Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Also called Entlebucher Sennenhund, Entlebucher Cattle Dog, Bouvier de l'Entlebuch
From Switzerland, the Entlebuch valley in the cantons of Lucerne and Bern.12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Wikipedia gives 20-30 kg; PetMD gives 40-65 lb (about 18-30 kg). The FCI standard sets no weight.
Coat and looks how to spot one
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.1
Personality what they are like
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.132
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High: at least an hour a day of running, hiking or similar exercise plus brain work. Enjoys agility, herding and obedience.3
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Brush a few times a week; the coat sheds all year with heavier seasonal sheds in spring and autumn. Bathe only as needed.3
Company who they like around
Bonds strongly with its family; early socialisation and regular training suit it well.23
The story where it all began
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 1927.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 47 (Entlebucher Sennenhund), Group 2, Section 3 Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs; standard dated 28.06.2002.1
- AKC
- Entered the stud book on 1 December 2010 and competes in the Herding Group from 1 January 2011.2
- The Kennel Club (UK), Canadian Kennel Club
- Recognised, per Wikipedia.2
Popularity Ranked 178th of AKC-registered breeds in 2025.4
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Entlebucher Mountain Dog. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- 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
Owner questions the things everyone asks
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.5
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.6
How often should I bathe an Entlebucher Mountain Dog?
Bathe only as needed, typically every few months or when dirty. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 10 weeks. Over-bathing can strip natural oils from their double coat.3 Furry Diary plan
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.3 Furry Diary plan
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.7 Furry Diary plan
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.3 Furry Diary plan
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.7 Furry Diary plan
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.3
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.132
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 Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 47, Entlebucher Sennenhund fci.beused for origin, recognition, history, temperament, coat, colours, height
- Wikipedia, Entlebucher Mountain Dog en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, weight, AKC dates, history, fun facts
- PetMD, Entlebucher Mountain Dog petmd.comused for weight, lifespan, exercise, grooming, nickname
- AKC Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2025 akc.orgused for popularity
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.