This native of Switzerland is the smallest of the four tri-color Swiss Mountain Dogs. His larger cousins are the Appenzeller Sennehund, Bernese Mountain Dog, and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. The intelligent and agile Entlebucher was developed by farmers in Entlebuch, a valley in the district of the Cantons Lucerne and Berne, to move cattle between pastures in the Alps. They were also useful for controlling more cantankerous livestock such as horses and pigs. The Entlebucher is a bold, driven, and active breed that is devoted to and quite protective of his family but may not be forthcoming with affection towards strangers. Intelligent and energetic, Entles do very well in a wide variety of athletic canine sports and activities that give them a job to do and satisfy their above average exercise requirements. Their short, sleek coats require minimal grooming.
Each AKC approved purebred breed has its own national club. The mission of these “parent breed clubs” is to improve and preserve a particular breed by advancing knowledge about its history, its health and care requirements and by assuring that the breed’s form and function remain true to its historical physical type and character: A Dalmatian, for instance, should be athletic and have a natural affinity for working with horses. A Fox Terrier should have the right body size and shape, and a drive to go after vermin.
Pet owners, breeders, trainers, veterinarians, and others with a special love for a breed, join the parent breed club to meet like-minded enthusiasts and to support the club’s mission.
The national parent breed club is the first place for the public to go to learn about a breed or find a knowledgeable, experienced breeder.
Discover Animals is a web-based educational resource offered by the NAIA
