Description

The Appenzell Mountain Dog is also called the "Appenzeller," the "Appenzell Cattle Dog," and the "Appenzeller Sennenhund." It is a muscular but not massive dog. A well-built and hardy animal, it is a versatile working dog. It has a wide, flat head with a muzzle that narrows towards a black nose. The eyes are small and dark and the ears are pendant. Its tail is carried rolled up on its back. Its limbs are straight. Its short double coat is considerably tight, thick and glossy. The basic colors are black or brown with symmetrical white and rust markings. A white blaze and rust marking over the eyes must be present on the head. Rust is always between the black and the white.

Origin

There are two theories concerning the origin of the Appenzell Mountain Dog. One, that it is a native breed dating back to the Bronze Age, the other: it descended from the Molossus and was brought into Switzerland by the Romans. In any case it is one of the four Swiss Sennenhunds. The Appenzell is the rarest of the four. It is an outstanding herd dog. Tireless and surefooted in the mountains. It is also adaptable to pulling a cart and is used to bring milk and cheese from the valleys to the merchants in town. It does not have a lazy bone in its body. When it is not working with the herd, it will guard its master's property with a natural enthusiasm.

Temperament

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 healthy and well brought up Appenzell Mountain Dog is fine with children. It is loyal to the whole family, but tends to bond closely with one person. They respond best to consistent, even-tempered training. Socialize this dog well with all kinds of situations, people and other animals. Appenzells learn quickly, partly because it is so intelligent, but also because it really wants to have something to do. It likes to be outdoors, but only when it is with its handler. Agility skill trials and games of catch are suitable sports for this breed. The Appenzell is a noisy, extroverted dog that makes a great watch dog. It is charming and affectionate, but it loves the freedom of open spaces and thus is not adapted to living indoors or in a kennel.

Height

Height: Dogs 22-23 inches (56-58.5 cm.) Bitches 18-20 inches (46-50

Weight

Weight: 49-70 pounds (22-32 kg.)

Known Health Problems

A fairly healthy breed.

Conditions for Living

The Appenzell Mountain Dog is not recommended for apartment life. They prefer to live outdoors and should have acreage where they can run free - such as a farm. They like to bark, so they are not suited for areas with close neighbors.

Exercise Requirments

The Appenzell does not belong in a busy urban environment or in the suburbs. It should live on a farm where it will give itself enough exercise on its own. Its strong herding instincts keep it from running off. It prefers to be outdoors and closely bonds with its territory. In walks. If you can find work for the Appenzell, it will be completely happy.

Life Expectancy

About 12-13 years.

Grooming

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.

Group