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Appenzell Mountain Dog
The Appenzell Mountain Dog (also known as the 'Appenzeller', the 'Appenzell Cattle Dog' or the 'Appenzeller Serrenhund') is one of the four ancient Swiss mountain dog breeds. They are a medium sized having legendary
speed, endurance and agility. They are traditonally used for herding and as a livestock guardian.Short History of the Breed
In 1853 an Appenzeller Sennenhund was first described in the book "Tierleben der Alpenwelt" (Animal Life in the Alps) as "a clearly barking, short haired, medium size, multicolour cattledog of a quite even "Spitz type", which can be found in certain regions and is used partly to guard the homestead, partly to herd cattle". In 1898 the Appenzeller Sennenhund was designated a separate breed. The first breed standard was confirmed with the collaboration of the breed's great promoter, head forester Max Siber and the breed was introduced with eight dogs at the first International Dog Show held in Winterthur. Thanks to the instigation of Professor Dr. Albert Heim, who was greatly concerned with Swiss Cattledogs and with them the Appenzeller, the Appenzeller Sennenhund Club was founded in 1906. Its purpose was to preserve and promote the breed in its natural state. With the compulsory registration of puppies in the "Appenzeller Dog Stud Book", the aim of pure breeding was begun.The original breeding territory was the Appenzell region. Today the breed is distributed all over Switzerland and beyond its borders and bred in many European countries. The notion "Appenzeller Sennenhund" is clearly outlined nowadays and the breed, as such, quite distinct from other Swiss Cattledogs. Although the Appenzeller Sennenhund has found many admirers, the breeding stock is still very small. It is only by responsible and careful breeding that it will be possible to establish and consolidate its natural and outstanding hereditary qualities.
Physical Description & Size
The Appenzeller 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.Height ranges from 22-23 inches (56-58.5 cm.) with males and 18-20 inches (46-50 cm.) for females. The average weight of an Appenzeller is appox. 49-70 pounds (22-32 kg.).
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. Dog Care (exercise, grooming, diet)
The Appenzell Mountain Dog is not recommended for apartment life or life in a busy urban environment or in the suburbs. They prefer to live outdoors and closely bonds with its
territory. An Appenzeller 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. 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.
Health Issues & Life Expectancy
The Appenzell is a fairly healthy breed. Their average life expectancy is 12 - 13 years.Additional Resources
Appenzell Mountain Dog Pedigree DatabaseAppenzell Mountain Dog Club of America
Latest page update: made by *Laney*
, Apr 22 2008, 4:33 PM EDT
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About This Update
Edited by *Laney*
16 words added
2 images added
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- complete history)
Edited by *Laney*
16 words added
2 images added
view changes
- complete history)
Keyword tags:
Appenzell
dog breeds
mountain dog
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