Entlebucher Mountain Dog breed guide

Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are famous for agility, balance and boundless enthusiasm. They are vigilant protectors of their four- or two-legged herds and, when properly socialized, durable, trustworthy playmates for older kids.

They are smart, versatile workers that are very rewarding to train: a positive approach almost always brings quick success, early socialization is extremely important and routines should include fun and variety.

Entlebucher Mountain Dogs live 11 to 13 years. AKC calls most of them healthy but names Entlebucher urinary syndrome, a misplaced ureter, as one issue found in the breed, along with hip dysplasia, luxating patellas and some eye disorders.

Responsible breeders screen for genetic disease and select health-cleared stock.

The dense, short, shiny double coat needs minimal grooming, little more than a wipe-down with a damp towel between baths. The breed sheds quite a bit, so a good stripping comb or thick bristle brush helps keep shedding down.

A quick, tough dog with a high energy level, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog needs at least an hour of exercise daily. AKC says that since a tired dog is a good dog, channeling its energy makes training and living with it much easier.

Dairy farming has long been vital to the Swiss economy because it supplies the key ingredient of two leading exports, cheese and milk chocolate. Swiss cattlemen developed four breeds of Alpine mountain dogs with tricolor coats to move and guard their herds.

Of the four, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is the largest and the Entlebucher the smallest and quickest and the name comes from the valley of the river Entlebuch.