Entlebucher Sennenhund

Country of origin: Switzerland
Registries: AKC FSS, UKC,
CKC
Occupation: Herder, guardian
Size: 16 to 20 in tall; 50 to
75 lbs
Longevity: 11 to 13 years
Exercise: Moderate
Training: Moderate
Grooming: Easy
Colors: Tricolour

This breed has been known in the Swiss mountains since antiquity, and takes its name from the Entelbuch or Entlebuch valley in the canton of Lucerne. It is also called the Entlebuch Mountain Dog, or cattle dog. Its looks suggest that it may be descended from Roman mastiffs, but ultimately its origins are untraceable. In the 19th century, breeder Franz Schertenlieb and show judge Professor Albert Heim scoured the Swiss valleys, searching out the many regional mountain dog breeds before they vanished. This is the smallest of the breeds they rescued from extinction. The muscular, compact, and eager-to-please Entelbuch is now popular in Switzerland as a happy and biddable companion, but it is still rare to see it outside its native country.

Dog name synonyms: Entle & Swiss Mountain Dog

HISTORY

Named after the village of Entlebuch where it originated, the Entlebucher Sennenhunds is the smallest of the four native Swiss mountain dogs. Other members of the group include the Appenzeller, the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Swiss Mountain Dogs are descendants from the Molossus type dogs, which the Romans brought when they passed through Helvetia, more than two thousand years ago. Originally they were used for herding cattle and aiding their moving from one Alpine pasture to another.

After World War I, due to outcrosses with German Shepherds and other imported breeds, the Entlebucher Sennenhund breed almost became extinct. Thanks to the efforts of the famous geologist Albert Heim, the breed was revived. Today although still in small number, the breed gains popularity, but rather as companion than working dog.

PERSONALITY

Entlebucher Sennenhunds are confident, lively, persistent, self-assured and determined. True to their hard working heritage, they love having a job to do. They are active and energetic with a go-all-day stamina. The Entle is famous for his intense devotion and loyalty towards the family. If left alone, almost always develops severe separation anxiety.

Entlebucher Sennenhunds are constantly on alert. They are very protective of their families and are highly territorial. They are reserved with strangers and make good watch and guard dogs. Entlebucher Sennenhunds are generally good with other dogs and other pets if raised together, but often have issues with unfamiliar dogs.

TRAITS

The Entlebucher Sennenhund is a medium sized sturdily constructed dog. In proportion with the body, the head is relatively larger. The eyes are small, brown and almond-shaped. The overall appearance of the Entle can be described as serious and intense.

Entlebucher Sennenhunds have double coats. The top coat is short, harsh, close-fitting and shiny, while the under coat is dense. They are tricolored. The basic color is black and the markings are tan (shades of fawn and mahogany) and white and they should be symmetrically distributed. The feet should be all white.

Male Entle’s height at withers is 17-21’’ (43-53cm), while the female’s is 16-20’’ (40.5-51cm). Their weight ranges between 55-66Ib (25-30 kg).

TRAINING

Although Entlebucher Sennenhunds are extremely intelligent, quick learners, they are significantly difficult to train. At times they can be stubborn and willful and never listen to anyone below them in the pack hierarchy. Harsh training methods and physical corrections must not be used during the training process.

Young Entles are very possessive and often consider small children as their own properties that need to be herd and watched over. They are also very powerful and strong and can easily overpower a small child, so they are not the best choice for families with kids. However, if properly socialized from an early age, they can learn to get along well with kids and even be playful with them.

HEALTH

Entlebucher Sennenhund dogs are a moderately healthy breed. Due to their small and limited gene pool, a significant number of congenital disease are present in the breed. Major health issues include cataracts, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy, ACL injuries, ectopic ureters, hip dysplasia and hemolytic anemia. They are known to be rapid weight gainers and are therefore prone to obesity.

Entlebucher Sennenhunds are much more cold tolerant than the average dog. They easily adapt to harsh cold climates. On the flip side they are very sensitive to even moderately elevated temperatures. The risk of heat stroke with lethal outcome is very high in this breed. The average lifespan of the Entle is 12-15 years.

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