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Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd

Discover the differences between Entlebucher Mountain Dog and German Shepherd to make the best choice for your situation.

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Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Switzerland

Entlebucher Mountain Dog

Herding Group
Medium

Energetic, loyal, and highly intelligent, this sturdy herding dog thrives on activity and close bonds with family. Always eager to work or play, it makes a devoted companion.

German Shepherd
Germany

German Shepherd

Herding Group
Large

Confident, loyal, and highly intelligent, this breed thrives as both a devoted family companion and a reliable working partner. Always alert and eager to learn, it adapts to many roles with ease.

Quick comparison

Size:

Medium

Male:

20–30 kg

Coat:

Double coat, short

Lifespan:

11–13 years

Female:

18–28 kg

Energy:

High energy

Size:

Large

Male:

30–40 kg

Coat:

Double coat, dense undercoat

Lifespan:

9–13 years

Female:

22–32 kg

Energy:

High energy

Personality & behavior

Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.

Entlebucher Mountain Dog

Friendliness
4/5

Warm with family, reserved with strangers

Intelligence
5/5

Quick learner, eager to solve problems

Energy Level
5/5

High stamina, needs regular physical activity

Playfulness
4/5

Enjoys games and interactive play sessions

Adaptability
3/5

Adapts best to routine and familiar settings

German Shepherd

Friendliness
4/5

Warm with family, reserved with strangers

Intelligence
5/5

Quick learner, highly trainable and alert

Energy Level
5/5

Needs regular activity and vigorous exercise

Playfulness
4/5

Enjoys games, interactive and engaging

Adaptability
4/5

Adjusts well to new situations and environments

Care needs

Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements

Entlebucher Mountain Dog

Grooming:
Minimal grooming needed (weekly)
Exercise:
60–90 minutes daily
Shedding:
Seasonal shedding
Trainability:
Learns with consistency
Climate tolerance:
Tolerates cold well
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy

German Shepherd

Grooming:
Average grooming needed (2–3 times weekly)
Exercise:
90–120 minutes daily
Shedding:
Heavy shedding
Trainability:
Highly trainable
Climate tolerance:
Tolerates cold well, struggles with heat
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia

Suitability

How well each breed fits different living situations and families

Entlebucher Mountain Dog

First-time Owner
2/5

Needs experience

Can be challenging for novices due to strong will and high energy

Apartment Living
2/5

Not ideal

High activity needs and vocal tendencies make apartment living difficult

Active Lifestyle
5/5

Excellent match

Thrives with active families who can provide regular exercise and stimulation

Kids
3/5

Supervised only

Can be good with children but may herd or play roughly

Multiple Pets
3/5

Cautiously compatible

May be territorial and selective with other pets without proper socialization

Being Left Alone
1/5

Struggles alone

Prone to boredom and anxiety if left alone for extended periods

German Shepherd

First-time Owner
2/5

Challenging for beginners

Needs experienced, consistent training and socialization

Apartment Living
2/5

Not ideal

Needs space and frequent exercise to prevent boredom

Active Lifestyle
5/5

Perfect fit

Thrives with active owners who can provide daily physical and mental challenges

Kids
4/5

Highly suitable

Loyal and protective, can be gentle and patient with proper socialization

Multiple Pets
4/5

Usually compatible

Can get along with other pets if raised together and well socialized

Being Left Alone
1/5

Prone to anxiety

Dislikes being left alone for long periods and may develop behavioral issues

Breed strengths

What each breed excels at and their best qualities

Entlebucher Mountain Dog

  • Loyal and devoted to family
  • Strong herding instincts and work ethic
  • Highly intelligent and quick to learn
  • Generally healthy with few genetic issues
  • Good watchdog with alert nature

German Shepherd

  • Highly intelligent and quick to learn tasks
  • Strong loyalty to family members
  • Excellent working and service dog abilities
  • Protective instincts make them good guardians
  • Adaptable to various training activities

Challenges & considerations

Potential challenges and considerations for each breed

Entlebucher Mountain Dog

  • Needs significant daily physical activity
  • May herd children or other animals
  • Can be reserved with strangers
  • Prone to separation anxiety if left alone
  • Requires early socialization and training

German Shepherd

  • Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia
  • High exercise needs require daily activity
  • Can develop separation anxiety if left alone
  • May be wary of strangers without socialization
  • Heavy seasonal shedding requires frequent grooming

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