Entlebucher Mountain Dog
The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is described by the AKC as loyal, smart, enthusiastic, a member of the Herding Group, originally from Switzerland.
Last updated: October 2026 · 5 sources · see sources
| Height | 17.5-20.5 inches (male), 16.5-19.5 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 50-65 pounds (male), 40-55 pounds (female) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 11–13+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Loyal / Smart / Enthusiastic [1] |
| AKC group | Herding Group [1] |
| Origin | Switzerland [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 178 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is a quick and tough dog with a high energy level. It will take at least an hour of exercise daily to keep him in good physical condition. Since a 'tired dog is a good dog,' keeping the breed's energy channeled through exercise will make training and simply living with him much easier. [1]
Grooming
The Entlebucher requires minimal grooming overall. With their dense, short, shiny double coat, they will need little more than a wipe-down with a damp towel between baths to stay in optimum appearance. The breed sheds quite a bit, so you may want to invest in a good stripping comb or a thick bristle brush to keep shedding to a minimum. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Most Entlebuchers are healthy dogs, but there are a few disorders the breed can be prone to. One issue found in the breed is Entlebucher urinary syndrome, a condition involving the misplacement of the ureter. Other conditions that have occurred in the breed include hip dysplasia, luxating patellas, and some eye disorders. Responsible breeders screen for genetic disease and select for health-cleared stock. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Patella Evaluation, Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, PRCD (PRA-prcd, PRCD) - DNA Test, AKC DNA Original Profile. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a medium dog (median $482) | $239 – $1,107 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, medium dog | $589 – $1,571 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, medium dog | $264 – $2,106 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Entlebucher Mountain Dog in 2011. [1]
- It ranked No. 178 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 159 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Entlebucher, Entle.” [1]
- The AKC lists Switzerland as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 5 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Patella Evaluation, Hip Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 5/5)
- ✅ Multi-dog homes (AKC good-with-other-dogs 5/5)
Common questions
How long do Entlebucher Mountain Dogs live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 11-13 years.
How big does a Entlebucher Mountain Dog get?
AKC breed information lists height 17.5-20.5 inches (male), 16.5-19.5 inches (female) and weight 50-65 pounds (male), 40-55 pounds (female).
How much are vet bills for a Entlebucher Mountain Dog?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs like the Entlebucher Mountain Dog, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.