Working group · Switzerland
Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Also called Entlebucher Sennenhund, Entlebucher Cattle Dog, Entle.
What makes them remarkable
The smallest of the four Swiss mountain-dog breeds was a cattle herder, not simply a smaller cart dog.
- Loyal
- Smart
- Enthusiastic
- Independent
- Athletic

- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 20 to 29 kg45 to 65 lb
- Lives
- 11 to 13 years
- Energy
- High
- Trains
- High
- Barks
- Moderate
Training
Training an Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Working breeds. Calm structure beats force every time. These dogs shut down under pressure and thrive on predictability.
High Energy
Start here
Smallest but most energetic Swiss Mountain Dog, requires significant daily activity.
Job Oriented
Working breed thrives with a job, agility, herding trials, or regular training tasks.
Strong Bond
Forms intense bond with family, can be suspicious of strangers without socialisation.
The app turns this into five to fifteen minutes a day.
Add your Entlebucher Mountain Dog and it builds the plan around their age, where they came from and what they already know, one step at a time.
Free to start. iPhone. No card needed.
At home
Living with one
Bred to guard, pull and rescue. Big, strong, and serious about their people and their patch.
Gets on with
- ChildrenHigh
- Other dogsHigh
- StrangersModerate
- CatsModerate
Breed averages. Early socialisation and the individual dog matter more.
- Exercise
- 1.5-2 hours daily. Active exercise and mental challenges.
- Grooming
- Low maintenance. Weekly brushing sufficient.
- Drool
- Low
- Coat
- Short, Dense, TricolourBlack with White and Tan Markings
- In a flat
- Needs more space than a flat gives.
Health
Things to ask a breeder or vet about
Hip Dysplasia
Moderate
Joint condition requiring screening
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Moderate
Inherited eye disease
Hemolytic Anemia
Severe
Blood disorder unique to the breed
Where they come from
History
The smallest of four Swiss Mountain Dogs, originating from the Entlebuch valley. Used for herding cattle and guarding farms. Nearly extinct in early 1900s but saved by breed enthusiasts.
Similar breeds
All breeds
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Siberian Husky
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Bernese Mountain Dog
That powerful build once had a practical job: pulling loaded carts on Swiss farms.
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