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
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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
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.