The Entlebucher Sennenhunde, pronounced (ent-lay-boo-kr sen-en-hoo-nd), which is Swiss/German meaning Swiss Mountain Cattle Dog, are the smallest and rarest of the Swiss Mountain breeds. They are a herding breed and are among the elite athletes of the canine world. Swiss Mountain dogs consist of four breeds; the Bernise, the Greater Swiss, the Entlebucher and the Appenzeller.
The Entlebucher originated in the valleys of the Entlen Mountains along the greater and lesser Emme River in the cantons of Berne and Lucerne. They were also known as Schaerligs after the valley of the Schaerlibach, a tributary of the greater Emme.
Though mentioned as early as 1889 in Switzerland, they were actually rediscovered by Professor Heim, who asked to judge short-legged and stub-tailed Sennenhunde from Langenthal in 1913, and by Dr. Bernhard Kobler who sought out the Entlebucher after the First World War
Due to the judges’ reports, they were entered into the Swiss Canine Stud Book as the fourth Cattle Dog breed. The first standard was completed in 1927. The Swiss Club of Entlebuch was founded August 28th 1926 and initiated by Dr. B. Kobler. It was after that time that the breed was promoted and continued as a pure bred, although the breed did develop very slowly.
In recent years the Entlebucher has risen in popularity, as it has proven itself to be an outstanding companion dog.
Entlebuchers make great dogs for individuals interested in the companion sports of Agility, Fly ball, Obedience, Rally-O, Tracking, Freestyle, Herding, Carting, etc.; and/or those with the time, knowledge and commitment to early and consistent training. They require considerable exercise!
Like the other Sennenhunde breeds, the Entlebucher is a watchdog. It's herding instinct is however, more highly developed than the other three.
The Dog's whole being is devoted to it's master's service. It has no hunting instinct. They have a lively and happy temperament. Its intelligence is such that it can sense it's master's desire for peace and quiet, and modifies its behavior accordingly.
For additional information and a list of National and Canadian breeders, please visit National Entlebucher Mountain Dog Association (American Kennel Club recognized parent breed club for Entlebuchers) web site at www.nemda.org.
