About the Breed
The Entlebucher Mountain Dog, tricolor 'Laughing Dog' of the Swiss Alps, is a rugged and determined mover of cattle. These spirited, energetic workers and athletes are independent problem solvers and are happiest with a job to perform. Entlebucher (ENT-leh-boo-cur) Mountain Dogs are muscular, long-backed cattle dogs standing from 16 to 21 inches at the shoulder. They have short, sturdy legs; a striking black, white, and tan coat; and an attentive, friendly face. Entles are famous for their agility, balance, and boundless enthusiasm. Entles are vigilant protectors of their four- or two-legged 'herds' and, when properly socialized, make durable and trustworthy playmates for older kids. Energetic Entles require lots of exercise, family time, and direction to reach their full potential. Inexperienced owners might be overwhelmed by this strong, self-confident, go-go herding dog eager for work. Entlebuchers are fine dogs'¿clever, zesty, happy'¿but not for everyone.
What To Expect When Caring For an Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Health
Most Entlebuchers are healthy dogs, but there are a few disorders the breed can be prone to. One issue found in the breed is Entlebucher urinary syndrome, a condition involving the misplacement of the ureter. Other conditions that have occurred in the breed include hip dysplasia, luxating patellas, and some eye disorders. Responsible breeders screen for genetic disease and select for health-cleared stock.
Grooming
The Entlebucher requires minimal grooming overall. With their dense, short, shiny double coat, they will need little more than a wipe-down with a damp towel between baths to stay in optimum appearance. The breed sheds quite a bit, so you may want to invest in a good stripping comb or a thick bristle brush to keep shedding to a minimum. Nails should be trimmed every month to keep them short and neat. Dental care should be started early and maintained on a regular basis throughout your dog's life. Ears should be checked weekly. Cleaning out wax and debris can help avoid the ear infections that plague dogs with drop ears.
Exercise
The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is a quick and tough dog with a high energy level. It will take at least an hour of exercise daily to keep him in good physical condition. Since a 'tired dog is a good dog,' keeping the breed's energy channeled through exercise will make training and simply living with him much easier. Entles love doing things with their owners so make excellent companions for runners, hikers, bikers, and other very active people.
Training
Entles are smart, versatile workers who are very rewarding to train. Training with a positive approach will almost always yield quick and successful results. Early socialization is extremely important with this breed. They are very intelligent, so any training routine should include fun and variety to keep them from getting bored. They love having a job to do and are excellent candidates for obedience, tracking, agility, herding and almost any other canine sport.
Nutrition
Choosing which commercial food to give to your dog is a personal choice best made using recommendations from your vet or breeder. You should consider only a high-quality dog food formulated to your dog's age and activity level. A working dog requires a different formula than a sedentary house pet, and a puppy requires different nutrition than a senior pet. This is a breed who loves to eat and thus can be prone to becoming overweight if you don't monitor his food intake closely. If you choose to give treats during training, do so in moderation. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity in any breed.
History
Dairy farming has long been vital to the Swiss economy as it provides the key ingredient for two leading exports: cheese and milk chocolate. To move and guard their herds in the days before industrial agriculture, Swiss cattlemen developed four breeds of Alpine mountain dogs known for their beautiful tricolor coats. Of these, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is the largest, and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog the smallest and quickest.
The name Entlebucher, 'Entle' for short, derives from the place of the breed's origin, the valley of the river Entlebuch. They were employed as all-around farm dogs and guarders, but the primary task of these clever cattle dogs was to drive their charges up to high mountain pastures in the summer, keep an eye on the herd during grazing season, then move them back down into the valley for the winter.
This job description explains several of the Entle's key traits. Bred to move cattle up and down sloping pastures, Entles developed remarkable balance and agility. The long, low Entle physique isn't as exaggerated as a Pembroke Welsh Corgi's, but the idea is the same: It makes it easier to nip at a cow's heels and to avoid being kicked.
The breed's love of work, and life in general, earned it the nickname 'der Lachen Hunden' (the Laughing Dog). So enthusiastic is the working Entle, he might leap up and slam into a stubborn cow to move it. Such a can-do work ethic is essential in a 60-pound dog charged with moving a herd of 1,500-pound animals up the side of a mountain.
Reference:https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/entlebucher-mountain-dog/
