Overall, the Entlebucher mountain dog temperament is that of a happy playmate combined with a hard worker. The American Kennel Club (AKC) rates them a five out of five for their affectionate behavior with their families.
Caring for Entlebucher mountain dogs
Grooming. Entlebucher mountain dogs have simple grooming needs. They need baths infrequently. Give them one whenever the dog is too dirty or smelly for your own liking. You can wipe them down with a wet towel in between baths to keep their coat at its best.
They can shed quite a bit, particularly during shedding season. You should brush them down with a stripping brush or thick bristle brush to help remove the dead hairs.
You should also trim their nails regularly. Long nails can be painful and make walking difficult.
Brush their teeth on a daily basis to prevent dental disease.
Feeding. You should feed your Entlebucher mountain dog high-quality dog food that’s appropriate to their age and activity level. Working dogs will have greater caloric requirements than housepets.
Find a dog food brand that your dog prefers. Never make your own dog food without consulting your veterinarian. It can be difficult to get the proper nutritional balance that will keep your dog at their healthiest and happiest.
This breed also has a tendency to become overweight and obese. Limit their treats, even when you’re using them as a training aid.
Make sure you know what human foods are safe for dogs to eat before giving them anything from your own kitchen.
Always have fresh water available for your pet.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation. Entlebucher mountain dogs were bred to be extremely fit and energetic animals. They need a minimum of one hour of exercise every day to stay healthy. This can be a challenging commitment for some owners, so keep this in mind before bringing one home.
That being said, they’re fantastic dogs for people who want a companion on runs, bike rides, hikes, and other active outdoor activities.
The more you exhaust your pet, the easier they’ll be to manage. Channeling their excess energy into physical activity is one of the best ways to bond with your pet while keeping them under control.
They also need a decent amount of mental stimulation. You can play games with them and give them jobs and different tasks to keep them from getting bored.
Veterinary visits, medications, and immunizations. Your veterinarian is the best person to determine all of the vaccinations that your pet needs. All dogs should get a core set.
This includes vaccinations for:
- Canine parvovirus
- Distemper
- Adenovirus
- Parainfluenza virus
- Rabies
It’s safe for puppies to start getting these vaccines as early as 6 weeks. There are also other, non-core vaccinations that you can discuss with your veterinarian.
Heartworm medication is recommended year-round in all parts of the U.S. Dosages for flea and tick medications are based on your dog's weight. Use them as needed. Oral and skin-based applications are available from your veterinarian and other distributors.
Many of these medications can be effective against a variety of pests and parasites, so talk to your veterinarian to figure out the best one for you.
Health Problems to Watch for With Entlebucher mountain dogs
The Entlebucher breed is generally quite healthy, but there are some common problems that your pet could be born with or face later in life.
Entlebucher health issues include:
- Hip dysplasia. This occurs when the ball and socket of your dog's hip do not fit together or develop properly as they grow. Instead of sliding smoothly, the bones grind against each other, wearing down and eventually making it difficult for your dog to move. Your veterinarian can evaluate your dog's joints and see how likely they are to cause problems throughout your dog's life.
- Patellar luxation. This is a common cause of lameness in dogs that’s due to problems with your pet’s knee joint. They could be born with the condition or develop it following an injury. The treatment will depend on how severe your dog’s condition is but could include surgery.
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). In cases of PRA, you may start to notice your dog struggling to see, particularly at dusk and dawn. At present, there isn’t a treatment for this condition. Your vet should perform annual eye exams to look for any signs of deterioration.
- Entlebucher urinary syndrome. This is a genetic condition where the ureter doesn’t properly connect to the bladder. It becomes misplaced in the dog’s body. Signs can include incontinence when sleeping or tired, a bloated abdomen, or recurring bladder infections. Treatment can involve medications or surgery depending on the severity of the symptoms.
- Hemolytic anemia. This is a problem where your dog doesn’t have enough red blood cells, often because they’re destroyed by their own immune system. Signs include unusually pale gums and lethargy. Your dog may need a transfusion if they lose too much blood. There are also immunosuppressive medications that can help with some versions of this condition.
Special Considerations for Entlebucher Mountain Dogs
Entlebucher mountain dogs are only moderately good with young children. The AKC rates them a three out of five for this trait. However, they’re usually quite happy with older kids.
They also take time to warm up to strangers because of their protective natures.
These dogs aren’t too difficult to train, but they prefer a positive and encouraging approach. They can also get bored easily, so keep your methods fun and interesting for the best results.
They’re great with other dogs and often appreciate the company.
They rarely drool and only bark an intermediate amount — typically when provoked.
History of Entlebucher mountain dogs
These dogs were bred to help with the thriving Swiss dairy industry. They’re one of four Alpine mountain dogs that were bred by Swiss cattlemen to help with herding. The Entlebucher mountain dog is the smallest and fastest of these four breeds, while the Swiss mountain dog is the largest.
The word Entlebucher comes from a river named the Entlebuch in the Valley where they were bred.
They’re great at moving cattle up and down the steeply sloping Swiss terrain. They herd the cows high up into pastures in the summer and guard them for the season. Then, they bring them back down to the valleys for the winter.
These dogs are built to work well with both the terrain and the cows. They’re built low to the ground so they can avoid kicks and still nip at a cow’s heels.
Entlebuchers are so enthusiastic in their duties that they’ve been known to leap up and body-slam lazy cattle. It takes a lot of energy and determination for a 50-pound dog to move a 1,500-pound cow up a mountain, but it's a job that Entlebuchers adore.
They’re also good guard dogs and all-around farmworkers.
They were the 168th breed added to the AKC.
