Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Schipperke
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Herding Group
Schipperke
Non-Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Entlebucher Mountain Dog Overview
Entlebucher Mountain Dogs possess a sturdy, compact build with distinctive tricolor markings. Their muscular frame and agile movement reflect their heritage as Swiss mountain herding dogs. Alert brown eyes and medium-sized triangular ears complement their intelligent expression. These dogs exhibit remarkable stamina and agility, with a weather-resistant double coat that's short but dense.
Schipperke Overview
Schipperkes are small, sturdy dogs with distinctive black coats and fox-like faces. Their well-muscled bodies support an alert, confident stance, while their thick double coat forms a characteristic ruff, cape, and culottes. Standing 11-13 inches tall, these agile dogs move with purpose and grace, displaying their heritage as both watchdogs and ratters through their keen expression and quick movements.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are more energetic than Schipperkes, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Entlebucher Mountain Dogs require less grooming attention compared to Schipperkes.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Entlebucher Mountain Dogs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Schipperkes.
- Trainability: Schipperkes may be slightly easier to train due to their Schipperke's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Schipperkes adapt better to apartment living, while Entlebucher Mountain Dogs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and Schipperke, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Entlebucher Mountain Dog | Schipperke |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 11-13 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Non-Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Entlebucher Mountain Dog | Schipperke |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 16-21 inches 41-53 cm | 10-13 inches 25-33 cm |
| Weight | 40-65 lbs 18-29 kg | 10-16 lbs 5-7 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Entlebucher Mountain Dog | Schipperke |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Smart, Enthusiastic | Confident, Alert, Curious |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Entlebucher Mountain Dog | Schipperke |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Entlebucher Mountain Dog Temperament
The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is known for being loyal, smart, enthusiastic, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Schipperke Temperament
The Schipperke is characterized by being confident, alert, curious, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and Schipperke, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Rating: 3/5
Schipperke
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Rating: 5/5
Schipperke
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Rating: 5/5
Schipperke
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Rating: 2/5
Schipperke
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Rating: 2/5
Schipperke
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Entlebucher Mountain Dog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Entlebucher Mountain Dogs require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Entlebucher Mountain Dogs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Schipperke Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Schipperkes need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Schipperkes require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Entlebucher Mountain Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Cataracts
Schipperke Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- MPS IIIB
- Thyroid Issues
- Eye Problems
- Hip Issues
Pros & Cons
Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Pros
- Excellent herding instincts
- Loyal family companion
- Athletic and agile
- Good watchdog
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Strong herding drive
- Can be stubborn
- Reserved with strangers
Schipperke
Pros
- Excellent watchdog
- Compact size
- Low grooming needs
- Long lifespan
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- Barks frequently
- Strong prey drive
- Independent nature
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and Schipperke, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.