Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Beago - Breed Comparison

Made up of two purebred dog breeds, the Beagle and the Golden Retriever, Beago is kind of new breed. Some say that they were bred on purpose during the 1980s, in a desire to create a smart and loving dog that will be a smaller size than the Golden Retriever since this will make them ideal for indoor life.

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.

Beago is a medium-sized dog with a usually tri-coloured coat that can vary in some colours. They have usually short hairs because sometimes happens that they have longer hairs if the Golden retriever genes are stronger. Their hairs are soft to the touch and they don’t shed a lot and that makes them easy to maintain. They have dark coloured eyes, floppy ears, and they have the body shape of the Beagle, but they are very active and muscular like the Golden Retriever.

tion

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.

Children friendliness

They are very good with children of all age.

Special talents

Hunting, search, rescue dog, agility competitions.

Adaptability

Beago will love living in a house with a bog yard. As well, he will have a happy life in the apartments as long as you take him out for his daily activity. They get along with other pets, so any other dog or cat will be great company for him. They are usually well mannered in public places, if you train them and socialize, but they will always bark if there is someone strange in your house. They are very good with children of all age.

Learning ability

Beage is very smart breed. They will pick up new tricks very quickly and remember it forever. They would love learning new tricks once you include treats as rewards, but you must be careful not to overfeed him.

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.

There are no general health issues with this breed. The health history shows that they have common health problems as any other active dog – problems with hips and elbows. Because of their floppy ears, they are prone to infections and diseases caused by lack of ear hygiene. Some of them have skin allergies. The best advice is always to make regular vet checks. Then you and your Beago can live a happy and long life.

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.

Diet tips

The best tip is to feed them with quality dry food. Canned food can be given once in week or less. They will love cheese and meat in their meal. Since they like to munch, they will eat almost any raw fruit or vegetables. Until you Beago is six months old, feed him tree time per day. Keep the feeding schedule unchanged to form a habit and avoid problems with metabolism.

Points for Good Health

Since they don’t shed a lot, grooming your Beago will be easy. They won’t need an everyday brush, but it will be good if you could brush him two times per week and bathe once in a month. Their floppy ears need regular care as well. They need to be cleaned with the ear cleaning solution at least once a week. They will need regular nail trimming as well. They need quality food because they are very active dogs. Make sure not to overfeed them. Daily activity is a must.

Games and Exercises

Beago is very active breed. They like to spend time outdoors, running, playing fetch, jumping. They will love visiting the dog park or any park that is close to your house. They are very good if taken hiking.

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.