ENTLEBUCHER MOUNTAIN DOG
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. Height: 16-20″
Weight: 45-65 lbs.
PERSONALITY
This is a breed with all the intelligence, personality, agility and loyalty you could ask for packed into a sturdy little package. 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.
TRAINING
Entlebuchers are very trainable provided that all members of the household are dedicated to fair and consistent enforcement of training. Due to their intelligence and strong will, they can prove to be a challenge for first time owners. Professional training from day one is strongly encouraged. A positive reinforcement approach to training is highly successful with this breed.
EXERCISE
Entlebuchers need a sufficient amount of exercise, an hour a day of vigorous activity minimum. Due to the breed’s intelligence, stimulating activities are necessary to keep a happy, manageable dog. Entlebuchers love having a job to do and are well suited to herding, agility, obedience, tracking and Frisbee.
SOCIALIZATION
Entlebuchers are generally regarded as great dogs with children, although there may be exceptions. If you plan to have your Entlebucher around other dogs, early socialization will be important. Despite their small stature, they are tough little dogs perfectly willing to prove so to any worthy opponent. The breed is territorial and slightly suspicious of strangers, making it a competent watch dog.
LIVING CONDITIONS
Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are very active and need a lot of space to romp, run and play around in. Keeping the canine inside an apartment is not advisable.
GROOMING
Entlebuchers would need very little care. This breed is easy to groom. Entles are average shedder and all it takes is a weekly brushing of the coat to remove loose and dead hair.
HEALTH ISSUES
The Entlebucher life span is about 11 - 13 years.The Entlebucher is a strong and healthy breed, however, like all breeds of dogs, incidences of genetic disorders do exist. Hip Dysplasia as well as eye diseases, including Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and Cataracts have been seen in the breed.
HISTORY
The Entlebucher was originally used as a watchdog after being introduced to the Roman nobility by Alexander the Great. They were eventually brought into Switzerland and used primarily by Alpine herdsman to drive cattle.
