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Entlebucher Sennehund Breed Description

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Breed Organization

The National Entlebucher Mountain Dog Association

Native Country
Switzerland

Other Names
Entlebucher, Entlebuch Mountain Dog, Entlebuch Cattle Dog

Life Expectancy
Approximately 11-15 Years

Litter Size
Average 3-6 Puppies

Breed Group
AKC-Herding

General Description

The female Entlebucher Sennenhund is a square; the male is a longer, less square, sturdy, medium-sized dog. It has small, triangular ears and rather small brown eyes. The head is well proportioned to the body, with a strong flat skull. The long jaw is well formed and powerful. The feet are compact, supporting its muscular body. The smooth coat is close and smooth with symmetrical markings of black, tan, and white. This tricolor coat has white on its toes, tail-tip, and the chest and blaze where the fur is soft and fluffy; the tan always lies between the black and the white. It has muscular, broad hips. The hocks are naturally well angled. The tail is sometimes docked, a practice which is now prohibited by law in many countries, or it may have a natural bobtail.

Breed Standard

Head: Well proportioned. Flat forehead. Slight stop. Powerful jaws.
Ears: Set on high, not overly large, hanging flat against the head. Tip of ear well rounded.
Eyes: Fairly small. Brown color. Lively expression.
Body: Slightly longer than tall. Short, compact neck. Broad, deep chest. Strong, straight back.
Tail: Docked at birth.
Hair: Short, thick, hard, shiny, lying close to the skin.
Coat: Black with markings ranging from yellow to rust above the eyes, on the cheeks, and on all four legs. Symmetrical markings on the head (flare), neck, forechest, and feet. Yellow to rust markings must always appear between the black and white.
Size: 19-20 inches
Weight: 45-65 lb


History

This small Swiss mountain dog is closely related to the Appenzeller. He is named after the region where he originated, Entlebuch in the canton of Lucerne. Bred to guard and drive cattle, the Entelbucher was very popular in the past. The breed almost disappeared, but then began a comeback in 1913.


Behavior

This robust, agile, stable dog is an excellent guard, both of cattle and its owner’s property. The friendly Entelbucher makes also an excellent pet. The breed is used to transport milk and cheese. Naturally good tempered, the Entelbucher is easy to train.

This breed needs exercise and room to run. Regular brushing is required.

Function

Cattle Drover, Guard Dog, Pet.


Health

Inbreeding due to the small foundation stock numbers has led to Entlebuchers suffering from congenital defects, the most common of which is hip dysplasia. Hemolytic anemia also is known to occur. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is also present in the breed. The National Entlebucher Mountain Dog Association (NEMDA), in collaboration with other organizations, is working to eliminate these issues from the breed through responsible breeding, genetic testing, and fact dissemination.



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