Entlebucher Mountain Dog
"der Lachen Hunder - the Laughing Dog"
History
Entlebucher Mountain Dogs come from Switzerland, descendants of ancient Molossus type dogs brought to the area by the Romans in the first century BC. The smallest of the four Swiss Mountain Dogs, they were mainly employed as cattle herding dogs, but were also small and agile enough to manage other large animals. The breed was nearly lost in the early 1900s, but thanks to dedicated efforts of fanciers, they’ve come back from the brink of extinction.
Temperament
People-dogs who love to be with their families as much as possible, they bond very strongly with their owners and don’t do well if left to live alone in the backyard. Active, energetic and very intelligent, they have high exercise needs and want you to participate. They have a strong work ethic and are happiest with a job to do; think herding, agility, obedience, ball, or just about any other competitive sport.
Appearance
Entles have a double coat with a stiff, shiny topcoat and dense undercoat. They are mostly black with symmetrical tan and white markings, usually above the eyes, on the cheeks, muzzle, chest, under the tail, and on all four legs. Compact and muscular, they have triangular ears and small brown eyes. They usually have a wide tail with a white tip, but some are born with a bobtail.
Training
With their work ethic, intelligence and willingness to please, Entles can be a joy to train – but they can also be strong willed with the potential to be challenging to first-time dog owners. As long as all members of the family are consistent and fair, Entles will learn quickly. They need at least an hour of vigorous exercise every day to stay happy and manageable.
Grooming & Care
They have a short, shiny double coat and do shed, so while they are low maintenance, regular weekly brushing will help keep the shedding down. Take a peek in their ears while you’re at it to make sure they’re clean and healthy. Bathe only when necessary.
Health Concerns
Entles are a generally healthy breed. They can be prone to hip dysplasia, patellar luxation (dislocated kneecap), and eye problems.
Famous Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Finn Maccool of Wildhorn was the breed’s Master Agility Champion in 2011.
| Ideal Owner | |
|---|---|
| Activity Level | Very Active |
| Schedule | Work from home or willing to use a doggy daycare service |
| Personal Style | Inclusive, Playful, Tireless |
| Training Style | Consistent, Firm |
| Home | Not recommended for apartment life |
| Children | Older kids |
| Experience | Definitely preferred |
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Grooming | Easy to care for - brush weekly |
| Exercise | Very high - this breed loves to run and needs vigorous daily workouts |
| Training | Teach manners, Teach tricks, Teach sports |
| Temperment | Loyal, Enthusiastic, Intelligent, Energetic |
| Challenges | Can be rambunctious indoors without enough exercise; prone to separation anxiety if not well socialized to be home alone. |
| Height | 16 to 21 inches |
| Weight | 55 to 66 pounds |
| Life | 11 to 15 years |
| Home Alone | Bores easily and can get into mischief |
| With Kids | Likes to herd them |
| With Strangers | Indifferent |
| Availability | Rare and may have a waiting list |
© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Created on May 28, 2014.
