Pet Wiki

Entlebucher Mountain Dog

Also called Entlebucher Sennenhund, Entlebucher Cattle Dog, Bouvier de l'Entlebuch

Recognised breedFCI group 2Short profile

From Switzerland, the Entlebuch valley in the cantons of Lucerne and Bern.12

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male20 to 30 kg23
Weight, female18 to 30 kg23
Height, male44 to 50 cm1
Height, female42 to 48 cm1
Lifespan11 to 13 years3
Sizemedium

Wikipedia gives 20-30 kg; PetMD gives 40-65 lb (about 18-30 kg). The FCI standard sets no weight.

cheerful and lively
loyal to family
clever problem solver
13

Coat and looks how to spot one

short double coat

A compact, sturdy dog with a close-fitting, harsh and shiny outer coat over a thick undercoat. The tricolour pattern is black with tan points and crisp white on the face, chest and feet.1

Colourstricolour (black, tan and white)12

Personality what they are like

Upbeat and confident, sometimes called the laughing dog of the Swiss Alps. It is warm and devoted with familiar people, a little reserved with strangers and a reliable watchdog that is hard to win over with treats.132

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High: at least an hour a day of running, hiking or similar exercise plus brain work. Enjoys agility, herding and obedience.3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush a few times a week; the coat sheds all year with heavier seasonal sheds in spring and autumn. Bathe only as needed.3

Company who they like around

Bonds strongly with its family; early socialisation and regular training suit it well.23

The story where it all began

This herding and farm guardian dog was first described in 1889. In 1913 four dogs were shown to Professor Albert Heim and entered in the Swiss stud book, a breed club followed in 1926, and the first standard was written in 1927.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It is the smallest of the four Swiss mountain dog breeds.2

  2. 2

    The breed is nicknamed the 'laughing dog' of the Swiss Alps.3

  3. 3

    When breed restoration began in 1927, only 16 dogs of the type could be found.2

  4. 4

    The Swiss standard describes it as a watchdog that cannot be bribed.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The name Entlebucher Mountain Dog comes from Entlebuch, a valley in the region of the Cantons Lucerne and Bern in Switzerland. The breed is the smallest of the four Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs, and the name Sennenhund refers to people called Senn, herders in the Swiss Alps.2

Name ideas for your new friend

AlpineBellaBrunoCloverDollyEdelweissFelixGretelHeidiLuckyMaxZuri

A day in the life told by an Entlebucher Mountain Dog

I wake up with a big, goofy grin and a wagging tail, ready to greet the day. My human and I head out for a long hike through the Swiss hills. I sniff every flower and chase a butterfly, always staying close. At the summit, I get a scratch behind the ears and a sip of fresh water. Back home, I help my human with chores, carrying a small basket. In the afternoon, I herd the kids in the yard, laughing all the while. Evening brings a hearty meal and a cuddle on the sofa, my favorite end to a perfect day.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 47 (Entlebucher Sennenhund), Group 2, Section 3 Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs; standard dated 28.06.2002.1
AKC
Entered the stud book on 1 December 2010 and competes in the Herding Group from 1 January 2011.2
The Kennel Club (UK), Canadian Kennel Club
Recognised, per Wikipedia.2

Popularity Ranked 178th of AKC-registered breeds in 2025.4

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for an Entlebucher Mountain Dog. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Entlebucher Mountain Dog, and at what times?

Feed adult Entlebuchers at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. The exact times can be set to fit your routine, but aim for consistent, spaced meals. For amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.5

What should an Entlebucher Mountain Dog eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a complete list.6

How often should I bathe an Entlebucher Mountain Dog?

Bathe only as needed, typically every few months or when dirty. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 10 weeks. Over-bathing can strip natural oils from their double coat.3 Pet Wiki plan

How often does an Entlebucher Mountain Dog need brushing?

Brush a few times a week, and daily during heavy shedding seasons in spring and autumn. Their short double coat benefits from regular brushing to remove loose hair and keep it healthy.3 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim an Entlebucher Mountain Dog's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 4 weeks or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for guidance.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does an Entlebucher Mountain Dog need?

They need at least an hour of vigorous exercise daily, such as running, hiking, or agility. They also enjoy brain work like herding and obedience. Daily walks and play are essential.3 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after an Entlebucher Mountain Dog's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth daily if possible, at least 2-3 times a week, using dog toothpaste. Check ears weekly for moisture or debris, and dry them gently. Never push anything into the ear canal.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does an Entlebucher Mountain Dog live?

They typically live 11 to 13 years. With good care, regular vet checkups, and a healthy lifestyle, they can enjoy a full lifespan.3

Is an Entlebucher Mountain Dog good with children and other pets?

Yes, they are warm and devoted with familiar people and bond strongly with their family. Early socialisation helps them get along well with children and other pets. They can be reserved with strangers.132

Can an Entlebucher Mountain Dog be left alone?

They bond strongly with their family and may not do well if left alone for long periods. Early training and gradual alone time can help, but they thrive with company. For specific advice, ask a good breeder or trainer.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI Standard No. 47, Entlebucher Sennenhund fci.beused for origin, recognition, history, temperament, coat, colours, height
  2. Wikipedia, Entlebucher Mountain Dog en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, weight, AKC dates, history, fun facts
  3. PetMD, Entlebucher Mountain Dog petmd.comused for weight, lifespan, exercise, grooming, nickname
  4. AKC Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2025 akc.orgused for popularity
  5. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.