Apr 22 2009
Appenzell Mountain Dog
The Appenzell Mountain Dog, also called Appenzeller Sennenhund or Appenzell Cattle Dog, is the rarest of the four ancient breeds of Sennenhund, from the Swiss Alps in Switzerland. Sennenhund refers to the herders of the Alps known as the Senn and Appenzell is a region in northeast Switzerland.
It is believed that the Appenzell is a descendant of the breed, Molossus, left by the Romans. However, some say that it is a native breed of dog that dates as far back as the Bronze Age. The earliest reference of the Appenzell was in a book called, “Tierleben der Alpenwelt” which translates into, “Animal Life in the Alps,” in 1853.
In 1906 the Appenzeller Sennenhund Club was started by Professor Dr. Albert Heim and in 1916 the first breed standard was written. The Appenzell breed is recognized by the Federation Cynologique International, United kennel Club, CKC, NKC, ACR and APRI.
Originally the Appenzell was bred only in the Appenzell region. Now the breed can be found throughout Switzerland and in many European countries. The Appenzell is fancied in the United States by those looking for a rare, unique breed of dog. Breeding is done very carefully to keep the breed line as original as possible and because of this the breeding stock numbers are rather low.
For generations, farmers of the Swiss Alps have used the Appenzell for herding and protecting livestock, pulling carts, guarding its property and master, companionship and as a general farm dog. Today the breed is still used for companionship and they perform great in obedience competitions and Schutzhund.
Appenzell’s are a medium sized dog. Males stand between 21 to 23 inches high at the shoulders and bitches stand between 18 to 20 inches high. They can weigh anywhere between 49 to 70 pounds. They are a muscular breed with flat, wide heads, small triangle shaped ears that hang down close to the face and small, dark eyes.
They have a short, double coat that is straight and thick. It is glossy and tri0-colored, usually brown or black and white with rust colored markings in between and on the face. Their thick tails are carried curled up and hanging over their back. The coat required little care, just a bath now and again and some weekly or bi-weekly brushing.
This is an intelligent, hardworking breed of dog. They are brave, tough, sure-footed and thy never tire. They are also an affectionate, loving breed who is out going and extremely loyal. Appenzell’s like to have something to do; lying around all day is not their idea of fun. Playing fetch or jogging would not only provide entertainment for this breed, but exercise as well. Having lots of room to run is very important, a place with acreage is ideal for this dog.
Apartments or homes with either no yard or a tiny yard, is not a good place for this breed to be. If they become bored and are not getting enough exercise, they may take up some not so great habits such as constantly barking, destructiveness, neurotic behavior and becoming overly protective. Exercise and plenty of room to run are a must for the Appenzell.
Training and socialization at a young age is recommended for the Appenzell. Training should be done by someone who can be stern and firm, always in control. Socialization should include people, other dogs, cats and livestock if there is any. Even with socialization and training it is not uncommon for the Appenzell to be caution of strangers. They tend to do fine with children, however, with the breeds high amount of energy, older kids are recommended.
The Appenzell is a fairly healthy breed of dog, a result of carefully controlled breeding. They generally live for 12 to 13 years although, records do show some Appenzell’s reaching 17 years of age.
Four Breeds of Sennenhund
Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Berner Sennenhund: Bernese Mountain Dog
Appenzeller Sennenhund: Appenzeller
Entlebucher Sennenhund” Entlebucher Mountain Dog
