AKC PARENT BREED CLUB FOR THE ENTLEBUCHER MOUNTAIN DOG

FAQ What kind of temperament does this breed have? How much exercise do they need? What kind of weather are they suited for? Are they protective and do they bark a lot? Are Entlebuchers good with other dogs and cats? When is a good time to train a puppy and what kind of training do they need? Are they good with children? What kind of health problems do they have? What about feeding and grooming? Is the Entlebucher good for a person with allergies?

Photo by Ken Gee

 What kind of temperament does this breed have?

The Entlebucher is a Cattle (working or herding) dog, and has been bred to work hard for their masters. They love their families and quickly find their place as an important family member. They are happiest in an active household where they will get lots of exercise and attention. This is a dog that does not do well just left alone outside; they must be part of the family unit. Since the Entlebucher is a herding dog, they can be protective of their family (their herd). Early socialization with other people and animals is essential for raising a happy dog.

Entlebuchers originated in Switzerland where the climate is cool. They prefer cool temperatures. In warmer climates or hot summers they need to be kept cool. A good rule to consider is if you are comfortable and safe participating in an activity, regardless of the weather and temperature, so is your Entle.

Entlebuchers are bright and puppy training starts immediately, even before formal classes. You will be quite surprised at the vocabulary they can acquire. Puppy kindergarten (after their required vaccinations) is good for socialization. Level 1 Obedience Training at around six months is a must to instill doggie manners. Please remember these dogs are intelligent and are always testing their owners, so it is very important that the entire family use the same signals and words and be consistent in training.

Entlebuchers can be very protective of their family (their herd) especially if they have not been socialized to other dogs and people coming into their house. They are excellent watch-dogs but are not an overly barky dog. When an Entle does bark it is usually for a reason and it is a big bark for a medium size dog. 

How much exercise do they need? Entlebuchers are high-energy dogs. They need to be able to run and play in order for them to be happy and healthy. They love to have a job to do. Above all else they love to be with their family, especially playing ball, Frisbee™, doing agility, or just taking a nice long hike in the woods. What kind of weather are they suited for? Entlebuchers originated in Switzerland where the climate is cool. They prefer cool temperatures and in warmer climates or hot summers they need to be kept cool. A good rule to consider is if you are comfortable and safe participating in an activity regardless of the weather and temperature so will your Entle be.

Are they protective and do they bark a lot?

Entlebuchers can be very protective of their family (their herd) especially if they have not been socialized to other dogs and people coming into their house. They are excellent watch-dogs but are not an overly barky dog. When an Entle does bark it is usually for a reason and it is a big bark for a medium size dog.

Are Entlebuchers good with other dogs and cats?

It is important to socialize any puppy with other dogs and cats. Entles are generally confident and enjoy being with other dogs. One thing you must remember is that whatever is “family” belongs to the Entlebucher. An Entlebucher discriminates what is part of his family. Another strange cat, rabbit, rodent, etc. will be treated as fair game.

When is a good time to train a puppy and what kind of training do they need? Entlebuchers are bright and you should start puppy training right away, even before formal classes. You will be quite surprised at the vocabulary they can acquire. Puppy kindergarten (after their required shots) is good for socialization and Level 1 Obedience Training at around six months is good for doggie manners. Please remember these dogs are intelligent and are always testing their owners, so it is very important that the entire family use the same signals and words and be consistently firm when training. Are they good with children? Most Entlebuchers love children, and love to play with them. Some are very tolerant and gentle with toddlers, but most are too rambunctious and enthusiastic with small children when they are still in the puppy stage. They are very strong and often nip and play rough. They also “herd by hurling,” knocking small children off their feet and scaring them. Because of their exuberant nature, older children manage Entles better than young children. But remember, like many breeds of dog, the Entlebucher will be much more interested in an adult than a child, as they look to the adult for “pack leadership” qualities.

What kind of health problems do they have?

Entlebuchers generally have good overall health and are not prone to illness or disease. We recognize the following diseases and conditions as more than occasional in the Entlebucher breed:

Cataracts. The type of cataracts that typically occur in the Entlebucher are posterior polar and do not progress or diffuse.

Glaucoma: It is suggested that Entles be screened for glaucoma. While it is not common in this breed it has cropped up in some lines. Although easily treated when diagnosed early, untreated glaucoma results in eventual blindness in the affected eye/s. Hip Dysplasia has been diagnosed in the Entlebucher Breed. To help minimize the potential for HD, every breeding dog must have a passing OFA rating after 2 years of age.   

ACL Injury: The Entlebucher is muscular and heavy for its size, as well as vigorous in play and activities. Maintaining a constant level of conditioning can help prevent ligament injury and tears. 

Ectopic Ureters: Entlebucher Urinary Syndrome (EUS) is a severe form of a common alteration in dog anatomy called ureteral ectopia. Ectopic ureter is a condition of the tube (ureter) that drains urine from the kidney. It only dangerous to the dog’s health when blockage also occurs so that urine backs up into the kidney instead of exiting properly. That is when it is classified as EUS.  

What about feeding and grooming? Entlebuchers have a reputation of being “easy keepers.” They have a short, dense, shiny double coat that requires very little grooming. They do shed and a regular once a week brush will definitely keep the shedding down to a minimum in the springtime as the weather warms. This breed can be prone to chubbiness (they love to eat), so match the feedings to activity level. Overfeeding is a real problem with this breed since they are so food driven. Always ask a friend or your Veterinarian to give an honest opinion of the dog’s weight and condition. Is the Entlebucher good for a person with allergies Although this breed does shed less than many other breeds, they still have fur and dander that can cause allergy symptoms in allergic people.