The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is not a well-known breed, coming in at a popularity number of 157 of 193. This spunky, active breed has a larger-than-life personality. Fiercely protective, extremely intelligent, and astonishingly active, the Entlebucher can be an overwhelming kind of dog for the owner who isn’t a proper fit for it.
Historically, the Entlebucher was used as a Swiss farming and guarding dog, though its main task was to herd cattle. This dog has been nicknamed “The Laughing Dog” in German for its gregariousness and agility. This breed is actually part of a group of four Swiss alpine mountain dogs, with the Entlebucher coming in at the smallest of the four.
Entlebucher Mountain Dog APPEARANCE
With a height of 16 to 20 inches at the shoulder, the Entlebucher Mountain dog can be considered a medium-large dog. The Entlebucher is short in stature compared to other mountain dogs, but it’s made up for in bulk around the shoulders and a low center of gravity. This allows the breed to undertake feats of physical prowess with both power and nimble agility. The Entlebucher comes in at about 45 to 65 pounds, though this breed has talent in throwing around its meager weight for maximum effect.
The Entlebucher has a short coat with two layers. This breed needs little maintenance to keep healthy and clean. The Entlebucher should be brushed once a week just to help shed fur in a controlled way, though it may need extra grooming during seasonal shedding in the spring. Usually, not much bathing is needed either. Still, it’s a good idea to brush any dog’s teeth on occasion, and the Entlebucher is no exception. Because of the floppy ears, you’ll also want to pay attention to keeping them hygienic and dry so problems don’t develop.
TEMPERAMENT/PERSONALITY
One thing to keep in mind with the Entlebucher is that they have a history as guard dogs. This breed is not shy about sounding the alarm, and their bark is deep and loud. They also err on the side of caution, and are slow to trust strangers. If they believe their owner is being attacked, their strong protective instinct may prompt the Entlebucher to come to the rescue.
Their confidence means that these dogs may be rough and boisterous throughout youth, and it can be difficult to convince them to follow your lead as the owner. The independent streak of an Entlebucher can make them very difficult dogs to train consistently – despite knowing what the owner wants, an Entlebucher may refuse to comply. This individuality can be a benefit, however, as it means the Entlebucher doesn’t usually suffer from separation anxiety or other anxiety disorders.
As for families, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog is not recommended for those with small children. This dog doesn’t do anything by small measures, and it’s important that everybody in the house can stand up to the Entlebucher at playtime. The breed’s history in herding may make this kind of dog likely to try to chase and herd small children. Because of the Entlebucher’s loyalty to his people, however, he can make a wonderful, active companion for older kids and adults alike.
Because of its cattle-herding instinct and tendency towards caution around newcomers, the Entlebucher will need socializing from an early age to learn to behave nicely towards cats and other dogs. This dog isn’t quite prone to aggression, but it is perhaps too ready to sound the alarm and take a dominant position over humans and animals alike.
CARING FOR AN ENTLEBUCHER MOUNTAIN DOG
Entlebucher care is relatively easy, with proper exercise being the main concern in keeping this breed mentally stimulated and in good health.
NUTRITION
Since the Entlebucher can be prone to becoming overweight, make sure to monitor food intake and check with a vet to make sure your dog has an appropriate amount of muscle and fat. The history of this breed means they’ve been bred for intense daily activity, but most Entlebucher dogs in households don’t get the opportunity to burn off nearly the same number of calories. As for the amount to feed, the Entlebucher should be fed about 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day or an equivalent amount of wet food. This can vary some depending on activity level and size.
EXERCISE
An Entlebucher is one of the most active dog breeds one can own. This dog needs constant exercise in order to keep it from putting out its excess energy in the form of destructive behaviors. These can include destruction of beds and toys or excessive barking because of boredom. These dogs do best when paired with owners with athletic jobs or hobbies. This is a great dog to take along to daily work outs and weekend sporting adventures. Extensive sessions of fetch are another great option for yard play at home. Bringing an Entlebucher Mountain Dog along on hikes or other activities where it can meet new people can be a dual solution for socializing and exercising this dog simultaneously.
TRAINING
As for training, more is always better when it comes to the Entlebucher. This dog is very smart and extremely active, and it thrives on learning new things. Dog puzzles and other interactive toys can help maintain this dog’s attention when the owner cannot. It’s important to train this dog from an early age in respecting strangers and other animals. Introduce the Entlebucher to new people and dogs often when young to prevent issues later. It’s also important to teach commands like speak and quiet, as this breed can be incredibly noisy if not taught properly. Getting a good leash for pulling may also be a good idea for this breed. This dog will need a very involved owner; somebody with experience in training previous dogs would be the best type of owner for the Entlebucher.
HEALTH
In general, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog is a very healthy breed. It hasn’t been far removed from its origins as a herding breed, and so the dogs of today still have more of a focus on ability rather than appearance. The life expectancy is 10-13 years, much as can be expected for a dog of this size.
The American Kennel Club recommends to ask breeders for several health tests, including Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Patella Evaluation, and a PRA Optigen DNA Test. The Entlebucher seems to have more knee problems than is normal for a breed of its size.
Some health issues the Entlebucher Mountain Dog is prone to include: ectropion or entropion (eyelid issues), pulmonic stenosis, Entlebucher urinary syndrome, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, retinal atrophy, and retinal dysplasia.
If the owner is careful to keep an eye on the state of the Entlebucher’s knees and eyes, the main concern should then be about the Entlebucher’s mental state. These dogs need a job, and without one (or several,) they can start to become a nuisance to owners rather than a companion. It’s vital that this dog not be left to simple wander the yard on its own; try getting involved in obedience, agility, or many of the other interesting dog sports that might be offered in your area.
SIMILAR BREEDS
Best Dog Food For Entlebucher Mountain Dogs
For suitable dog food for Entlebucher Mountain Dogs, the Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is apt. There are simple ingredients in it that are easy to digest and help in easy excretion and absorption to release energy. The inclusion of real fruits and vegetables ensures it to be a balanced meal with all essential nutrients.
- Bison and beef promote a strong body with the healthy development of muscles.
- Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids keep the growth of the coat in its natural state.
- There are no grains like wheat, soy, or corn, neither addition of harmful preservatives.
Best Puppy Food For Entlebucher Mountain Dogs
For Entlebucher Mountain Dogs’ nutrition, the Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Lamb Meal & Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food is apt. Each of the ingredients is suitable for consumption and not difficult to digest by the developing stomach. Essential nutrients in adequate amounts ensure a healthy development until attaining maturity.
- It contains a sufficient amount of calcium for the growth of strong bones and teeth.
- For developing a strong immunity, there are antioxidants in it.
- It suits the taste buds due to the presence of lamb.
Best Dog Crates For Entlebucher Mountain Dogs
For those Entlebucher Mountain Dogs who often stay alone, the Frisco Fold & Carry Single Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate is best for them. Apart from ensuring safety, it also provides a comfortable space to enjoy, relax, and have some privacy as and when required. There are multiple latches on the door, which keeps them protected when parents are away.
- It has only one door, but it is large enough for movement and exists.
- It is easy to assemble and does not take much space.
- A plastic pan below the crate is removable and is also easy to wash.
Best Dog Beds For Entlebucher Mountain Dogs
Since sleeping is essential for Entlebucher Mountain Dogs, the American Kennel Club Extra Large Memory Foam Pillow Dog Bed is appropriate. Along with ensuring comfort, it helps in relieving joint pains from pressure points and develops a stronger muscular system. There are raised sides on one side of the bed, which serves as a headrest and ensures complete relaxation.
- It has a layer of memory foam, which supports in extra comfort and body support.
- With its non-slippery base, the bed does not displace from its position.
- The removable cover with it helps in maintaining hygiene after a proper wash.
Best Dog Harness For Entlebucher Mountain Dogs
To ensure traffic protection, the PetSafe Easy Walk Nylon No Pull Dog Harness is the best for Entlebucher Mountain Dogs. They are useful to control the movement and reduce the leash pulling and thus have a D-ring attachment. There are easy and secure straps to let the harness stay in place without causing any harm.
- Ideal to use during outdoor walks and strolls.
- Multiple adjusting straps around the neck and stomach protects while.traveling
- Most coverage is in the chest area to minimize the impact of an accident.
Best Dog Collar For Entlebucher Mountain Dogs
Its unique features and assistance in obedience training make the Halti Nylon Dog Headcollar ideal for Entlebucher Mountain Dogs. Since there are no strong attachments, it is safe to use and does not cause any rashes or irritation around the head and neck. The plastic buckles are of high quality and secure the dog collar making it suitable for enhancing their looks.
- It does not cause any difficulty in moving the head sideways.
- The material is gentle on the skin and does not cause any bald spots.
- Useful during exhibiting unnatural behavior or restricting to training.
Best Dog Muzzle For Entlebucher Mountain Dogs
If your Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are exhibiting destructive behavior, the PetSafe Dog Muzzle is apt for regular use. Since the mouth remains confined, it prevents barking and biting and thus requires a secure fit. Upon wearing this dog muzzle, there is no breathing, eating, and drinking, and it also reduces stress.
- There is the padding on the straps that makes it soft on the skin.
- There is enough space for panting and it is useful during a doctor’s visit.
- Easily adjustable with the growing needs and size.
Best Dog Toys For Entlebucher Mountain Dogs
Loneliness and boredom can make Entlebucher Mountain Dogs show aggression, and thus, the KONG Cozie Marvin the Moose Plush Dog Toy is a form of engagement. The material is soft with the use of faux fur and suitable to snuggle while sleeping. Its attractive character makes playtime longer and enjoyable and also enables in indulging in a game of fetch.
- Very little stuffing inside the dog toy, thus creating a minimal mess.
- There are internal squeakers to add an extra dose of enjoyment.
- Durable and tough material makes it long-lasting.
Best Dog Brush For Entlebucher Mountain Dogs
Removal of dust and dirt from the fur can be time-consuming with a bare hand and may not yield desired results. However, the Petkin Soft Grip Bamboo Two-Sided Dog Brush is ideal for regular brushing of Entlebucher Mountain Dogs. It helps in extracting natural oils from the body and then sharing it immediately.
- The bristles are of stainless steel and do not rust soon.
- The grip of the handle is convenient for brushing for a long duration.
- This dog brush uses bamboo in the base and thus is eco-friendly.
Best Dog Shampoo For Entlebucher Mountain Dogs
Nature’s Miracle Supreme Odor Control Natural Puppy Shampoo & Conditioner works effectively on Entlebucher Mountain Dogs’ skin. Since it does not contain any harmful colorants, this shampoo is gentle on the skin and does not cause eye irritation. Moreover, it does not interfere in the ongoing skin treatment, if any.
- It keeps the body odor away and leaves the skin refreshed.
- No coloring agents or artificial perfumes and preservatives
- Helps in encouraging regular bath time sessions.
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