Rat Terrier vs Entlebucher Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison

Rat Terrier vs Entlebucher Mountain Dog - Breed ComparisonRat Terrier is originated from United States but Entlebucher Mountain Dog is originated from Switzerland. Rat Terrier may grow 14 cm / 5 inches shorter than Entlebucher Mountain Dog. Rat Terrier may weigh 26 kg / 57 pounds lesser than Entlebucher Mountain Dog. Rat Terrier may live 5 years more than Entlebucher Mountain Dog. Rat Terrier may have less litter size than Entlebucher Mountain Dog. Rat Terrier requires Low maintenance. But Entlebucher Mountain Dog requires Moderate maintenance

History

rat terrier - historyKnown also as the American Rat Terrier or even as the Rattie, this American dog breed is a farm dog, common on family farms during the 1920's and 1930's.

Miniatures or Standards, these dogs are also recognized by the American Kennel Clubs and thought of today as a multi-purpose companion dog.

He is an American dog breed, having come about from Fox Terriers, Old English White Terriers, Bull Terriers, Manchester Terriers and others. Whippets and Italian Greyhounds have also come into the mix to add speed as a characteristic.

The Rat Terrier started to decline in numbers, and by the 1950's the numbers of the dog were so low that breeders stepped in to restore numbers.

entlebucher mountain dog - historyThe 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.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Working dog
Origin:
United States
Switzerland
Height Male:
20 - 36 cm
7 - 15 inches
48 - 50 cm
18 - 20 inches
Height Female:
20 - 36 cm
7 - 15 inches
46 - 48 cm
18 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
3 - 4 kg
6 - 9 pounds
20 - 30 kg
44 - 67 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 4 kg
6 - 9 pounds
18 - 28 kg
39 - 62 pounds
Life Span:
15 - 18 Years
11 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 7
6 - 12
Size:
Small dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Rattie, American Rat Terrier
Entlebucher Mountain Dog Entlebucher Cattle Dog Entlebucher
Colors Available:
Mix of colors - mostly tri-colored - white, tan, black
tricolor
Coat:
Single coat, short and smooth
thick double coat
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Protective, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Description

rat terrier puppy - descriptionThere are different sized Rat Terriers, but the mid-sized one stands roughly between 20 and 36cm in height and weighs between 3 and 4kg.

The single coat is short and smooth and comes in colors such as tan, grey, chocolate, black and in solid colors too such as white. They are mostly in tri-colors - white, tan, black. Ticking is also seen.

With his short coat he is seen as a low maintenance dog even though he is still a shedder, with heavier seasonal shedding.

The ears can sometimes be erect, otherwise they are half-erect, half floppy. The tail has always been traditionally docked, giving him a nice, distinctive look, but today the tail is often just left un-docked. It isn't unusual for a puppy to be born with a short or long tail.

Temperament:

Intelligent, wary, loyal, loving, playful but stubborn, your Rat Terrier is a little bit wary around strangers. Training and socialization can be good for this dog and help him t be obedient and well mannered in all situations. These dogs also want to please. He is an active dog too and makes a great playmate for children, getting on well with kids and other pets in the home.

tion

entlebucher mountain dog puppy - descriptionThe 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.

Characteristics

rat terrier dog - characteristicsThe Rat Terrier is such a clever, bright dog. These characteristics make him an excellent watchdog with strong jaws for his role of getting rid of rats on farms.

Even though he is a small dog, he isn’t particularly suited to life in the city on a small property as he has quite a shrill bark.

Because of him being small to medium in size, he is well suited to many homes, but you just have to watch out in the city if you live close to your neighbors as he is fairly noisy and active.

He would love a large property where he can just be himself. Provide him with the right home, and you’l have a friend for life.

entlebucher mountain dog dog - characteristicsThe 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.

Health Problems

rat terrier puppies - health problemsRat Terriers are generally feisty, healthy dogs who, with good care, can live to the ripe old age of 16, 17 or 18 years of age.

Just like with many other dogs, he can develop some of the more common dog illnesses there are. If you're opting for a puppy, find a good, reputable breeder.

Allergies:

It can be tricky trying to decide what kind of allergies are causing such problems with your pet. A skin allergy can cause a lot of itchiness and pain for your canine friend and he will bite and lick on the affected spots and make the situation worse. You will need to get him to the vet for some kind of treatment, as such an ailment can drive him mad.

Patellar Luxation:

This is a common problem in dogs, with the kneecap or patella being dislocated. It can cause a lot of pain and can be crippling for your dog.

The Entlebucher is prone to:

Hip Dysplasia

entlebucher mountain dog puppies - health problemsCommon 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.

Caring The Pet

Diet:

rat terrier dogs - caringYour Rat Terrier can easily reach 16, 17 or 18 years of age with good food. While you do get some excellent commercially manufactured dog foods, you want to add variety by including some nutritious home-made food too.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet. Chop it up and add it into the dry kibble a couple of times a week.No complications - just plain and simple - the way dogs love it.

Some raw meat added in from time to time will help his skin and coat remain healthy. Never leave him without a constant source of fresh, cool water.

Exercise:

The Rat Terrier is an active dog. He just loves to dig too, so if you live close to a beach, he will love running and digging in the sand. If this isn’t possible, he will be happy to be taken on walks with you and maybe for a run in the park.

He loves all ball games and running after a frisbee, and he’s so clever, maybe you can even teach him to fetch the frisbee for you.

Grooming:

The Rat Terrier is a low-maintenance dog and only requires having his coat brushed twice a week.

Check inside his mouth for bad teeth. You can even brush his teeth with special canine toothpaste and brush to remove tartar buildup.

Keep his nails trimmed too if he doesn’t wear them down naturally so as to prevent them hooking on things and ripping into the flesh.

Check inside your dog’s ears too. If you’re not experienced with trimming dog nails or cleaning inside dog’s ears, your vet or professional groomer will do it for you.

During these grooming sessions with your Rat Terrier, check for fleas and ticks as well as for any sores or new lumps. Also, his eyes should be clear and bright with no discharge or redness.

Feeding

entlebucher mountain dog dogs - caringThe 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.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Samoyed vs Entlebucher Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  2. Great Pyrenees vs Entlebucher Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  3. Presa Canario vs Entlebucher Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  4. Labrador Husky vs Entlebucher Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  5. Giant Schnauzer vs Entlebucher Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  6. Goldador vs Entlebucher Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  7. Mackenzie River Husky vs Entlebucher Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  8. German Longhaired Pointer vs Entlebucher Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  9. Pyredoodle vs Entlebucher Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  10. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  11. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  12. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  13. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  14. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  16. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  17. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  18. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  19. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison
  20. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  21. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  22. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  23. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  24. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  25. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Dogo Sardesco - Breed Comparison
  26. Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  27. Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  28. Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  29. Rat Terrier vs Miniature Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  30. Rat Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Rat Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  32. Rat Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  33. Rat Terrier vs Patterdale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Rat Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  35. Rat Terrier vs Bull Terrier Miniature - Breed Comparison
  36. Rat Terrier vs Norwich Terrier - Breed Comparison
  37. Rat Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier - Breed Comparison
  38. Rat Terrier vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  39. Rat Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  40. Rat Terrier vs Feist - Breed Comparison
  41. Rat Terrier vs Manchester Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Rat Terrier vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Rat Terrier vs Miniature Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Rat Terrier vs Cesky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  45. Rat Terrier vs Glen of Imaal Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Rat Terrier vs Chilean Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  47. Rat Terrier vs Black and Tan Terrier - Breed Comparison
  48. Rat Terrier vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  49. Rat Terrier vs Fell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  50. Rat Terrier vs Lucas Terrier - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds