The EMDCA was formed by a group of concerned Entlebucher owners and breeders who shared a common interest in protecting this rare breed of Swiss Cattle Dog. Since the beginning of this not-for-profit organization (May 2000), other individuals and families have joined the founders of the EMDCA to support and assist in this worthy endeavor.
The Entlebucher Mountain Dog, also known as the Entlebucher Sennenhund, Entlebucher Cattle Dog, or EMD, has several close relatives in the United States. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Bernese Mountain Dog are the better known of the four Swiss Mountain Dogs and are increasing in popularity. Of the four breeds of Swiss Mountain Dog, the Appenzeller, is the closest in size to the Entlebucher.
The EMD, the smallest of the four Swiss breeds, has been all but forgotten in the dog world. Additionally, due to poor breeding practices in the past, some genetic defects are now inherent to the breed. These genetic defects have caused great concern among those who are attempting to save the breed from extinction.
The EMDCA is working in concert with owners, breeders, additional canine organizations, and many others to improve the genetic health of the Entlebucher (by breeding for the betterment of the breed), provide accurate information about the breed through education, as well as assist owners and breeders facing challenges which come along with sharing life with an Entle. The EMDCA is also devoted to the purpose of locating suitable homes for those Entles that have been abused, found homeless, or in other types of Rescue situations. The ultimate goal of the EMDCA is to see that the integrity, honor, and standard of the Entlebucher Sennenhund remains beyond reproach.
One of the key ingredients to achieving the goals of the EMDCA's mission statement is communication. By addressing its genetic future, the responsibilities involved with ownership, and its fight to survive, the EMDCA hopes to help create an environment that will allow the Entle to thrive. This site, as well as the entire EMDCA membership, are devoted to that purpose.
