Entlebuch Cattle Dog
Summary
The Entlebucher Mountain Dog — or Entlebucher — is the smallest of the four Swiss Sennenhunde, but is by no means the calmest or most passive. Bred in the Entlebuch valley in the cantons of Lucerne and Bern, it is a compact, muscular, and agile herding dog with considerable energy and a natural talent for work. It is less well known internationally than the Bernese Mountain Dog but has gained a dedicated fan base for its lively personality and manageable size.
Physical Characteristics
- Size
- Medium
- Height (male)
- 44–52 cm
- Height (female)
- 42–50 cm
- Weight (male)
- 20–30 kg
- Weight (female)
- 18–27 kg
- Life Expectancy
- 11–13 years
- Coat
- Short, dense, and glossy; firm double coat
- Common Colors
- Tricolour: black base with symmetrical rust and white markings; frequently with a naturally curled or shortened tail
Temperament & Personality
The Entlebucher is confident, intelligent, and full of life. It is a dog that loves being busy — herding, obedience, agility, and intellectual games are activities at which it excels. With the family, it is affectionate and loyal; with strangers, it is reserved but rarely aggressive. It tends to bond more closely with one specific person within the family group.
Activity & Exercise
- Energy Level
- High
- Recommended Daily Exercise
- 60–120 minutes
Grooming & Care
- Grooming Needs
- Low to moderate
- Shedding
- Moderate
- Bathing Frequency
- Every 6–8 weeks
Health
- Common Health Issues
- Collie eye anomaly (CEA)
- Hereditary cataracts
- Hip dysplasia
- Recommended Health Tests
- Annual eye screening
- Genetic test for CEA
- Hip radiography
Compatibility
- With Children
- Good
- With Other Dogs
- Excellent
- For First-Time Owners
- Not recommended
