Mini Sheepadoodles vs Entlebucher Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison

The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is the smallest of the Swiss Mountain Dogs, but he is still a powerful dog used to herd cattle. The four breeds are the Bernese Mountain Dog, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, the Appenzeller Mountain Dog and the Entlebucher. It was though that these dogs came to Switzerland with the Romans over 2 centuries ago. The Entlebucher was put to work guarding and herding sheep, pulling carts and flocking cattle. Toward the end of the 19th century the breed was on the edge of extinction because many were breeding them with German Shepherds. So, Franz Schertenleib, in 1889 brought all the existing Entlebuchers together and bred them. He is credited with keeping the breed alive.

It is believed that the breed comes originally from a valley in the District of Cantons Lucerne and Berne, called Entlebuch. They were considered the same breed as the Appenzell Cattle Dog until 1913 when they were classified as a Mountain Dog – the fourth breed of Mountain Dog. The AKC did not recognize the breed until 2011.

The Mini Sheepadoodle is such a sweet, teddy bear of a dog. It comes from two awesome dog breeds – the Old English Sheepdog and the Miniature Poodle. It is thought that the dog originated in the USA.

They are two very different looking dogs, but their personalities are fairly similar. This designer dog isn’t purebred and isn’t registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC).

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The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is a muscular, compact, and medium sized dog. Their heads are square, and the skull is flat. He has dark eyes that are alert and expressive in a friendly way. Their ears are triangular and hang on the side of his head. With compact feet, a muscular body and well angled hocks, he is a good looking dog and ready for his jobs.

His coat is striking, and it is familiar in its closeness to the other Mountain Dogs coats. Yet he has some distinctive differences that tell you this is not a Bernese or a Swiss, it is an Entlebucher.

The Mini Sheepadoodle, a mix between the Mini Poodle and Sheepdog stands at between 48 and 52cm and weighs between 11 to 20kg.

He is solidly built with a broad skull and face. The coat is usually medium length and can be either straight, wavy or curly. The coat can be quite a few colors depending on the parents. Some are brown, cream or black while others are white and grey or white and brown.

He is a low shedding dog. He has a double coat which will still need brushing. This hybrid breed has a thick coat that will need to be trimmed professionally every now and then as well. This is good for hot weather and for reducing the time it takes to groom the pet.

Temperament:

They’re easy-going, social dogs, loving to spend time with their human families. They are gentle and patient with children and they get on well with other pets in the home as well.

The Poodle is a very intelligent dog and because there is Poodle in the Mini Sheepadoodle, you can be sure that your dog is going to be bright too and that he will be able to be trained and socialized with ease. They’re friendly and don’t do too well as watchdogs.

The Entle is a happy, clever dog that needs a job. They are intelligent and physical. They love people and throw themselves at you when they see you. They are loving and loyal but again he has to have a job.

He makes a great watchdog, therapy dog or companion for your children. He only barks when he has to but is wary of strangers and he is territorial.

The Mini Sheepadoodle is such an affectionate teddy-bear dog and is calm, gentle and loving.

They make perfect family pets and want to please their owners. He is friendly and gets on well with his human family as well as with other pets in the home.

Children love him as he is always willing to have a game. They’re sociable and playful and make a wonderful canine pet and companion in your home.

The Entlebucher is prone to:

Hip Dysplasia

Common to large dogs. Can cause lameness and arthritis.

Hemolytic Anemia

The immune system destroys its own blood cells.

PRA – Progressive Retinal Atrophy

This is inherited and causes degeneration of the retina. There is new medication for this.

They’re healthy dogs and you’re not likely to be spending too much time at the vet. Every dog can be prone to any one of the many common dog illnesses there are. These can be hip dysplasia, obesity, bloat, dental disease, cataracts and more.

Bloat:

This can be a life-threatening disease and treatment will be required as soon as possible. Known also as gastric dilatation and volvulus, the stomach twists and fills with gas. The dog’s stomach becomes distended with gas, and pressure is placed on the diaphragm, creating breathing problems.

Your dog will have a swollen stomach, he’ll be drooling and panting and he’ll be restless and he may even make little whimpering noises because he is in pain. He may be trying to vomit. Your dog needs to get to the vet immediately.

Hip dysplasia:

This is a leading health concern with many dogs and with the Mini Sheepadoodle as well. It’s a condition where there is an abnormal formation of the hip socket. It can lead to pain and arthritis and you may even notice your once-active pet battling to do what he once did, even when he is still young.

There are things that can be done though and your vet will discuss treatment methods with you and ideas to make it comfortable for your pet.

Feeding

The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is a large working dog. He needs good solid food, but he doesn’t need to be overfed. Give him about 2-3 cups per day fed in 2-3 meals. Be careful of Bloat in the large dog.

Health issues

The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is prone to these issues as well as those mentioned earlier.

1. Entlebucher Urinary Syndrome
2. The Ureter is misplaced.
3. Luxating Patellas
4. Movable kneecaps
5. Exercise and games

Entlebucher Mountain Dogs love to play, to work and to exercise. They are great with people who want to walk them every day, run with them, ride bikes or hike. They can play for hours or work for hours. They need a lot of activity every day and excel at tracking, obedience, herding and agility.

Exercise:

The Mini Sheepadoodles will need quite a lot of exercise as he is an active dog. Walks are always a super idea, and hikes even better. He will love other forms of activities such as ball games, hide and seek, ropes games and general rough and tumble games.

Grooming:

A brush every other day will be required. You can have your pet professionally trimmed. Check him over during brushing for unusual lumps. Check inside his ears and inside his mouth as he can’t tell you about ear infections or a bad tooth causing him a lot of pain.

Diet:

Provide your wonderful dog with the best food there is. Just like human beings, food plays an important role in good health. Learn to read the labels on commercially manufactured dog foods and try to feed your pet natural, wholesome foods with vitamins and minerals.

Some of the more inferior brands pump their foods full of colorants and preservatives. Try and provide your Mini Sheepadoodle with some home-made food which is simple and free of spices. Things like boiled chicken, brown rice and vegetables chopped up and added to the dry kibble sometimes can do your pet a lot of good.

Make sure your pet always has a bowl of fresh, cool water available.

General:

Provide your pet with a warm, dry place to sleep.

Make sure his vaccines are up to date and make sure you have a reliable trusted vet to turn to when he is sick.