Entlebucher Mountain Dog

Originated from the foothills of the mountainous regions of Switzerland, the Entlebucher Sennenhund, better known as the Entlebucher mountain dog, is the smaller variety of breed amongst the four native breeds of Switzerland. These canines got the name ‘Sennenhund’ from the native herdsmen called ‘senn’. During the initial years its existence, the mountain dog was merely looked upon as a helpful and determined dog that was used extensively by farmers, herdsmen etc. But today, though the mountain dog is quite a rare spectacle, this dog is used not only for a family pet, but also in dog shows and other pet exhibitions.

Compared and contrasted with the rottweiler, this mountain dog shows a similar temperamental and behavioral pattern as the above mentioned. It is speculated that the mountain dog, like the rottweiler, has originated from the roman molasses. Belonging to the mountainous region of Lucerne, the Entlebucher mountain dog was initially used for both pastoral as well as domestic purposes. It was only in 1889 that a clear cut distinction was drawn between the Appenzeller sennenhund and the Entlebucher sennenhund. No official kennel club was formed for this breed until 1926. It was only in the year 1927 that more than fifteen dogs agreeing to the classification of the mountain dog were found. It was only then that the breed started increasing in numbers all over the globe.

A very loving and caring dog, this canine is an extremely well behaved animal with an excellent temperament. Gentle with children and easy going in nature, this mountain dog is easy to train and loves to perform tricks or fetch its toys. A good swimmer and a fast runner, it needs a minimum time set aside everyday for plain games and activities. A fun loving animal, the Entlebucher hates lying around the house without a job to do. One can train this dog quite easily and effectively. Once trained, it becomes so much easier to be around a mountain dog. Not being a loud and noisy dog, people should know that something is wrong when the canine becomes boisterous and chirpy.

Dominated by the color black, the mountain dog has white and brown as secondary colors. With the eyebrows and parts of their feet in brown highlights, the area around their nose is usually white in color. A small but athletic and strong canine, this dog can take an animal twice its size. With a very powerful jaw, the mountain dog is often mistaken to a ferocious and wild canine, quite a contrast to its actual temperament. These dogs weigh about 20-30 kg and are between 19-20 inches in height. Very active and always on their feet, this interesting breed of dog can become an integral part of a family.

Due to its decreasing numbers, the Entlebucher faces threats of becoming endangered. Because of this phenomenon, there is a lot of in-breeding that goes on. In breeding amongst dogs causes numerous medical conditions and decreased levels of immunity and tolerance. The Entlebucher mountain dog faces similar threats. These dogs have reduced steadily in number and because of their scarcity, they cost almost 1500-3000 U.S $. NEMDA or National Entlebucher Mountain dog Association is trying its best to cleanse the genetic medical condition and try reviving their kind.