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Entlebucher Swiss Mountain Dogs
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Bitch |
Dog |
| Shoulder height |
42-48 cm |
44-50 cm |
| Weight |
25-30 kg |
| Characteristics |
Compact body,
muscular, short, thick, hard, glossy coat, attentive |
| Character |
Lively, quick
to learn, very affectionate, good guard dog, fearless |
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| The Entlebucher is an uncomplicated, robust dog with
an intelligent expression and a good character. Due to the dog’s
compactness (Shoulder height 40-50 cm) and muscular build (Weight
25-30 kg) he may appear thickset. However, he is astonishingly agile
and reacts extremely quickly. His shiny tricolour coat (brown, white
and black) is short, which means that he does not moult heavily and
there is little smell when he comes in from the rain. The Entlebucher
is not an elegant dog to show off, but suitable for dog-owners who
want to work and play with their medium sized dog. Training an Entlebucher
is not difficult as he is very attentive, obedient and learns quickly.
Moreover, he loves children and loves playing with them for hours
on end. However, he does not need to be exercised excessively and
can be kept in a flat without problems. This loveable and affectionate
dog enjoys being with his “family“. In a Word: A
down-to-earth dog who will give his owners a lot of joy and few problems. |
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The Entlebuch is a fearless animal with an inherent guarding
instinct, which will become apparent from about the age of two.
The Entlebucher is suitable to be trained as a guard dog, rescue
or avalanche dog as he is fearless and has an excellent sense of
smell. For sporting owners, the Entlebucher is suited to Agility.
It is positive that he does not have a hunting instinct and is not
prone to running away. However, he is independent and can occupy
himself. His cleanliness should also be stressed. Life expectancy
is high and the breed is not prone to illnesses.
Problems of the breed: Some dogs have stumped or kinked tails (this
genetic defect has in general been successfully eliminated through
systematic breeding); eye problems; HD (Hip dysplasia, genetic –
it is important to check the kennel’s record).
In former times the tail was always docked to correspond to the
Standard of the breed. Docking is now illegal and the Standard allows
both the stumped tail and the long tail. The long tail is sturdy
and straight and should not curl as the Appenzell tail. As in all
Swiss Mountain Dogs the tip of the tail should be white. In the
pictures you will see dogs with docked tails (allowed at that time)
and with long tails.
Since the inherent stumped tails, which used to be characteristic
of the breed, are a genetic defect, these dogs are only used in
a limited way for breeding. |
| The precise history of the Entlebucher Mountain Dog can only be
traced back to1889. According to the most popular history of the Swiss
Mountain Breeds the dogs are descended from the Mollasian and for
this reason the Entebucher is categorized in the FCI-Group 2 to which
the St. Bernards, Mastiffs, Dobermanns, Hovawarts und Leonbergs also
belong. All these breeds belong to the so-called "Molossoids",
which are characterized by strong bones and a sturdy build. |
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Nevertheless, Switzerland is generally regarded as
the breed’s country of origin, where the dogs were used by
the mountain farmers to guard their farms as well as for driving
and herding.
The dogs were common in the Emme Valley (Emmental) and in Entlebuch
on the River Emme, which is in the canton of Lucerne and from which
place the name is derived. After the breed had apparently died out,
an association to rescue the breed was founded in 1924 and the last
dogs of the breed were found. Breeding thoroughbreds then began.
We are thankful that this lovable breed still exists and that there
are more and more fans. |
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