Entlebucher Expectations
Expect Entlebucher puppies to prefer 'chase the dog' rather than 'chase the ball'. This behavior eventually disappears at about one year as they discover their "game". As puppies, their game is the inevitable tug-of-war. As adolescents, they will discover that one game which will obsess them the rest of their lives.
Expect loose leash walking to be the most difficult behavior to accomplish. It is a life-long training session.
Expect daily walks to be a fast paced affair. Leisurely strolls are completely unknown to them.
Expect Entlebuchers to be intensely physical with each other, with a lot of growling and rough behavior as they play. This conduct is not as severe when interacting with other breeds. How they know the difference is a mystery.
Expect Entlebuchers to jump to attention when you leave the room. They will probably escort you as well.
Expect to step on, or fall over, your Entlebucher several times a day. They are always underfoot or, at least, very close by.
Expect Entlebuchers to only truly relax and sleep when they are positioned on some part of your body. This can be extremely uncomfortable if you allow them to sleep in your bed or join you on the couch. Absolutely knowing where you are allows them to be "off duty".
Expect your kitchen floor to be the cleanest surface in your house. Entlebuchers will faithfully search for and, subsequently, consume anything they find there.
Expect Entlebuchers to bark when they want something to move. They will bark to get you throw the ball. They will bark through an agility or flyball course. They will bark at you if you aren't keeping the pace. This is definitely left over from their herding days.
Expect Entlebuchers to nag; demonstrated by an insistent stare, persistent pacing, some vocalization, or with some gentle (?) nudges. They can be relentless when they want something. They don't give in.
Expect Entlebuchers to enjoy playing with your feet as much as playing with your hands. They make no distinction.
Expect Entlebuchers to want to be with you more than anywhere else on earth. This is enormously endearing but can also be incredibly problematic should they need to be parted from your side.
Expect the females of this breed to rule. Generally speaking, the males are more laid back, the females more assertive.
Expect Entlebuchers to be the consummate watch dog. Not only will they preside over your home and property, they will also elect themselves as guardians for your friends and family as well as for the entire neighborhood. However, do not generally anticipate a confrontation. As a rule they challenge their opponent with a backwards trot.
Expect Entlebuchers to be unable to mind their own business. They will insist on investigating and concerning themselves with everything going on around them - good or bad. They are extraordinarily curious, aware, and alert.
Expect Entlebuchers to walk with great determination and sense of purpose, even if they have no idea where they're going.
Expect Entlebuchers to be finally 'done' when they are lying on their side and heaving a very deep sigh.
Expect to be completely seduced by this extraordinary breed. With their powerful personalities, quirkiness, energy, beauty, and charisma, they are impossible to resist. Once in your life, they rouse your heart.
