Is the Catalburun or the Entlebucher Mountain Dog better for families with children?

The Entlebucher Mountain Dog tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.

Which sheds more, the Catalburun or the Entlebucher Mountain Dog?

The Catalburun and Entlebucher Mountain Dog shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Catalburun or the Entlebucher Mountain Dog?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Catalburun or Entlebucher Mountain Dog bigger?

Catalburun and Entlebucher Mountain Dog are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, Catalburun or Entlebucher Mountain Dog?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, Catalburun or Entlebucher Mountain Dog?

For apartment or apartment living, Catalburun and Entlebucher Mountain Dog are an even match — either can work well.

Catalburun vs Entlebucher Mountain Dog: Better With Kids?

Catalburun vs Entlebucher Mountain Dog: full comparison

Trait	Catalburun	Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	Very High	Very High
Trainability	High	High
Friendliness	Medium	Medium
Good with children	Medium	High
Grooming needs	Low	Low
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	Medium	High
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	12 years	12 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Catalburun is a mid-sized breed that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. By comparison, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog is a mid-sized breed that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Catalburun requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows. The Entlebucher Mountain Dog requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Catalburun needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. The Entlebucher Mountain Dog needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Catalburun learns quickly and enjoys the training process, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and gets on with children when raised around them. The Entlebucher Mountain Dog learns quickly and enjoys the training process, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and suits families with children particularly well. On guarding instinct, Catalburun announces visitors but stops short of guarding, whereas Entlebucher Mountain Dog is naturally alert and defends its people.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Catalburun and Entlebucher Mountain Dog are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Entlebucher Mountain Dog has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Catalburun has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Catalburun and Entlebucher Mountain Dog are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Catalburun and Entlebucher Mountain Dog are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Catalburun if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Entlebucher Mountain Dog on temperament, size and care.

Choose the Entlebucher Mountain Dog if you want the more child-friendly companion or you want a more protective, watchful guardian.

Not sure which breed is right for you?

Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.

Find your perfect match

Frequently asked questions

Is the Catalburun or the Entlebucher Mountain Dog better for families with children?: The Entlebucher Mountain Dog tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
Which sheds more, the Catalburun or the Entlebucher Mountain Dog?: The Catalburun and Entlebucher Mountain Dog shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Catalburun or the Entlebucher Mountain Dog?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Catalburun or Entlebucher Mountain Dog bigger?: Catalburun and Entlebucher Mountain Dog are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Catalburun or Entlebucher Mountain Dog?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Catalburun or Entlebucher Mountain Dog?: For apartment or apartment living, Catalburun and Entlebucher Mountain Dog are an even match — either can work well.

Catalburun vs Entlebucher Mountain Dog