Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Other names
Entlebucher Mountain Dog, Entlebucher Cattle Dog
Origin & history
The Entlebuch Mountain Dog is the smallest of the four Swiss Mountain Dogs and originates from the Entlebuch Valley in Switzerland. It was originally bred as a herder and guard dog, used by farmers to drive cows through mountain passes and guard herds.
Its history goes back a long way: the Entlebucher's ancestors likely descend from Roman war dogs that spread throughout the Alps centuries ago. Over time, a powerful, agile working dog developed, perfectly adapted to mountainous terrain.
The breed was officially recognized in 1913, when Swiss cynologists began recording the Mountain Dog types: the Appenzeller, the Bernese, the Greater Swiss and the Entlebucher.
Today, the Entlebucher remains an active, loyal working dog — but also a lively family dog with a strong character.
Appearance & body shape
The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is a compact, muscular, and athletic dog with a powerful yet balanced build. It is the smallest of the Mountain Dogs, yet exudes strength and confidence.
The coat is short, dense and shiny, with the typical tricolour of the Swiss breeds: black with white and reddish-brown markings on the chest, legs, cheeks and above the eyes.
His expressive eyes and alert demeanor give him a lively, intelligent appearance. The tail can be long or naturally short (a bobtail is a natural characteristic of this breed).
Format
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Males: 44–52 cm height at the withers
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Bitches: 42–50 cm height at the withers
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Weight: 20–30 kg
Character & temperament
The Entlebucher is intelligent, energetic, and loyal. He has a strong sense of justice and a big heart for his family.
By nature, he is vigilant and protective, but never overly aggressive. He bonds strongly with his people and always wants to be involved in what's happening. The Entlebucher is a real worker: enthusiastic, focused, and tireless.
His temperament is lively and confident, but he also has a sensitive side. He responds best to positive, consistent training and clear guidance from his owner.
Good with children and other pets
The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is wonderful with children—playful, caring, and protective. He enjoys family life and often takes an active role within the household.
He generally gets along well with other dogs, especially when properly socialized. However, his strong guarding instinct makes him alert around unfamiliar animals or new situations.
He can sometimes find small pets a bit too much to handle, but with proper guidance, he'll learn to interact calmly with other housemates. His loyalty, patience, and cheerful nature make him a reliable family dog that enjoys company and activity.
Movement & care
The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is an active, powerful dog that needs plenty of daily exercise. It thrives on long walks, tracking, or dog sports like agility and hoopers.
He's not suited to a quiet life in a small apartment — he needs space, challenge, and regular mental stimulation.
The coat is low-maintenance: a weekly brushing to remove loose hair is sufficient. Check the coat more frequently during shedding season and keep its ears clean after outdoor activities.
Health
The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is generally a strong and healthy breed, with a life expectancy of 11 to 14 years.
Points of attention are:
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Hip dysplasia (HD)
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Eye abnormalities (such as cataract or PRA)
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Injuries to legs or joints from excessively rough activity during growth
Responsible breeding, sufficient exercise and good nutrition ensure a vital and balanced life.
Difference with similar breeds
The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is often compared to the Appenzeller Mountain Dog, but it is lower-built, somewhat calmer, and more family-oriented. Compared to the Bernese Mountain Dog, it is smaller, more active, and more agile, making it ideal for those seeking a compact, athletic mountain dog.
He combines the courage and loyalty of his larger relatives with a lively, alert appearance and a great sense of humor.
Summary
The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is an energetic, intelligent, and loyal family dog with a big heart. Small in size, but big in character—a perfect blend of industriousness, alertness, and family affection.
For active families who love nature, adventure and a loyal companion with spirit, the Entlebucher is a breed that combines strength, cheerfulness and devotion in one.