Entlebucher Mountain Dog

One of the four Swiss Mountain Dogs, the Entlebucher dog breed descended from Roman dogs over 2,000 years ago. They are one of the two smaller Swiss breeds, used to drive dairy cows from mountain pastures. World War I threatened to eradicate the dog; after the war, there was no record of Entlebucher Mountain Dogs. In 1926, 17 of the dogs were located. They came to America in the late 20th century.

Owning an Entlebucher Mountain Dog usually means living on a lot of land, preferably with a farm or someplace for the dogs to do a job. They love to work and stay active and want owners who will do the same. The coat is easy to care for.

Walking on a variety of routes and free running will keep the Entlebucher Mountain Dog breed happy and healthy. They also enjoy games like fetch and anything to do with herding. They are clever and need their minds sufficiently exhausted, so puzzles and training are also a good idea.

Although also known as the mini Swiss Mountain Dog, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog is a large breed and will need large beds, leashes, travel crates, and more. A fenced-in yard is important, especially one in a suburban or rural area. They love to work, so a working farm where they can herd is ideal.

The Entlebucher Mountain Dog’s grooming is low-maintenance. A good daily check after a walk for any debris and a weekly brush-through will suffice. They do shed twice a year.

Quick and clever, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog breed craves a strong bond based on trust and rewards. They will need socialization early and often with any pets and livestock. Small children will be particularly important to socialize with as they tend to want to herd them. A good recall is vital to get them to come back from any off-leash running.

If your family lives on a farm, is active, and has older children or no children, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog might be a good fit. They are heavy, solid, and can be exuberant, something to keep in mind with small children.

The cost of an Entlebucher Mountain Dog from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.