ENTLEBUCHER CATTLE DOG

The “Entlebucher” is the smallest of the four Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs.  He originates from Entlebuch, a valley in the region of the Cantons Lucerne and Bern.  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 the dog show in Langenthal and presented to Prof.Dr.Albert Heim, the 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 Cattle Dog 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 purebred.  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 a 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.                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

The Entlebucher Cattle Dog is only just medium-sized, compactly built dog of slightly elongated shape.  Tricolour like all the Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs, very agile and deft; alert, clever and friendly facial expression. He is lively, high-spirited, self-assured and fearless. Good-natured and devoted towards people familiar to him, slightly suspicious of strangers. Cannot be bribed as a watch dog.  Cheerful and capable of learning.

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BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a farm dog of ancestral origin, which was used as a guard and draught dog and for driving cattle in the prealpine regions and in the midland areas around Bern.  Originally he was named “Dürrbächler” according to the name of the hamlet and of the inn of Dürrbach, near Riggisberg in the Canton Bern where these long-haired tricoloured farm dogs were especially numerous.  In 1902, 1904 and 1907 specimen of this breed had already been exhibited at dog shows, and in 1907 some breeders of the region of Burgdorf decided to promote the pure breeding of these dogs by founding the “Schweizerischer Dürrbach-Klub”, and fixing the characteristic traits of the breed.  In 1910, at a show in Burgdorf where many farmers of that region brought their Dürrbächler dogs to, already 107 specimen were shown.  From that day onward this dog, renamed “Bernese Mountain Dog” following the example of the other breeds of Swiss Mountain Dogs, became rapidly appreciated all over Switzerland and in the neighbouring parts of Germany.  Today the Bernese Mountain Dog is well known and appreciated all over the world as a family dog thanks to its striking tricoloured coat and its great adaptability. 

The Bernese Mountain Dog is longhaired, tricoloured, strong and agile working dog, of above medium size, with sturdily built limbs; harmonious and well balanced. He is self-confident, attentive, vigilant, fearless in every day situations; good-natured and devoted to his own people, self-assured and placid towards strangers ; of medium temperament, docile.

Source: www.fci.be