The Entlebucher Mountain Dog, or Entle for short, is a relatively rare breed, but not because it’s undesirable. These dogs are smart, playful, and make great family companions. Here are some interesting facts about the Entlebucher Mountain Dog:
1. They Originated in Switzerland
Entlebuch is a canton, or district, in Lucerne, Switzerland, dominated by the main valley of the Little Emme River, where the vast majority of the land is either forested or used for agriculture. Throughout its history, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog has worked in this and other mountainous areas of Switzerland.
2. They’re Closely Related to Bernese Mountain Dogs
With their black, brown, and white coloring and soft brown eyes, the Entle looks kind of like a smaller version of the Bernese Mountain Dog. And there’s a reason for that — both breeds have the same ancestor and come from the same country. In fact, there are four breeds of Swiss mountain dogs that all look similar: the Entlebucher Mountain Dog, the Appenzeller Sennenhund, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and the Bernese Mountain Dog.
3. Their Ancestors Are Molossus Dogs
Not molasses, Molossus — a type of large, sturdy dog that the Romans brought to the region of Switzerland, and other places, over 2,000 years ago. This ancestral canine originated with the Molossis people of northwest Ancient Greece.
4. They Were Bred to Herd Cattle
Of the four Swiss Mountain breeds, the Entle is the smallest. They and the Appenzellers were tasked with herding the dairy cows, bringing them back from the pastures after they finished grazing. Meanwhile, the two larger breeds, the Greater Swiss and the Bernese Mountain Dogs, guarded the flocks and pulled carts with milk and cheese to market.
5. They Almost Became Extinct
The Entles almost disappeared by the early 1900s, because of crossings with German Shepherd Dogs and other imported breeds. A professor, named Albert Heim, played a huge role in saving the breed. Heim was a major patron of the Swiss mountain breeds, and he introduced four Entles in a show in 1913, as part of his effort to revive the breed. A breed standard was completed 14 years later.