The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is the smallest of the four Swiss Sennhund Breeds. Originally from the Entlebuch Valley of Switzerland the Entlebucher was prized as a herding and all around utility dog.
Entlebuchers are unique in their lack of evolution. They simply ‘are what they are’. As we follow their recorded history Entlebucher Mountain Dogs were valued as a tireless herder, guardian and companion; and prized for their intelligence and ability to reason out and solve the challenges they encountered. Decades of principled breeding has not altered their conformation, temperament, intelligence or work ethic, and today we can cherish the same traits that owners more than a century ago held in such high regard.
The Entlebucher had almost disappeared by the early 1900’s when they were re-discovered by Professor Albert Heim in 1913 at a Dog Show in Bern, Switzerland. Dr. Heim liked the bright intelligence and sturdy strength of this little mountain dog and under his patronage the Entlebucher Sennenhund was assured a safe future.
The first Entlebucher (Desiree vom Seeruecken) was brought to North America from Switzerland in 1984 by Andrew Luescher, DVM when he accepted a job at the University of Guelph in Canada. Dr. Luescher then accepted a position as Director of Animal Behavior at Purdue University in Indiana and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog officially arrived in the United States. Dr. Luescher and Desiree returned to Switzerland several times over the few years for Breeding, and as the Breed’s numbers increased Dr. Luescher started the first North American Breed Registry.
Strength, intelligence, and devotion are as much a hallmark of the breed as their bright tri-colored coat; and the Entlebucher easily made the transition from the mountain farms of Switzerland to the American household. An unequalled, enthusiastic companion the Entlebucher is a lot of dog in a medium sized body. Sturdy, strong, and extremely agile the Entlebucher excels at herding, canine sports, companion events, and conformation. Their devotion makes them excellent Therapy and Search and Rescue dogs.
When considering an Entlebucher as a family member one should be mindful that the Entle was bred to be the partner and companion to the Swiss Herdsman. This is a dog that ‘knows’ his place is by his master’s side. They need good direction and love to ‘have a job’! Entles simply will not thrive in a casual home.