What makes the Appenzeller Sennenhund Unique?
Appenzeller Sennenhund is a medium-size breed of dog, one of the four regional breeds of Sennenhund-type dogs from the Swiss Alps. Appenzeller Sennenhund bond closely with their family and seek lots of attention. Their determination to jump up into your face or shove their body against your leg can be disconcerting to those who are not accustomed to an enthusiastic, vigorous dog. He likes children, but is likely to bowl over little ones.
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Is the Appenzeller Sennenhund Right For You?
Steady and good-natured, yet bold and athletic, the Appenzeller Mountain Dog enjoys romping and roughhousing.
This intelligent breed likes to keep busy and needs to have something to do. He is not an apartment dog.
Appenzeller Mountain Dogs bond closely with their family and seek lots of attention. Their determination to jump up into your face or shove their body against your leg can be disconcerting to those who are not accustomed to an enthusiastic, vigorous dog. He likes children, but is likely to bowl over little ones.
In 5 Words
- Affectionate
- Tough
- Sober
- Brave
- Intelligent
Characteristics
Learn About the Appenzeller Sennenhund
Description
General Description
The Appenzeller Sennenhund is a large mountain dog, 18.5-23 ins (47–58 cm) at the withers and weighing 49-70 lbs (22–32 kg). Like the other Sennenhunds, the Appenzeller Sennenhund has a heavy, molosser-like build and a distinctive tricolour coat. The breed’s ears are small and triangular, set high and hanging down against the dog’s cheeks, similar to a button ear. Faults in the breed’s appearance include wall eye, kinked tail, a single coat, and a coat that is not tricolour.
Short History of the Appenzeller Sennenhund
The Appenzeller Sennenhund is one of the four Swiss Mountain dogs. Other than being slightly smaller, they are very similar in appearance to their cousin the Entlebucher Sennenhund, and for many years, there was little distinction made between the two. They were first recognized as a separate breed in 1889. In 1913, all four Swiss Mountain Dog breeds were shown for the first time and were entered into the Swiss Kennel Club studbook. The Appenzeller Sennenhund is the rarest of the four Swiss Mountain dogs. They were once used to guard flocks, general farm dogs and as a draft dogs. Today, they are still used as all-purpose farm dogs, but are also kept solely as companion.
Temperament
Charming and affectionate, tough, sober, brave, intelligent, and lively, the Appenzell usually gets along well with other dogs and mixes well with livestock and household animals if it has become used to them while still young. They are rather unsure of strangers but greet family and friends effusively. A well brought up Appenzell Mountain Dog who understands his lower place in the human pack is fine with children. Loyal to the whole family, but tends to bond closely with one person. They respond best to firm, but consistent, even-tempered training. Socialize this dog well with all kinds of situations, people and other animals. Appenzells learn quickly, partly because they are so intelligent, but also because they really want to have something to do. This breed enjoys the outdoors, loving freedom and open spaces to run. Agility skill trials and games of catch are suitable sports for this breed. Potential problems arise when owners are not the dogs firm, confident, consistent pack leader displaying the proper authority over the dog. It is a natural instinct for a dog to have an order in their pack. When we humans live with dogs, we become their pack.
The entire pack cooperates under a single leader. Lines are clearly defined. You and all other humans MUST be higher up in the order than the dog. That is the only way your relationship can be a success. They need to be taken for a daily walk or jog to release mental and physical energy. Lack of leadership and or lack of mental and physical exercise can cause a wide variety of behavioral issues including but not limited to obsessive barking, over protectiveness/ guarding, destructiveness, and a high-strung, neurotic temperament. This working dog is not going to happily lay around your home like a couch potato. They do best when given a job to do. If you do not provide this for them, they will take it upon themselves to find a job and it will not be something you like.
Caring for Your Appenzeller Sennenhund
Grooming & Bathing
The Appenzell’s straight-haired double coat is easy to care for and requires little attention. Just remove the dead hairs with a rubber brush from time to time.
Exercise & Training
A happy and healthy dog needs to be well-treated, given lots of exercise, room to run and your life-long affection.
Because he’s got a strong work ethic and lots of energy, this breed isn’t suited to an inactive lifestyle. Provide him with training and a job or dog sport he can do, or he’ll be an unhappy camper. Like other breeds that need lots of exercise and stimulation, he can grow bored and destructive if he doesn’t get it. He excels at agility, herding, and obedience trials. At home, teach your Appenzeller to pull a cart with your gardening supplies.
Appenzeller Sennenhund Picture Gallery
