Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Chipoo - Breed Comparison

The Chipoo is not a purebred dog but rather a cross between the Toy Poodle and the Chihuahua. In the 1970’s the two breeds were crossed and the Chipoo was born. Chihuahuas have their origin in Mexico while the poodle is believed to come from Germany. This hybrid dog, because he comes form two purebred dogs is considered to be a designer dog. The Chipoo is not of course a purebred dog and is not recognized by the American kennel Club (AKC), but it is recognized by the designer groups and hybrid groups. These organizations include the International Designer Canine Registry, the American Canine Hybrid Club, the Designer Breed Registry, and the Designer Dogs Kennel Club.

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 Chipoo varies greatly in looks depending upon which breed it got most of its characteristics from. It is a toy dog, but it can have a curly coat or a straight one. It can be fluffy or wiry. It can be just about any color. All of them have Chihuahua tails but again depending on the mix, they can look like poodles or they can look like chihuahuas. They can vary in size from a very small toy to a larger sized small dog. You can have two Chipoos from the same litter and they will not be recognizable as littermates. However, they will all be adorable.

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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.

This is a friendly dog and a great family member. They love to play and are easy to train. He does like to bark and makes a good guard dog. Get him a lot of toys for smart dogs. He is loyal and affectionate. You can carry him around all day if you want.

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.

Hybrid dogs often do better health wise than the original parents, but this is not true of 2nd and third generation crosses. However, this is not generally true of the Chipoo, as they are no longer bred poodle to chihuahua but rather Chipoo to Chipoo. They are basically healthy but face some issues such as:

Overactive tear glands

This is what causes the tear stains on most small light-colored dogs. This is called Epiphora and is not an irritation in the eye, just overly active glands.

Hypoglycemia

This is low blood sugar and can cause all kinds of problems for your Chipoo. This can be fatal if not cared for. It has many causes if the dog is not diabetic including Xylitol (sugar free gum and other) parasites, stress, diarrhea or bacteria.

Luxating patella

This loose knee cap condition is found in many small breeds and can lead to arthritis and lameness.

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.

Feeding

Because they are prone to hypoglycemia, make sure you feed a high quality dry food and break it up into three or four small meals a day in order to maintain the blood sugar and avoid the drops and spikes that can cause them serious health issues.

Health issues

Glaucoma

This disease of the eyes can lead to blindness.

Dry skin

This is common in the Chipoo and it makes it hard for the dog to absorb things through the skin such as topical ointments for ticks and flea prevention.

Dental Issues

Dental issues can lead to lost teeth and gum disease. Brush their teeth.

Cold

If the outside temperature is less than 50’, then your Chipoo needs to wear a sweater as they get cold very easily.

Exercise and games

The Chipoo is an energetic little dog and he loves to go on walks, play in the yard and be with the family. Both the Chihuahua and the Poodle are very intelligent dogs and so this cross gets bored and destructive if not stimulated enough. He’ll be great at agility and obedience. Like the poodle you can teach him a lot of tricks.

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.