General Information

Dog NameAppenzeller Sennenhund
Other NamesAppenzeller Mountain Dog
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypeSennenhund
GroupHerding
ExtinctNo
Country of OriginSwitzerland

Physical And Size

Min Life Span12
Max Life Span15
Min Ideal Weight for male21
Max Ideal Weight for male20
Min Ideal Weight for female20
Max Ideal Weight for male20

Ranking

Intelligent Rank
Trainability
Playfulness
Affection Level
Social Needs
Barking
Watchdog Ability
Territorial
Mouthiness
Adaptability

Characterisitics

TemperamentVersatile, Agile, Fearless
Prey DriveYes
Fighting DogNo

Friendliness

Stranger FriendlyMedium
Child FriendlyHigh
Cat FriendlyLow
Apartment FriendlyLow
Senior Citizens FriendlyLow
Service DogLow
Search and Rescue DogLow
Biting PotentialMedium
Country of OriginSwitzerland
Nicknames and Other NamesAppenzeller Mountain Dog, Appenzeller,
Appenzeller Cattle Dog
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypeSennenhund
GroupHerding
Bred ForGuarding livestock and pulling carts
SizeMedium-sized
Recognized ByFCI, UKC, AKC
Life Span12-15 years
Ideal Weight48-70 pounds
Ideal Height19-22 inches
Fur TypeShort
Common ColorsBlack, Brown, and White
MarkingsNon
AvailabilityRare
AchievementsNon
Suitable for ApartmentsNo
Used in World WarNo
Most Similar ToGreat Swiss Mountain Dog

One of the rarest dog breed of Switzerland, Appenzeller Sennenhund also known as Appenzeller Mountain Dog are bold and athletic breeds. Appenzeller is happy when they are busy. They were bred to guard livestock and pulling carts in native Switzerland.

Today, Appenzeller Sennenhund Mountain dogs are known to be versatile working dogs and also great family dogs. This breed is not for the first time owners and who can’t give enough time to their pet.

Origin And History

About the history of Appenzeller Mountain dog, some were the descendant of Molossus that were crossed with the native canine breeds of Switzerland. On the other hand, it is also said that its a native breed existing early as the bronze age.

The breed was not accepted as a separate breed until 1989 but was founded in the year 1906 by Albert Heim. The job of the Mountain dog to be a herding dog and watchdogs.

Are Appenzeller Sennenhund Child Friendly?

The Appenzeller Sennenhund being a herding dog also make a good family companion. They are very gentle with children of all age and will protect them from everything. They likes playing with children since they love being busy. These mountain dogs can be the good play mates for your kids.

As with every breed, you should always teach your child when and how to approach a dog. They are less tolerant and must avoid pinching, pushing and bothering while they are eating.

Appenzeller Share A Friendly Relationship With Children.

Behavior, Temperament And Personality

Appenzeller Sennenhunds are fearless, lively, intelligent and loyal breeds. They are fiercely loyal to their family and needs companionship to be a happy and healthy dog. They are quick learners and are easy to train.

Talking about their behavior, separation anxiety is common in Appenzellers. They tend to be destructive when left alone for a long time. When forming an unshakable bond, they will literally risk their lives to protect their family. They are barking dogs which makes them aloof and quick to react if heard or seen something.

Appenzeller Sennenhund can sometimes become strong-minded minded when not provided consistent leadership. Therefore, it is very important for the owner to set boundaries, rules and limitations in an early age of the mountain dogs.

Trainability

Training is easy for Appenzellers as they are attention seeker and intelligent dogs. They thrive in training sessions when there is a confident trainer with a strong leadership. Therefore, he will not take time to rise up to an alpha attitude if sensed lack of confident in the owner. They should never be treated harshly and punished during the training session which might make them stubborn and aggressive.

Facts About Appenzeller Sennenhund

  • Appenzeller Sennenhund is nicknamed as Blass, because of the white blaze on its forehead.
  • Appenzeller Mountain dogs are used as rescue dogs in Swiss Alps.
  • Appenzeller is best suited in the rural areas where they are provided with lots of work and exercises.

Health Issues

General HealthHealthy
Common Health IssuesHip Dysplasia, Bloat, Obesity, Elbow Dysplasia
HypoallergenicNo
Vaccination RequiredRabies, Canine Distemper,
Canine Parainfluenza
Canine Parvovirus,
Leptospirosis, Kennel Cough,
Canine Coronavirus
SheddingModerate
DroolingLow
GroomingEasy and low requirement
Weight Gain PotentialAverage
Separation AnxietyModerate Chance
AllergiesNone
Diets and SupplementsProtein- 25%
Fat-15%
Antioxidant supplements

Being a mountain dog, this breed is a healthy breed not having any major health issues. Surviving in the harsh mountain climates made them a healthy dog. However, in their old age, they may become slow or develop joint pain which is common in every dog breed.

Most Common Appenzeller Sennenhund Color Patterns

  • Red Tricolor
  • Black Tricolor

Appenzeller Sennenhund Puppies

The cost of Appenzeller Sennenhund puppies is somewhere between $1200 to $1400. Appenzeller Sennenhund pregnancy lasts upto 60 days ending with maximum 6 puppies.

Which Dog Breed Are They Similar To?

Lastly, the Appenzeller mountain dogs make a good family companion as well as guard dogs. However, the temperament and personality depends upon the owner how they raised them.

Visit Doglime for more Dog Breed Information and their Behavior.

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