The Entlebucher Mountain Dog originates from Switzerland, where its traditional job was to assist the herdsmen (Senn).  Each spring, an elaborate celebration is held to announce the departure of the herds of Swiss milk cows from the valley villages in the areas of Entlebuch and Grindewald.  A full day's walk up the steep mountain paths, with Senn, cows, dogs and cheese making supplies makes quite the spectacle, the cows sporting their huge, clanging bells so that none go astray.  Although today's farmers are government subsidized in order to retain this way of life, it continues much as it has for hundreds of years.

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Once in the Alps, the bells are hung in the eves, the Senn settle into their summer hut and the cattle enjoy grazing high mountain pastures for the summer.  Each day, the cattle are milked near daybreak and then sent out to graze with the dogs.  Each evening, the cows and dogs return for milking.  During the day, the herdsmen make cheese in large rounds, preserved in wax.  These will be sold in the village in the fall upon their return.