Full name: Appenzell Mountain Dog
Type: Medium-sized dogs
Alias: Appenzell Cattle Dog, Appenzell Mountain Dog, Appenzeller
Height :18-23 inches (51-58.5 cm)
English name: Appenzell Mountain Dog
Country of Origin: Switzerland
Weight :49-70 pounds (22-32 kg)
Hair length: Shorthair
Function: Guardian Dog
Life: About 12-13 years
History
The four Sennenhunds were developed by the crossing of the Roman Mastiffs with the local Swiss working dogs during the time of the Roman invasion and conquest of Europe. These four breeds include the Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, the Bernese Mountain Dog, the Entlebucher, and the Appenzeller. It is generally accepted that the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was the first of the breeds to develop, and the other three descended from it.
Some Spitz influence is also suspected in the heritage of the Appenzeller, reflected by the carrying of the tail curled over the back, in its high energy level and watchfulness, and a more refined head and body than those of the other three Sennenhunds.
The breed was and still is used as a cattle herder, as a home guardian, and as an all-around farm dog. Currently, the Appenzeller has also campaigned in obedience and Schutzhund work.
The United Kennel Club recognized the Appenzeller on January 1, 1993.
Appearance
The Appenzeller Sennenhunde is not a massive dog, but it does have a compact and well-muscled body. The dog has an almost square appearance because the height is nearly equal to the length of the body, as measured from the withers. Appenzeller males have an average height of 20 to 23 inches, and female height ranges from 18 to 20 inches. Some would say that the dog is valued more for its working abilities rather than for its appearance. The Appenzeller, however, has captured the heart of dog lovers not only because of its outstanding traits but also because of its lively, humorous, and entertaining expression.
The dog has a broad and flat skull, a strong muzzle that tapers to a black nose. The slightly oblique position of the almond-shaped dark brown eyes gives the dog a humorous expression. The V-shaped ears with rounded tips hang close to the cheek when the dog is resting and raised at the base when the dog is alert, giving the head a triangular shape. The dog’s lips are tight-fitting, and a scissor bite is preferred.
The Appenzeller Sennenhunde is a herding dog, and as such, it has to have a healthy and athletic body to be able to work effectively with the livestock. The dog’s back is steady and straight. The broad chest is deep, reaching to the dog’s elbows.
The dog has a double coat that is tight, glossy, and dense. The primary coat color is black or brown. As mentioned, the dog is often called blaze because of the white fire that runs from the forehead to the eyes and down to the muzzle. A small white streak runs down from the chin and broadens on the dog’s forecast. The feet are tipped with white, and so is the tail. The tail is high set, thickly covered with hair. The hair on the lower part of the rear is longer. A moving Appenzeller carries the tail curled over the side of the croup.
Body type
Ideal size Height: Male :20-23 inches (51-58.5 cm) Female :18-20 inches (51-58.5 cm) Weight: 49-70 pounds (22-32 kg)
Temperament
The Appenzell Mountain Dog is a working dog, Appenzell Mountain Dogs are intelligent and lively. They are brave and enjoy working or having a task to do. Although Appenzell Mountain Dogs are cautious of strangers, they usually get along well with other dogs and animals. They are incredibly protective and social with their families and owners. The breed is very loyal to their family, but they tend to form a close bond with one person. Appenzell Mountain Dogs respond well to obedience training, and they need plenty of socialization at a young age. This breed loves to bark.
Care
The Appenzell Mountain Dog is not recommended for apartment life. Appenzell Mountain Dogs need a rural, open setting. This breed will not do well in a city or the suburbs. Appenzell Mountain Dogs do best on a farm where they can get sufficient amounts of exercise on their own and form a bond with their territory. Because of the Appenzell Mountain Dog’s herding instincts, he will never runoff.
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.
Appenzell Mountain Dogs is a comparatively healthy breed.
