Entlebucher Mountain Dog Breed Magazine - Showsight

THE ESSENCE OF THE ENTLEBUCHER PHYSICAL & CHARACTER TRAITS AND SO MUCH MORE

The Essence of the Entlebucher Physical & Character Traits and So Much More

BY JOYCE MACKAY, JEN SHAUL, AND LEELEE STEFANKI

W hen you add an Entlebucher to your family you will get used to hearing two questions repeatedly: How do you pronounce that breed? and “Are Entlebuchers a smaller version of a Greater Swiss or Bernese Mountain Dog? The Entlebucher Mountain Dog has been an AKC recognized breed, in the Herding Group, since January 2011. There are two North American pronunciations: ENT-leh-boo-cur or Ent-LEE-BOO-cur. (Incorrect pronunciation is En-TELL- boo-cur.) For simplicity, we often refer to them as Swiss cattle dogs or “Entles.” To the unfamiliar onlooker, the Entlebucher may look like a mini version of the Greater Swiss or a short-coated Bernese puppy; however, they are quite different in their physical characteristics as well as in their personality traits. Two examples of distinguishing features are: the Entlebucher has a more elongated proportion than the Greater Swiss and Bernese and is also not as heavy-boned. These differences cre- ate a dog with explosive speed and agility. Entlebuchers were primarily used to herd cattle as drovers, while the Greater Swiss and Bernese were primarily used for draft work—though each would be con- sidered all-purpose farm dogs to the Swiss farmers. The following is not a comparison of the Swiss breeds, but rather, points out some defining features of the Entlebucher. At first glance, what people notice about the Entlebucher is their striking tri-col- or. However, as every owner may tell you, it’s their personality that is most striking. The Entlebucher is a confident cattle dog, neither shy nor vicious, and may be reserved with strangers. They are lively, active, persistent, self-assured, and deter- mined. Cheerful and capable of learning, they are loyal and protective of family, herd, and property. They are highly intelligent, versatile, and adaptable, with a strong willingness to work; and quick and responsive to commands from their own- ers, making the Entlebucher especially suited as a companion, herding, and general all-purpose dog.

192 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, DECEMBER 2022

Powered by