Entlebucher Mountain Dog
The pocket-sized Swiss cattle dog — all muscle, gloss and mountain work ethic.
Vital stats
| Size | Medium · 42–50 cm |
| Weight | 20–30 kg |
| Life expectancy | 11–13 years |
| Energy | High — 60–90 min/day |
| Shedding | Moderate, year-round |
| Coat | Short, glossy tricolour · black with tan and white markings |
| Group | Working · FCI №47 / AKC |
Breed traits
Friendliness
Care
Mind
Temperament
Bred to muscle cattle down steep alpine pastures and guard the farmyard between drives, the Entlebucher is bold, quick-thinking and watchful. With family it is exuberantly devoted; with strangers, reserved until introductions are made. That cattle-driving heritage shows at home as body-checking enthusiasm, an alert bark and a need for genuine work.
Habits & quirks
The hip check
Centuries of nudging cattle mean affection is sometimes delivered at shoulder height, at speed.
Yard supervisor
Every arrival, delivery and passing cat is logged and announced.
The Swiss lean
Off duty, it parks its considerable muscle against your legs and sighs like a contented engine.
Heel awareness
Running children and bicycles wake the herding software — teach early what may and may not be gathered.
Care
| Exercise | An hour or more of vigorous daily activity, ideally with agility, herding games or hikes — a walk alone won't cut it. |
| Training | Clever and willing but pushy without leadership; early socialisation and consistent rules are essential. |
| Health | Ask breeders for hip scores and eye tests; the compact build holds up well. |
| Grooming | Delightfully simple: a weekly brush and the glossy tricolour coat looks after itself. |
Common questions
Are Entlebucher Mountain Dogs good family pets?
Yes for active families who train early — they're devoted, playful and protective. Their herding nudges and energy can overwhelm homes with very small children.
How is the Entlebucher different from the Bernese Mountain Dog?
It's far smaller, short-coated and considerably more energetic — a driving cattle dog rather than a draught dog. Expect more speed and more opinions.
Do Entlebuchers bark a lot?
They're natural watchdogs and will announce visitors reliably. Training curbs excess, but a silent Entlebucher was never on offer.