what they are likeEntlebucher Mountain Dog temperament
Upbeat and confident, sometimes called the laughing dog of the Swiss Alps. It is warm and devoted with familiar people, a little reserved with strangers and a reliable watchdog that is hard to win over with treats.321
how to spot oneEntlebucher Mountain Dog coat and colours
short double coat
A compact, sturdy dog with a close-fitting, harsh and shiny outer coat over a thick undercoat. The tricolour pattern is black with tan points and crisp white on the face, chest and feet.3
A typical home-care rhythm for an Entlebucher Mountain Dog. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
Bathevery 10 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
how busy a day looksEntlebucher Mountain Dog exercise needs
High: at least an hour a day of running, hiking or similar exercise plus brain work. Enjoys agility, herding and obedience.2
who they like aroundEntlebucher Mountain Dog with people and other pets
Bonds strongly with its family; early socialisation and regular training suit it well.12
the hands-on bitsEntlebucher Mountain Dog grooming and care
Brush a few times a week; the coat sheds all year with heavier seasonal sheds in spring and autumn. Bathe only as needed.2
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Entlebucher Mountain Dog, and at what times?
Feed adult Entlebuchers at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. The exact times can be set to fit your routine, but aim for consistent, spaced meals. For amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.4
What should an Entlebucher Mountain Dog eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a complete list.5
How often should I bathe an Entlebucher Mountain Dog?
Bathe only as needed, typically every few months or when dirty. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 10 weeks. Over-bathing can strip natural oils from their double coat.2
How often does an Entlebucher Mountain Dog need brushing?
Brush a few times a week, and daily during heavy shedding seasons in spring and autumn. Their short double coat benefits from regular brushing to remove loose hair and keep it healthy.2
How do I trim an Entlebucher Mountain Dog's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every 4 weeks or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for guidance.6
How much exercise does an Entlebucher Mountain Dog need?
They need at least an hour of vigorous exercise daily, such as running, hiking, or agility. They also enjoy brain work like herding and obedience. Daily walks and play are essential.2
How do I look after an Entlebucher Mountain Dog's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth daily if possible, at least 2-3 times a week, using dog toothpaste. Check ears weekly for moisture or debris, and dry them gently. Never push anything into the ear canal.6
How long does an Entlebucher Mountain Dog live?
They typically live 11 to 13 years. With good care, regular vet checkups, and a healthy lifestyle, they can enjoy a full lifespan.2
Is an Entlebucher Mountain Dog good with children and other pets?
Yes, they are warm and devoted with familiar people and bond strongly with their family. Early socialisation helps them get along well with children and other pets. They can be reserved with strangers.321
Can an Entlebucher Mountain Dog be left alone?
They bond strongly with their family and may not do well if left alone for long periods. Early training and gradual alone time can help, but they thrive with company. For specific advice, ask a good breeder or trainer.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
what to watchEntlebucher Mountain Dog health problems
The conditions the breed clubs and health schemes name for the Entlebucher Mountain Dog. Most animals of the breed never get them; this is what to ask a breeder or an insurer about.
Hip dysplasia
The hip joint does not fit together well, which can mean stiffness and arthritis; the club requires hip scores on all breeding dogs. NEMDA: about 80% of Entlebuchers evaluated over 20 years passed OFA hip evaluation ↗
Ectopic ureter
A urine tube that joins the bladder in the wrong place, causing dribbling in puppies; it is found by ultrasound and can need surgery. Named by NEMDA as a breed concern; no screening scheme yet and no published rate ↗
Progressive retinal atrophy (prcd-PRA)
An inherited eye disease that slowly causes blindness; breeders DNA test, and the club calls this a success story. DNA test is a parent club recommended test; NEMDA says breeders test before breeding; no published rate ↗
Slipping kneecaps (patellar luxation)
The kneecap slips out of place, causing a painful hitch in the walk; severe cases need surgery. Patella evaluation is a parent club recommended test; no published rate ↗
Glaucoma and cataracts
Raised eye pressure or clouding of the lens, both of which can cost sight; a yearly eye exam is recommended. NEMDA runs a glaucoma research study; annual eye exam recommended; no published rate ↗
Tests a good breeder can show you
Hip evaluation (OFA) National Entlebucher Mountain Dog Association (required for breeding stock) ↗
Patella evaluation (OFA) National Entlebucher Mountain Dog Association (AKC parent club) ↗
Eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist, yearly National Entlebucher Mountain Dog Association ↗
prcd-PRA DNA test National Entlebucher Mountain Dog Association (AKC parent club) ↗
AKC DNA profile National Entlebucher Mountain Dog Association (AKC parent club) ↗
From the breed club or a health scheme. Not veterinary advice: for your own animal, ask your vet.
per year, in your countryWhat an Entlebucher Mountain Dog costs
Running costs for an Entlebucher Mountain Dog, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Entlebucher Mountain Dog legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Entlebucher Mountain Dog in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
It is the smallest of the four Swiss mountain dog breeds.1
2
The breed is nicknamed the 'laughing dog' of the Swiss Alps.2
3
When breed restoration began in 1927, only 16 dogs of the type could be found.1
4
The Swiss standard describes it as a watchdog that cannot be bribed.3
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The name Entlebucher Mountain Dog comes from Entlebuch, a valley in the region of the Cantons Lucerne and Bern in Switzerland. The breed is the smallest of the four Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs, and the name Sennenhund refers to people called Senn, herders in the Swiss Alps.1
told by an Entlebucher Mountain DogA day in the life
I wake up with a big, goofy grin and a wagging tail, ready to greet the day. My human and I head out for a long hike through the Swiss hills. I sniff every flower and chase a butterfly, always staying close. At the summit, I get a scratch behind the ears and a sip of fresh water. Back home, I help my human with chores, carrying a small basket. In the afternoon, I herd the kids in the yard, laughing all the while. Evening brings a hearty meal and a cuddle on the sofa, my favorite end to a perfect day.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganEntlebucher Mountain Dog history
This herding and farm guardian dog was first described in 1889. In 1913 four dogs were shown to Professor Albert Heim and entered in the Swiss stud book, a breed club followed in 1926, and the first standard was written in 1927.31
Appenzeller Sennenhund
Bernese Mountain Dog
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog