Entlebucher Dogs for Adoption in Morton Grove, IL

Yes, Entlebucher Mountain Dogs shed, usually at a moderate level with heavier bursts in spring and fall when the dense undercoat turns over. Their short, hard coat is easy to keep tidy with a weekly brushing, increased to several sessions a week during seasonal shedding. They are not hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time with a specific dog first.

Entlebucher is usually pronounced ENT-leh-boo-ker in English, with the stress on the first syllable. In Swiss German the ch is a soft throaty sound, but most American owners simply say a k. Many people shorten the name to Entle, and the breed's Swiss name, Entlebucher Sennenhund, refers to the Entlebuch valley and its Alpine herders.

Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are medium-sized, compact dogs. The AKC standard calls for males of 17.5 to 20.5 inches at the shoulder and females of 16.5 to 19.5 inches, and most adults weigh about 40 to 65 pounds. They are noticeably longer than tall and heavily muscled for their size, so they often feel more solid than they look.

Train an Entlebucher with short, varied, reward-based sessions that give its quick mind a real job to do. These dogs learn fast and bore easily, so mix obedience with tricks, herding games or agility. Start socialization early, because the breed tends to be wary of strangers, and redirect herding nips toward toys. Harsh corrections usually damage the strong bond Entles form.

The Entlebucher Mountain Dog comes from Switzerland, specifically the Entlebuch valley in the canton of Lucerne. Swiss farmers used it to drive cattle between mountain pastures and guard farmsteads. The breed was nearly lost after the First World War, rebuilt from a small number of dogs found in the 1920s, and accepted into the AKC Herding Group in 2011.

The Entlebucher is nicknamed the laughing dog because of its bright, open-mouthed expression and cheerful, animated personality. Many Entles seem to grin while they play or work, and owners often describe them as joyful clowns at home. The nickname reflects a common impression rather than a formal title, and individual dogs show that exuberance to different degrees.

No, a small Swiss kiss is not a disqualification for an Entlebucher. The AKC standard lists a white patch on the nape of the neck of no more than 2 inches as undesirable but tolerated, and it does not appear among the disqualifications. Markings only matter in the show ring anyway; they have no effect on a pet Entle's health or temperament.

We have 1 rescue with Entlebuchers available: Wright-Way Rescue. You can see every rescue with Entlebuchers available in the list above these questions.