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Breed Information
Entlebuchers are the smallest of the four Swiss Mountain dogs. The largest being the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, next in size is the Bernese Mountain Dog and, then, the Appenzeller. The Ently is a compact medium sized dog. They are 16-20 inches at the shoulders, which generally puts them between 45-65 pounds. The breed's native country is Switzerland. Where they enjoy a loyal following at this time. The official Swiss standard of the breed can be found here
FCI-047 ENTLEBUCH CATTLE DOG. Ently's are loyal and devoted family dogs. They want to be doing whatever you are doing. Ently's are very intelligent and love having a job to do. My dogs are not barkers; generally, if an Ently is barking you need to investigate. They do shed; my dogs have a spring and fall shedding season. With weekly brushings you can keep the shedding to a minimum. They have a nice clean coat and do not require frequent baths. They do require daily exercise, a nice thirty-minute walk/run about three times a day is sufficient to use up the energy that this breed can have. This breed has been known to become obsessed over balls. Please do not use ball throwing as your only source of exercise. I do not believe that it is good for the joints of a growing puppy to be subjected to this type of exercise. When I am outside with my dogs, I want my dogs to be enjoying my company and not worrying about where the ball is. I feel very strongly about this and give this warning to my puppy buyers.
This breed is, at this time, considered a Rare Breed. Which, in this country, generally means a dog that cannot be registered with the American Kennel Club. I believe that within a few years this breed will eventually become AKC recognized. There are more and more people that have this breed that want to be able to compete in Conformation and Performance Events with their dogs. I have been told by Elaine Dorwart, the Director of the AKC's Foundation Stock Service, that two separate Entlebucher Clubs have approached her, in the United States, regarding information about getting the Entlebucher into the AKC. I personally cannot wait until that happens. I have been showing in AKC shows and I welcome the opportunity to show my Entlys.
This breed does cost more than the average Labrador or Golden. The fact that these dogs are rare, does reflect on the price. I personally put a significant amount of time, energy, devotion, research and love into promoting this breed. The cost to maintain a quality line is high, which reflects in the price. I have shown my dogs all over the country. I have put many titles on my dogs. You must also realize this breed requires testing prior to breeding; you are not guaranteed that the puppy you purchase as a breeding prospect will ever be able to breed. When your dog is two years old, they must have their hips x-rayed to make sure that they are free of hip dysplasia, prior to breeding. The eyes must also be checked, prior to breeding, and this should also be done annually on all Entlys as a health check.
Not everyone should own an Entlebucher. Entlebuchers are a special breed. These dogs pick the people, not the other way around just because they are cute, or take nice pictures. If you want the qualities in this dog, and you are willing to have a partnership with a quality dog - go to class, train each other, work as a team, live with each other, and accept everything that is published about Entlebucher as part of the package. Then an Ently is for you. I would not trade my Entlys for the world. They are a wonderful breed and when placed in the correct home they will flourish. Please contact me and we will decide if an Entlebucher is right for your family.