Silky Terrier vs Entlebucher Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison

Silky Terrier vs Entlebucher Mountain Dog - Breed ComparisonEntlebucher Mountain Dog is originated from Switzerland but Silky Terrier is originated from Australia. Entlebucher Mountain Dog may grow 24 cm / 10 inches higher than Silky Terrier. Entlebucher Mountain Dog may weigh 25 kg / 56 pounds more than Silky Terrier. Both Entlebucher Mountain Dog and Silky Terrier has almost same life span. Entlebucher Mountain Dog may have more litter size than Silky Terrier. Both Entlebucher Mountain Dog and Silky Terrier requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Toy dog
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Switzerland
Australia
Height Male:
48 - 50 cm
18 - 20 inches
21 - 26 cm
8 - 11 inches
Height Female:
46 - 48 cm
18 - 19 inches
21 - 26 cm
8 - 11 inches
Weight Male:
20 - 30 kg
44 - 67 pounds
4 - 5 kg
8 - 12 pounds
Weight Female:
18 - 28 kg
39 - 62 pounds
4 - 5 kg
8 - 12 pounds
Life Span:
11 - 13 Years
11 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 12
3 - 5
Size:
Large
Toy
Other Names:
Entlebucher Mountain Dog Entlebucher Cattle Dog Entlebucher
Silky Toy Terrier, Australian Silky Terrier
Colors Available:
tricolor
Tan and silvery grey
Coat:
thick double coat
Long, straight and silky
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Protective, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

entlebucher mountain dogThe 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.

silky terrierIt is the Yorkshire Terrier and the Australian Terrier which are the ancestors of the Australian Silky Terrier. This is by no means a new dog breed. It is believed that the breed came into existence at the end of the 19th century.

The dog’s purpose is to be a companion. This little canine wasn’t always known as the Silky Terrier, but in 1955 the name became officially Silky Terrier.

The breed is also recognized by the Australia National Kennel Council in the Toy Group. In fact the breed is recognised by a number of the major kennel clubs as well as the Fédération Cynologique Internationale.

Description

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.

silky terrier puppy - descriptionThis is a small dog breed, standing at just 21 to 26cm in height and weighing in the region of 4 to 5kg. He may be a toy dog, but he is robust and athletic.

The ears of the Silky are small and erect with a lot of silky hair that hangs down and the tail is preferably docked and held high.

His coat is eye-catching – straight, long, silky and shiny. If it is left unclipped, it will reach the floor. The colour of the coat is a tan and silvery grey.

Temperament:

The temperament of any dog is affected by things such as heredity, upbringing and the training and socialization he receives.

Small he may be, but the Silky Terrier can benefit from training as he is feisty and strong willed.

He is energetic and always ready for action. He is ready to come bounding after you and join his human family for any action they’re into. He is playful, bold, loyal, tenacious, independent, social and lively and he makes a good playmate for children.

He might tend to be a bit snappy and aggressive towards other dogs. He is also great as a watchdog, barking and alerting you to strangers.

Characteristics

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.

silky terrier dog - characteristicsThe silky terrier is a good choice for those who want a smallish dog but one which is robust and adventurous.

Your Silky is a loyal dog who loves spending time with his human family, wanting their companionship.

He will need to be physically and mentally stimulated as he is bright and intelligent. He can adapt to life in the city or the countryside but will need to be well exercised wherever he is.

Health Problems

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.

silky terrier puppies - health problemsJust like most other dogs, the Silky Terrier isn’t likely to get sick easily, but he can still succumb to any one of the dog illnesses there are.

Diabetes:

This is when your pet isn’t able to regulate blood sugar levels. Your dog will be drinking a lot more water than usual and also be urinating more often. The vet will explain to you a special diet for your pet and how the disease can be controlled with insulin.

Tracheal Collapse: 

This is a disease seen more often in smaller dogs like the Silky. It is caused by an obstruction in the airway and symptoms can include labored breathing and coughing. Your dog will need to be treated with anti-biotics and possibly surgery.

Caring The Pet

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.

●Grooming:

silky terrier dogs - caringYou can imagine that with that silky hair, you’re going to have to be brushing your furry friend quite a bit. It’s such soft, silky hair that it easily picks up burrs and gets matted. You may want to get your pet to a professional groomer to have the hair cut. As you brush him, check for any unusual lumps and keep an eye on his skin.

Check your pet’s teeth. Bad teeth can cause bacteria that can affect every part of your dog’s body. Check inside his ears for redness and check his eyes that there is no discharge. Trim the nails. If you don’t have the time or the inclination to do all these things for him, make an appointment with the professional pet groomers who will do it for you.

● Diet:

The Silky Terrier will need quality food if you want him to enjoy a long, healthy life. Its always a good idea to have some of the top quality commercially manufactured dog foods with you for convenience. If you want to give him the best there is, some home-made food will be a good choice, if you keep it simple.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet – plain and simple without any exotic spices that could upset his stomach. Your dog will lap it up and you will see how he loves it. Chop the home-made food up and add some of it into his dry kibble as a treat twice a week.

Never leave him without a constant source of fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Silky Terrier vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  6. Silky Terrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Silky Terrier vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Silky Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Silky Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Silky Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Silky Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
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  26. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison