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Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Herding breed from Entlebuch valley, Switzerland
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Entlebucher Mountain Dog
The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is a medium-sized herding breed originating from the Entlebuch valley in Switzerland. It is the smallest of the four Swiss Sennenhund breeds. The breed is known for its distinctive tricolor coat—black, white, and tan—and a compact, sturdy, muscular build. Entlebuchers are described as intelligent, energetic, loyal, alert, confident, and devoted. Their energy level is high (5/5), and they are moderately trainable (4/5). Grooming needs are low (2/5), but shedding is moderate (3/5). They are generally good with children (4/5) but may be less compatible with other dogs (3/5) and are not well-suited for apartment living (2/5). Adult weight is estimated between 23–30 kg for both sexes, and height ranges from 43–53 cm. Lifespan is estimated at 11–13 years. Recognition status varies by registry.
Quick facts
Entlebucher Mountain Dog at a glance
Sizemedium
Breed groupHerding
OriginEntlebuch valley, Switzerland
Lifespan11–13 years
Male weight23–30 kilogram
Female weight23–30 kilogram
Male height43–53 centimetre
Female height43–53 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Entlebucher Mountain Dog was developed in the Entlebuch valley region of Switzerland as an all-around farm dog. Its primary roles included herding cattle and driving livestock to market. The breed is the smallest of the four Swiss Sennenhund breeds, which also include the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Appenzeller Sennenhund. The first documented mention of the Entlebucher dates to 1889, though the breed likely existed earlier as a working dog in the Swiss Alps. Its working versatility was recognized, but specific historical events or dates of recognition are not provided in the available facts. The breed's origins are firmly rooted in the Entlebuch valley, and it was bred for its herding and driving abilities. The Entlebucher's compact size and muscular build made it well-suited for navigating mountainous terrain and handling cattle. While the breed's history is tied to Swiss farm life, the exact timeline of its development and recognition by various kennel clubs is not fully detailed in the supplied information. The breed's recognition status varies by registry, meaning some organizations may recognize it while others do not, or may have different standards.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
23–30 kilogramAdult weight43–53 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesShortCoat colorsTricolor (black, white, tan)Recognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Intelligentenergeticloyalalertconfidentdevoted
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Higher daily exercise demand
Typically responsive to training
Lower coat-maintenance demand
Moderate compared with other breeds
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Entlebucher Mountain Dog-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Typically responsive to consistent training.Supported by trainabilityScore: 4
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 4
- Commonly described as loyal.Supported by temperaments.loyal: true
Potential challenges
- Higher daily exercise and enrichment needs may not suit every household.Supported by energyScore: 5
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Growth chart
Entlebucher Mountain Dog puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight23–30 kilogramAdult female weight23–30 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of an Entlebucher Mountain Dog?
The Entlebucher is a medium-sized breed. Estimated adult weight for both males and females is 23–30 kg, and height is 43–53 cm. Estimated lifespan is 11–13 years.
What is the temperament of an Entlebucher Mountain Dog?
The breed is described as intelligent, energetic, loyal, alert, confident, and devoted. However, individual dogs may vary. They are generally good with children (suitability score 4/5) but may be less compatible with other dogs (score 3/5).
How much exercise does an Entlebucher need?
Entlebuchers have a high energy level (score 5/5). They require regular, vigorous exercise to stay healthy and content. They are not well-suited for apartment living (score 2/5) and do best with access to a yard or open space.
What are the grooming requirements for an Entlebucher?
Grooming needs are low (score 2/5). They have a short coat that is tricolor (black, white, tan). Shedding is moderate (score 3/5), so occasional brushing can help manage loose hair.
Is the Entlebucher a good family dog?
They are generally good with children (score 4/5) and are loyal and devoted to their families. However, their high energy and herding instincts may require supervision with very young children. Compatibility with other dogs is moderate (score 3/5).
Where does the Entlebucher Mountain Dog originate from?
The breed originates from the Entlebuch valley in Switzerland. It was developed as a herding and driving dog for cattle and livestock.
Is the Entlebucher Mountain Dog recognized by major kennel clubs?
Recognition status varies by registry. Some organizations recognize the breed, while others may not. The supplied facts do not specify which registries recognize it.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.