About Entlebuchers – Character
The Entlebucher is a confident cattle dog, neither shy nor vicious; may be reserved with strangers. He is lively, active, persistent, self-assured, and determined. Cheerful and capable of learning, he is loyal and protective of family, herd and property.
Entlebuchers are not recommended as first dogs. If they are not well socialized as puppies, they can adopt some difficult behaviours, having fear of all kinds of common things. I’ve met ones scared of floppy skirts and hats, others may be afraid of loud noises. It can make it difficult to enjoy your dog if you can’t invite friends over or go out anywhere with them.
Entlebuchers do not like to be left at home even for shortish periods of time. If you can, take them along. They love to join you at the hardware store, the bank and will wait in the vehicle for your return with groceries. You can crate train your Entlebucher – ours love to sleep in their crates. But they won’t be happy there if you are not close by. They prefer to be within touching distance of their person. Just a toe or ear perhaps, against the side of your leg on the couch.
Careful, early socialization by the breeder and continued work by the family will provide the exposure needed to keep an Entlebucher confident and happy in a wide range of environments. During their first year they need to have positive interactions with virtually everything you can expect to be part of their environment, for life. You will get a list of suggestions, but make sure to include people in odd clothes, hats and with canes, crutches and wheelchairs.
Entlebuchers travel well, are great hikers, love to go for walks and play with balls. Some are almost obsessed with frisbees or chasing balls while others are more sedate. Mental exercise is also very important – playing hide and seek with treats, in the house, is great on a cold, miserable day. Training – for anything – is highly encouraged as it tells them what their job is and helps them not to pick something awkward or disturbing. A weekly class really helps my dogs stay focused on the project I have selected from obedience to scent work.
An Entlebucher should be treated as the highly intelligent being he is. We never recommend harsh treatment, shock collars, dominance theory or any other training that causes them fear. They are best when they are confident and happy. They are smart and learn very quickly. Teach them what is acceptable and be consistent. They respond easily to treat training but are also successful with a loving pet and kind word.
Entlebuchers are quite active but they settle easily when they come inside and curl up for a rest. They love a good walk or run and are passionate about herding cattle. They enjoy games and all kinds of training. They bond very tightly with their ‘special person’ and will happily follow along with your activities. If you travel for work or are out of the house a lot, your Entlebucher will not be happy. Make sure you have the time and energy to play with them, to train regularly and to enjoy their company almost constantly. Count on 20 minutes walk in the morning, a couple of play sessions through the day and another longer afternoon walk.
Below are the characteristics that the Royal Kennel Club of UK uses to describe the breed.
Credit: https://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/breed/entlebucher-mountain-dog/
