Entlebucher Mountain Dog

Feed a high-quality dog food matched to your Entle's age and activity level, whether commercially made or home-prepared under a veterinarian's supervision. A working dog needs a different formula than a sedentary house pet, and a puppy needs different nutrition than a senior. Choosing a food is a personal decision best made with guidance from your vet or breeder.

This is a breed that loves to eat and can put on weight if you do not watch intake closely. Monitor portions and reduce them if your dog gains weight. Treats help with training, but give them in moderation, since too many lead to excess weight. Portions depend on life stage, body condition, activity level, health, and spay or neuter status.

Feed your Entlebucher twice a day on a regular schedule. Puppies may need to eat more often, up to four times a day, so ask your vet what suits your specific dog. Some Entles eat too fast; for those dogs, a slow-feeder bowl or food puzzle slows them down and adds a bit of mental stimulation.

Dogs on a complete and balanced diet typically get the nutrients they need. Your vet may still suggest a dog-friendly supplement to fill gaps, such as a joint supplement for an Entle with hip dysplasia or patellar luxation. Never give a supplement without speaking with your vet first.

The Entlebucher needs minimal grooming. The dense, short, shiny double coat usually needs little more than a wipe-down with a damp towel between baths to stay in good shape, and the coat gives the skin its own protection.

The breed sheds quite a bit. Brush every few days, or weekly to every two weeks, with a thick bristle brush or a stripping comb to keep loose hair at bay, and brush more often if your dog sheds heavily. Entles do not need frequent baths, so bathe as needed to keep them clean.

Trim the nails every month to keep them short and neat. Start dental care early and keep it up for life, with at-home teeth brushing and professional cleanings. Check the ears weekly and clear out wax and debris, which helps avoid the ear infections that trouble dogs with drop ears; contact your vet if you notice odor, redness, or discharge.

Wipe around the eyes with a soft, damp cloth to clear normal tearing and debris. Entles can still develop skin infections, so see your vet if you notice excessive licking, redness, swelling, or flaking. Contact a vet about any changes in the eyes or vision, since these can signal PRA or another condition.

The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is quick, tough, and high-energy. Plan on at least an hour of exercise a day, such as running, hiking, or biking, to keep one in good physical condition. A tired dog is a manageable dog, so channeling that energy makes training and daily life much easier.

Because their original job was herding cattle in the Swiss Alps, these are working dogs that want a job. They love doing things with their people, which makes them fine companions for runners, hikers, bikers, and other very active owners.

Entles also need mental exercise to curb boredom and unwanted behaviors like digging, chewing, and excessive barking. They love a challenge, such as solving puzzles, and like to keep close to their families and follow along with whatever is happening. Their herding instinct can lead them to try to herd small animals and children if you do not redirect it.

Early socialization and positive reinforcement-based training are a must for Entlebucher puppies. A positive approach almost always yields quick results, especially when the head of the household takes the reins early and stays consistent.

These dogs are very intelligent and bore easily, so keep sessions short and build in variety to hold their interest. They love having a job and make excellent candidates for obedience, tracking, agility, herding, and almost any other canine sport. Eager to please and highly motivated, they respond well to positive reinforcement.

Sometimes called the laughing dogs of the Swiss Alps, Entles are affectionate with their family but may need time to warm up to strangers. With early socialization from puppyhood, they can be good with children, cats, and other dogs, and well-socialized Entles make durable, trustworthy playmates for older kids.