ENTLEBUCHER
Guardian Dog Group
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Revised January 1, 1998



History

The Entlebucher (Entlebuch Mountain Dog/Entlebucher Cattle Dog) is the smallest of the four Swiss Sennenhund breeds. The crossing of the Roman Mastiffs with the local Swiss working dogs during the time of the Roman invasion of Europe resulted in the Sennenhunds: the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Appenzeller, Entlebucher and Bernese Mountain Dog. It is generally accepted that the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was the first of these breeds, and the other three developed from it. The Entlebucher was primarily used by Alpine herdsmen to drive cattle.

The Entlebucher was recognized by the United Kennel Club on January 1, 1993.

The Entlebucher is a less than medium size breed. The overall impression is that the body is longer than tall, although this is largely due to the depth of the brisket. They have a short, smooth coat and a bob tail. The Entlebucher is always tricolored with a black ground coat and rich rust and clear white markings.

The Entlebucher is harmoniously built and very agile, with a friendly expression and pleasant personality. They are excellent herding and watch dogs.

The skull is flat on top. The stop is well-defined, but not exaggerated. The muzzle is straight, strong, and well-formed. There is a clear division of the forehead and cheeks into the muzzle. The lips are clean and rather tight.

Faults: Round skull. Bulging forehead. Long, thin, or curved muzzle.

TEETH -- A full complement of strong, white teeth meet in a scissors bite.

Faults: Level bite. Incomplete dentition.

Serious Faults: Overshot. Undershot.

EYES -- The rather small, dark brown eyes have a lively expression. Eye rims are black.

Fault: Light eyes.

NOSE -- The nose is always black.

EARS -- The medium size, triangular-shaped ears are rounded at the tips. They are set on high and hang down against the cheeks. They are carried slightly forward when the dog is alert, which is typical of all pasture dogs.

Faults: Short, pointed and/or badly carried ears.

The short, smooth neck is well set into the shoulders.

The long, well-muscled shoulders are well laid back. They are never loose.

FORELEGS -- The forelegs are straight and strong. Dewclaws may be removed from the forelegs.

The body is rather long; the length is greater than the height. The backline is level, with a slight slope over the croup. The chest is deep and capacious, with well-sprung ribs. The chest is broad and well let down. The brisket is deep.

HIND LEGS -- The hind legs are straight and robust. The stifles are moderately bent. The hocks are well let down. The rear pasterns are straight when viewed from behind. Dewclaws must be removed from the hind legs.

The feet are round and compact. The toes are arched and the nails are strong.

Fault: Splay feet.

The Entlebucher is born with a natural bob-tail. Any medium-length or long tails are to be docked.

The short, hard hair coat has a bright, natural sheen.

Faults: Too long or too soft hair.

The Entlebucher is tri-colored, with a jet black ground color and rich rust and clear white markings. Symmetry of markings is desired.

The rust markings appear over each eye, on the cheeks (reaching to at least the corner of the mouth), on each side of the chest, on all four legs and under the tail. Wherever the rust markings appear, they are invariably located between the black and white areas.

There is a white blaze and muzzle band. The white marking on the chest typically forms an inverted cross. White on the feet is desired, but must not extend higher than the pasterns.

Disqualification: Albinism.

Height, measured at the withers, ranges from 16 to 20 inches. Weight ranges from 55 to 65 pounds.

There is good reach in the forequarters. There is a powerful drive from the hindquarters. A level back is maintained during movement.

Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Extreme viciousness or shyness. Any color other than black. Albinism. Blue eyes.