Entlebucher Mountain Dog

Temperament

The FCI standard describes the Entlebucher as lively, spirited, self-assured and fearless, good-natured and devoted to the people it knows, and slightly suspicious of strangers. It adds that, as a guard dog, it "cannot be bribed," and indeed an Entlebucher always loudly announces visitors. Within the family it is affectionate and loyal and would happily stay by its owner's side all day; it copes poorly with being alone. It usually gets along well with other dogs. It can be a great companion for children, though its energy and herding habit of nipping at heels need managing around little ones. It is intelligent and eager to learn, but it can also be independent and will test its owner's consistency. Without something to do, it quickly gets frustrated.

Energy

calmvery energetic

Affection

independentvelcro pet

With children

not idealgreat

With other pets

difficultgreat

Trainability

stubborneager to learn

For first-time owners

for experienced ownersyes

With strangers

waryoutgoing

Playfulness

dignifiedeternal puppy

Shedding

minimalheavy

Grooming

easydemanding

Being left alone

strugglescopes well

Apartment living

needs a house and yardgreat in a flat

Barking

quietvocal

With other dogs

difficultgreat

Protectiveness

lowhigh

Drooling

hardly anya lot

Cold tolerance

feels the coldexcellent

Heat tolerance

strugglescopes well

Scores of 1–5 compare the breed with other breeds of the same species, based on the sources at the bottom of the page. Every animal is different. How we score traits

Who is the Entlebucher Mountain Dog for?

The Entlebucher is a dog for an active person or family with a house and yard who want a dog for sports, running and hiking, and an alert watchdog as well. It suits an owner with some experience. Don't choose one for a small apartment without time for exercise, if you work away from home all day, or if you can't stand barking.

Size and looks

Care and exercise

The Entlebucher has energy to spare: the AKC calls for at least an hour of exercise a day, and in practice many dogs need more, combined with tasks that make them think. It excels at agility, obedience and tracking and as a companion for runners, cyclists and hikers. The short, harsh, glossy coat with an undercoat is very easy to care for; between baths, a rubdown with a damp towel is enough. The breed sheds fairly heavily, though, so a sturdy brush or comb for removing dead hair comes in handy. Trim the nails once a month and check the ears weekly. Training should start early and be consistent, with lots of socialization with people so that alertness doesn't turn into excessive suspicion.

Health and breed-related conditions

The Entlebucher is generally a healthy dog, usually living 11–13 years. The breed's most characteristic problem is Entlebucher urinary syndrome, a congenital misplacement of the ureters (ectopia) that can cause urine leakage and recurring infections. The AKC also lists hip dysplasia, luxating patella and certain eye diseases. Responsible breeders do genetic testing and choose dogs with good results for breeding. When buying a puppy, ask about the parents' hip and elbow X-rays and eye exams, and whether urinary problems have occurred in the line. The breed is rare in Poland, so it's worth looking for an FCI-affiliated breeder.

• Entlebucher urinary syndrome (ectopic ureters)Congenitally misplaced ureter openings, which can cause urine leakage and infections.
• hip dysplasiaBreeders X-ray the parents' hips.
• luxating patellaOccurs in the breed; ask about knee exams.
• eye diseaseThe AKC lists inherited eye conditions that parents are screened for.

This is general breed information, not a diagnosis. If something worries you, talk to your veterinarian.

Breed history

According to the FCI standard, the first mention of a dog called the "Entlibucherhund" dates from 1889, but for a long time it wasn't distinguished from the Appenzeller. In 1913, four small herding dogs with natural bobtails were shown at the Langenthal show and judged by Professor Albert Heim, the patron of the Swiss herding breeds. Based on the judges' reports, they were entered in the Swiss studbook as the fourth Sennenhund breed. The breed club was founded in 1926, and the first standard was completed in 1927. The breed developed slowly until it came to be valued as a working and family dog.

Fun facts

• The Entlebucher is the smallest of the four Swiss herding and cattle dogs.
• In 1913, four Entlebuchers with natural bobtails convinced the judges to recognize the breed.
• The FCI standard describes it as a guard dog that "cannot be bribed."
• The Entlebuch valley, which gave the breed its name, lies in the cantons of Lucerne and Bern.

Frequently asked questions

This breed also appears in

• Medium dog breeds
• Guard dog breeds

Sources

1. 1FCI – wzorzec nr 47 Entlebuch Cattle Dogfci.be
2. 2AKC – Entlebucher Mountain Dogakc.org
3. 3Wisdom Panel – Entlebucher Mountain Dogwisdompanel.com

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.