Entlebucher Mountain Dog

[Dobified]

Entlebucher Mountain Dog






Origin: The smallest of the four Swiss mountain dogs, the naturally bobtailed Entlebucher is believed to have descended from cattle dogs brought by the Romans to Helvetia 2,000 years ago. The breed takes its name from Entlebuch in the canton of Lucerne. Also known as the Entlebucher Sennenhund, which means 'dog of the Alpine herdsman,' the breed was used to drive cattle to market.

Temperament: The breed is quiet and easygoing. Though independent and self-confident, they are very tuned to their owners. Entlebuchers are very aware of boundaries and are territorial and protective, but not aggressive. They delight in the company of people and are friendly with other dogs.

Activity level: Entlebuchers make good obedience workers since they enjoy having a job to do. Owners report the breed loves heights and is fond of climbing and jumping. Lots of outdoor activity and exercise goes over well with this breed.

Height/Weight: As adults, Entlebuchers stand 16-20 in (41-51 cm) at the shoulder and the sturdy dogs weigh 55-60 lb (25-27 kg).

Coat: The breed wears a short, hard coat with a natural sheen.

Colour: Like the three other Swiss mountain dogs, the Entlebucher is a tri-coloured dog. The ground colour is jet black with rich-rust and clear-white markings symmetrically placed.

Grooming: The breed is exceptionally clean and requires little grooming but they enjoy it and demand their turn when others are groomed.

[rutylr]

History
The Entlebucher Sennenhunde is the smallest of the four Swiss Mountain Dogs. The other mountain dogs are the Greater Swiss, the Bernese, and the Appenzeller. The Entlebucher comes from the Emme river valleys in Switzerland. They were also known as "Schaerligs" after a tributary of the greater Emme.
Sennenhunde means the dog of the alpine dairymen. In Switzerland, the senn (sennen is plural) is a seasonal alpine dairyman. During the warm season the senn daily brought their cows up into the mountains to graze. In the morning and evening the dairyman brought the cows into the milking shed. The dogs were described according to their role, but not distinguished by breed in the modern sense. E. Bauer in “The Swiss Central Newspaper for Hunting and Dog Enthusiasts” wrote the first known description of the Entlebucher Sennenhunde in 1889. Bauer described the dog as a treasured cattle dog that was untiring, tremendously lively, and robust in comparison to it's size. "[The Entlebucher's] nut-brown eyes are constantly alert to his master's wishes, he also has a special feeling for the company of the herdsman and the herd."

Professor Albert Heim is credited with saving the Entlebucher along with the Appenzeller and Greater Swiss. At the turn of the 20th century Dr. Heim was concerned that the Swiss working breeds were nearly lost due to deliberate cross breeding with German Shepherds. In 1912 Franz Schertenleib brought three males and two females to the Swiss Kennel Club exhibition in Bern where Dr. Heim judged them. Dr Heim described the Entlebucher in his book "The Swiss Herding Dogs" as "the lively little animal is a first-class cattle herder and drover. When he goes out to the pasture, the cowherd is worn out by the time he and the dog get to the edge of the pasture."

But then the First World War broke out and the dogs were again lost. In 1924 Dr. B Kobler took up the search for the lost mountain dog. In 1926 Schertenleib gave Kobler his choicest female named Babeli von der Rothole. Kobler bred her with a remaining male. Babeli gave birth to five good pups and started the revival of the Entlebucher Mountain Dog. In 1925 Dr. Kobler founded the first Entlebucher Sonnenhunde club in Saint Gallen Switzerland. Dr. Kolber strove to reintroduce working dog to Swiss farmers. In June of 1927 the club had 16 Entlebuchers. In February 1930 the Entlebucher was recognized as a full purebred member of the Swiss and International Cynology. By 1955 the Entlebucher Alpine Dog Club had over 100 pure Entlebuchers.

Every evening on every Alp, more than a hundred cattle must be driven into their stalls, which means hours of work for three or four herders... A single little herding dog can cope with the whole job. On the herder's command "Drive!" the dog runs with unbelievable enthusiasm, barking loudly behind the animals... Those who hang back he nips with sharp teeth in the soft part of their hooves. The cow kicks out strongly in pain, which could inflict a deadly blow to the head. Quick as lightening however the little dog ducks and the kick misses. Even the wild and strong alpine animal will not be spared. While it grazes peacefully, the dog nips him in the hind foot. The steer turns around and will hurl the dog on his pointed horns. With one jump the dog leaps up and bites him hard on the nose. Painfully, the steer finally runs into the stall with the dog right behind him.
-- Dr Kobler gave this lively description of the Entlebucher in his 1963 update to "The Entlebucher Alpine Dog".

[mara]

They're beautiful! My agility instructor has 3 Bernese. They have such a happy personality and are wonderful agility dogs. I've never heard of particular Swiss Mountain Breed. Interesting stuff!

[rottiegirl]

I love Entis! I have 3 Bernese, I like Swissys and the Appenzler too though.

[Riding Hulio]

My work neighbor has a mountain dog thingy!!!!! They own Mountain Dog Food Company.

[Blaze]

They are beautiful dogs!

[pomlover80]

Very nice dogs...I like the coloring

[RoughCollies]

One of my favorite breeds that I won't own, lol. I've seen a few that were such sweeties, but I'm not interested enough to own one. I love them though.

[rottiegirl]

the 4 swiss cattle dogs (Bernese Mountain dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Appenzler, Entlebutcher) all have the same coloring and markings.

[Dobified]

Originally Posted by rottiegirl

the 4 swiss cattle dogs (Bernese Mountain dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Appenzler, Entlebutcher) all have the same coloring and markings.

And all are gorgeous dogs. Maybe one day along with my Dobes !