Despite sharing the independent streak of other herding breeds, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog enjoys time with its human companions, especially if that human provides the dog with a task to complete. They can be quite protective of their territory and will bark at strangers.
Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are known for their extreme adoration of their human family members and their simplicity in the grooming department. But there's no denying the importance of regular exercise for these canines. This dog could prove to be a bit of a challenge for first-time pet owners. But if you can match your puppy's enthusiasm, you'll be rewarded with a loyal companion for life.
You can find a comprehensive list of the characteristics and characteristics of Entlebucher Mountain Dogs below!
Highlights
- Being bred for herding cattle, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog possesses speed and self-assurance. He is quick to help out when needed, and his eagerness to please makes him a valuable asset.
- Cattle dogs typically exhibit a subdued and perceptive demeanor; they are typically neither timid nor aggressive. On the other hand, they can be cold toward total strangers or reserved when meeting a new person for the first time or welcoming guests into your home.
- This dog is very devoted to his family, and he feels most secure when everyone is under one roof together.
- He will consider his loved ones to be his herd, and he will do anything to keep them safe. Therefore, they will take precautions to safeguard their possessions.
- Strong confidence and resolve encourage them to take care of themselves. This dog has a high work ethic, and it's smart and adaptable.
- A dog's days of herding livestock are likely behind, but he or she can still find enjoyment in canine sports like agility and obedience, as well as in learning new tricks.
- It's safe to say that the Entlebucher Mountain Dog is a versatile breed.
- The Peak of Entlebucher Most dogs like the company of kids. It's possible that households without young children would be the best fit for these high-energy canines because of their occasional rowdiness.
- For younger kids, such as toddlers, The Entlebucher Mountain Dog needs constant human supervision. Overall, they should be kind to both kids and animals.
- Make sure your youngsters know what to do when they're around dogs to avoid any accidents or embarrassing situations.
- Dogs should learn and abide by the regulations of the dog house.
Characteristics
Social Appearance
Adaptability
It's a common misconception that a little dog is better suited to living in a limited space. Many tiny dogs have too much energy and are too yappy to live in an apartment building. An apartment dog's best attributes include being quiet, low energy, somewhat peaceful indoors, and respectful to the other inhabitants. Your dog's personal space in your apartment can be improved by purchasing one of these fantastic dog cages.
Sensitivity Level
Depending on the dog, a strong rebuke can be taken in stride by some, while others regard even the tiniest hint of disapproval as a personal attack. If you have a loud or pushy owner, a chaotic home, or a routine that is unpredictable or variable, your low-sensitivity dog, often known as "easy-going," "tolerant," "resilient," or even "thick-skinned," will be able to handle it better. Do you have young children, host a lot of parties, or have a hectic lifestyle? Choose a dog that isn't overly sensitive.
Intensity
You can't tell from looking at them whether or not they're hyperactive, but when they do anything, they do it vigorously. They tug at their leashes (unless you teach them not to), they push their way through barriers, and they down their meals in huge, gobbling gulps. A home with young children or an elderly or feeble person may not be the best place for these dynamos to learn proper etiquette. On the other side, a dog with poor vitality adopts a more reserved demeanor.
Potential for Playfulness
The playful nature of certain dogs never fades away, and they're always ready for a game, whereas the reserved and serious tendencies of other dogs develop through time. Think about how many times a day you want to play fetch or tag with your dog, and whether or not you have children or other dogs who can act as substitutes.
Personality Appearance
Intelligence
In the same way as working dogs, such as those that herd sheep, are bred for intelligence and decision-making, working dogs like those who run all day need to exercise their bodies. The two most common activities that a bored pet engages in are digging and chewing, both of which require mental stimulation. There are several ways to keep a dog's brain active, including obedience training, interactive dog toys like tug of war, and dog sports like agility and search and rescue.
Energy Level
Energy-draining dogs are always on the lookout for a new activity. There are several jobs that require a lot of stamina from dogs, such as herding livestock or recovering prey for hunters. Children are more likely to engage in activities such as jumping, playing and exploring new sights and smells as a result of this change in their environment
A low-energy dog is more like a couch potato than a dog that needs a lot of exercise. Think about your level of physical activity and whether or not you find a hyperactive dog irritating before making your final choice.
Easy To Train
Easy to train dogs can more easily form associations between a cue (like "sit"), an action (like sitting), and a reward than dogs that are more difficult to train. Dogs that require more time, patience, and repetition are more difficult to train.
Getting your dog interested in training will require incentives and games because many breeds are intelligent but have a "What's in it for me?" mentality when it comes to learning new things.
Family Affection Level
Affectionate With Family
Since puppyhood, some breeds remain aloof and independent; others form deep bonds with one individual but are uninterested in the rest of the family; still other types shower their entire family with affection. Canines raised in homes with people tend to be more open to human interaction and develop stronger ties, regardless of their breed or upbringing.
Kid-Friendly
Kids-friendly dogs are calm, strong enough to bear the hefty hugs and pets kids can dish out, and have an unfazed attitude about rushing, scream-inducing children. There are several names you may not expect to see on the list: Fierce-looking Both Boxers and American Staffordshire Terriers are regarded as family dogs (which are considered Pit Bulls). Chihuahuas, which are small, sensitive, and potentially sharp, are not always family-friendly.
Dog Friendly
Dog friendship and human friendship are two entirely different things. The fact that a dog is friendly with humans doesn't mean it's immune to aggression or aggression from other dogs; some canines choose to play rather than fight; others will just run away. The type of animal isn't the only consideration. Dogs who have spent a lot of time playing with their littermates and their mother at the age of six to eight weeks are more likely to be socially competent.
Physical Appearance
Amount of Shedding
Having a dog in the house means that you'll have to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothing and in the home. It's worth noting, however, that shedding varies widely among breeds. Some dogs shed all year long, while others ``blow" just during specific times of the year, and still others don't shed at all. If you're a stickler for cleanliness, you'll need to choose a breed that sheds less or lower your expectations. You can use a deshedding tool to keep your house a little cleaner.
Drooling Potential
While greeting you, some dogs may cover their arms with ropes of drool and create large, wet patches on your clothing. If you don't mind a little drool, go for it; but if you're a stickler for cleanliness, you may want to look for a dog with a low drool rating.
Easy To Groom
Some breeds of dogs can simply be brushed and left alone, while others require frequent washing, trimming, and other grooming in order to maintain their health and appearance. If you don't have the time or money to take care of a dog that requires a lot of grooming, you may want to look into hiring a professional.
Exercise Needs
Evening walks around the neighborhood are perfectly acceptable for some breeds. Others, particularly those trained for physically demanding vocations like herding or hunting, require regular, rigorous exercise.
They can gain weight and release their pent-up energy in ways you don't like, including barking, chewing, and digging, if not given enough exercise. Those looking to train their dog for an energetic canine activity, such as agility, should consider getting a dog that needs a lot of exercise.
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed
Height:
16 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight:
45 to 65 pounds
Life Span:
10 to 13 years
History
Among the four types of Swiss Mountain Dogs, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog is the tiniest (the others being the Appenzeller, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog). Sennenhund is the German word for herder's dog, which is another name for these canines. All these dogs trace their ancestry back to the molossus types that traveled with the Romans through what is now Switzerland more than two thousand years ago. The larger Swiss Mountain breeds were used as livestock protectors and draught dogs, while the smaller ones (the Appenzeller and the Entlebucher) were used to herd dairy cows in from mountain meadows.
In 1889, a dog named the Entlebucherhund was identified as being native to the valley of Entlebuch. Entlebuchers and Appenzellers were considered the same breed back then. Professor Albert Heim, a specialist on Swiss breeds, argued for the designation of the little naturally bob tailed dogs in 1913 after seeing an exhibition of four of them. However, the breed was in danger in the early 1900s due to a mix-up with German Shepherd Dogs. They were already in danger when World War I broke out, and nobody ever discovered one of them again. In 1926, thanks to the efforts of various breeders, a breed standard and club were established, and 17 Entlebuchers were located. In 2007, the Entlebucher was recognised by the AKC for use in herding competitions, and in 2009, the breed was admitted to the AKC Herding Group.
Personality & Temperament
Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are friendly, loyal, and outgoing, although they might be wary of new people. They form deep attachments to their human families and are extremely faithful pets. Because of this, it's important to socialize them to be alone from a young age, but not for too long at a time.
Although the breed has a reputation for being great with kids, parents should still keep an eye on younger siblings with this breed because of the dog's size and energy level. If necessary, the breed can also serve as an effective guard dog.
Care
The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is happiest when spending time with its owner, but it will also do well in activities like agility, conformation, and therapy work. Although Entles require less physical activity than the normal dog, they require greater mental stimulation. We've said it before, but it bears repeating: Entles have an insatiable need for activity, and if you don't provide it, you can be sure they'll find it on their own.
Health
The Entlebucher Mountain Dog has a 12-year average lifespan and is considered a Category 1 breed by the UK Kennel Club, meaning there are no necessary health or temperament tests for this dog type. When it comes to Hip Dysplasia, however, the UK breed club strongly suggests testing for the following conditions and strictly forbids breeding from dogs with the ailment or from dogs with unacceptably high results.
Hip Dysplasia (HD)
One or more hip developmental anomalies can lead to hip dysplasia (HD), which in turn can lead to joint disorders like arthritis later in life. Experts "assess" the health of a dog's hips using x-rays if it is over a year old. The less evidence of hip dysplasia, the lower the score. As a pair, hips can get a maximum score of 106. Hip dysplasia can be affected by both hereditary and environmental factors.
Cataracts
Cataracts develop when the lens becomes cloudy and impairs the eye's ability to focus on distant objects. While the UKKC does not mandate eye testing for this breed, the breed organization does urge that all dogs get yearly eye exams; if a dog is found to have a hereditary eye disease, it should not be used for breeding.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
PRA is a term used to describe a group of hereditary disorders that can have either a developmental or degenerative impact on the retina. In young dogs, the developmental forms of PRA proceed more quickly than the degenerative forms, which are more common in older dogs.
PRA typically manifests as in diminished night vision and ultimately causes total blindness. The breed group strongly advises owners to have their pets tested with a DNA kit that can detect the disease.
Heart Murmurs
Heart murmurs are caused by abnormal cardiac sounds and are not a disease but rather a symptom of a more serious heart issue. According to their severity, murmurs are ranked from 1 (least severe) to 4 (most severe). There should be no mating of dogs with cardiac murmurs.
Ectopic Ureter
An ectopic ureter is a congenital malformation in which the ureter is situated outside of the bladder. Consequences of this include incontinence in female dogs but may be less obvious in males. Aside from other issues, this can lead to scalded urine.
Surgery is used to alleviate the dog's pain, but the procedure is difficult and the dog may still be incontinent afterward.
Recommended Health Tests
- Patella Evaluation
- Hip Evaluation
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
- PRA Optigen DNA Test
Nutrition
Entlebucher Mountain Dogs require high-quality, protein-rich food to fuel their boundless vitality and tireless activity. Dogs thrive on dry kibble; the recommended daily amount depends on the size of your pet and should be divided into two meals. However, we advise augmenting this with occasional lean meats. Find diets that are formulated for high-energy, medium-sized breeds, and make sure an animal protein is one of the first three ingredients. Foods heavy in processed grains, artificial colors, tastes, and preservatives, and foods made with animal by-products should be avoided.
Grooming
Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are low-maintenance pets thanks to their short, coarse coat. However, they shed their skin frequently. Maintaining a healthy, lustrous coat and removing loose, dead hair requires regular brushing. They are energetic dogs, so their nails will probably wear down on their own, but you should probably trim them every once in a while, just in case. Keep their teeth healthy by brushing them regularly. Dogs probably don't need baths very often, but when they do, it's important to use dog-specific shampoos to preserve the natural oils in their fur.
Exercise
Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are high-maintenance pets that require a significant amount of daily exercise to remain content, healthy, and non-nefarious. Schedule at least two hours each day for exercise, which should include both a brisk walk and active play. It is crucial to ensure that you can commit a few hours a day to exercising these dogs before bringing one home because, without it, they can quickly become destructive and even hostile. A dog that gets regular exercise is a dog that behaves nicely.
Training
That rocky outcrop known as Entlebucher Dogs are incredibly rewarding to teach since they are intelligent, adaptable, and enthusiastic when exposed to the appropriate methods. Though their headstrong, self-reliant character might present some training challenges, especially for inexperienced owners, most dogs actually enjoy being trained and thrive when given a purpose in life. These sensitive canines benefit greatly from early socialization and positive reinforcement methods, which will also strengthen the link between you and your dog. These canines respond well to a patient, consistent, and kind but strong approach to training.
Children and Other Pets
These pups fare best in households with teenagers and up. Since they are so carefree, they are great companions for kids of all ages. Dogs can unintentionally become aggressive if their fun nature is not reined in and if children are not taught appropriate boundaries. This dog probably only grows more hyper as they have more fun, so some future coaching may be in need.
Puppies
Training an Entlebucher mountain dog puppy requires dedication and patience, but it pays off in the long run. When these dogs are young, they should be fed in modest amounts since their stomachs are too small to process a lot of food at once. Feed them several little meals per day to reduce the risk of regurgitation and malnutrition.
Dogs Similar to Entlebucher Mountain Dogs
These dogs may be stunning to look at, but they may not be a good fit for you based on their temperament or cost. If you're still in the market for a canine companion, here are other breeds that share characteristics with Entlebucher mountain dogs:
Bernese mountain dogs
These canines prefer cooler climates and are devoted to their human families. The similarities between this canine and the Entlebucher mountain dog are apparent.
Toy or Larger Swiss Mountain Dog
These canines are known to be patient with young people and protective of their human families. They also show an abundance of love and affection towards one another.
Bullmastiff
These canines are known to be welcoming, loyal, and loving members of their human families. They don't bark as much as the Entlebucher mountain dog does throughout the day.