The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is a herding breed that originated in Switzerland. They are one of the four Sennenhunds, or Swiss Mountain Dogs, the other three being the Grosser Schweizer, Berner, and Appenzeller. All four of these breeds share the same coat colors, although they very in size. The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is the smallest of the Sennenhunds.

A medium breed, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog stands between 19-20 inches and weighs 55-66 pounds. They have a short double coat that is tricolor, black with rust and white. There should be rust markings over each eye, on the cheeks, legs, and either side of the chest. The white should be on the muzzle, feet, chest, muzzle, and a blaze on the forehead. They may be born with a natural bobtail. In some countries, where it is still legal, the tail of the Entlebucher Mountain Dog is docked.

It is believed that the Entlebucher Mountain Dog, like all Sennenhunds, is descended from large Molossers brought to Switerland either by the Romans or Phoenician traders. The word Senn is the term for Alpine herdsmen, so a Sennenhund is a “dog of the Senn”. This specific type originated in Entlebuch, a valley in the Cantons Lucerne and Bern, giving them the name of “Entlebucher” or “Entlibucherhund”. For many years there was no distinction between the Appenzeller and the Entlebucher; their first breed club was not formed until after WWI in 1927.


The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is a good natured dog that is always eager to please. Generally they get along well with children and other dogs, provided they are socialized at an early age. They are highly intelligent and may get bored without a job to do, which can cause them to turn destructive. A natural watch dog, the Entlebucher can be wary of strangers.

The life expectancy of an Entlebucher Mountain Dog is 11-13 years, they tend to be a healthy breed.

Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are not suited for apartment life. They need room to run and enjoy the outdoors. As with all dogs, they require a daily walk.

The short coat of the Entlebucher Mountain Dog need little attention, just a quick brush when necessary.