The Entlebucher Sennenhund is the smallest and rarest of the four Sennenhund breeds, (Appenzeller, GreaterSwiss and Bernese are the others). Though mentioned as early as 1889 in Switzerland, it was actually rediscovered by Professor Heim, who asked to judge short-legged and stub-tailed Sennenhunde from Langenthal in 1913, and by Dr. Bernhard Kobler who sought out the Entlebucher after the first World War. The Entlebucher originated in the valleys of the Entlen Mountains along the greater and lesser Emme river in the cantons of Berne and Lucerne. They were also known as Schaerligs after the valley of the Schaerlibach, a tributary of the greater Emme.
Like the other Sennenhund breeds, the Entlebucher is a watchdog. It's herding instinct is however, more highly developed; comparable to that of a German Shepard. A livestockman can't ask for a better guard for his herds. Once he has walked the borders of his pasture with the Entlebucher, the dog will allow no stock to stray beyond them the whole day long. Due to it's fondness for, and loyalty to all family members, it is also easily kept in city apartments. The Dog's whole being is devoted to it's master's service. It has no hunting instinct. It has a lively temperment, but is never nasty. It's intelligence is such that it can sense it's master's desire for peace and quiet, and modifies it's behavior accordingly.
In training, the Entlebucher is a match for any working breed. It's clever, obedient and fearless. As a tracking dog it is the equal of a police dog. It is an exceptional pleasure to see the faithful gaze with which this dog regards it's master, seeking approval of it's accomplishments.
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