Entlebucher Sennehund
                       

   History  

The "Entlebucher" is the smallest of the four Swiss Mountain- and Cattledogs. He originates from Entlebuch, a valley in the district of the Cantons Lucerne and Berne. The first description under the name "Entlibucherhund" dates from the year 1889, but for a considerable time after that date no difference was made between Appenzell and Entlebuch Cattle Dogs. In the year 1913 four examples of this small herding dog with congenital bobtail were exhibited at a dog show in Langenthal and introduced to Professor Albert Heim, that great patron of the Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dog breeds. On account of the judges' reports, they were entered into the Swiss Canine Stud Book (SHSB) as the fourth Mountain- and Cattledog breed. However, the first Standard was only completed in 1927. After August 28th 1926, the date of the foundation of the Swiss Club of Entlebuch Cattle Dogs initiated by Dr. B. Kobler, this breed was promoted and continued as pure bred. As the small number of entries into the SHSB (Swiss Stud Book) shows, the breed developed only slowly. The Entlebuch Cattle Dog received renewed impetus when, apart from his hereditary qualities as a lively, tireless driving dog, his outstanding suitability as an utility and companion dog was proved. Today, still on a modest scale, this attractive tricoloured dog has found his admirers and enjoys increased popularity as a family dog.

GENERAL APPEARANCE   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. 

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

HEAD AND SKULL 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.
Fault: Short, pointed and/or badly carried ears.

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

FOREQUARTERS   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.

BODY 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.

HINDQUARTERS 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.

FEET The feet are round and compact. The toes are arched and the nails are strong.
Fault * Splay feet.

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

COAT * The short, hard hair coat has a bright, natural sheen.
Faults * Too long or too soft hair.

COLOR   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.

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

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

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

Faults   Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.

Note   Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

 Copy right © Dutch Kenstaff Staffordshire Bull Terrier ® All rights reserved