The Appenzell Mountain Dog, also known as the Appenzell Sennedhunde and the Appenzell Cattle Dog, is a medium-sized dog that was developed in the Swiss Alps for herding and guarding livestock. Today, the Appenzell is an intelligent and gentle dog that serves many purposes including being a great family pet. The Appenzell Mountain Dog is the rarest breed among the Sennedhunde breeds, which include the Bernese Mountain Dog, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Appenzell. It is thought that the Appenzell Mountain Dog resulted from crosses with dogs that were brought to the Swiss Alps by Romans in the 1800s. These early Appenzells were used by the people of the Swiss Alps for herding, guarding and overall general farm work. The breed was officially recognized in 1897, and the Appenzell Mountain Dog Club was created in 1906. An official breed standard was set eight years later in 1914.
Appenzell Mountain Dogs can grow to anywhere between 50 and 70 pounds full grown. They have short tri-colored coats of black, rust and white, and long tails with a white tip. Their eyes are typically light to dark brown, and their ears hang down to about the middle of their cheeks.
Personality
If you are looking for an active and brave dog that can also be gentle and loving, you may want to choose an Appenzell Mountain Dog. While these attractive dogs were once used strictly for herding and guarding purposes, today they make all-around great family pets. While these dogs are quite brave and tough, they are also extremely intelligent and affectionate. They get along well with children and other animals making them fantastic family pets. These dogs love the outdoors and excel in such activities as obedience, agility and herding trials.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 12 - 14 years |
| Nicknames: | The Appenzell Sennedhunde and the Appenzell Cattle Dog |
Appenzell Mountain Dog Build Information
Appenzell Mountain Dogs can grow to anywhere between 50 and 70 pounds full grown. They have short tri-colored coats of black, rust and white, and long tails with a white tip. Their eyes are typically light to dark brown, and their ears hang down to about the middle of their cheeks.
| Size: | Medium |
Behaviour and Personality
If you are looking for an active and brave dog that can also be gentle and loving, you may want to choose an Appenzell Mountain Dog. While these attractive dogs were once used strictly for herding and guarding purposes, today they make all-around great family pets. While these dogs are quite brave and tough, they are also extremely intelligent and affectionate. They get along well with children and other animals making them fantastic family pets. These dogs love the outdoors and excel in such activities as obedience, agility and herding trials.
| Activity Level: | Active |
| Affection Level: | Very affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Very kid friendly |
Appearance
Appenzell Mountain Dogs require very little maintenance other than an occasional brushing and bathing. However, you will want to check its nails regularly and clip them with a pliers-type nail clipper when they get long. When clipping the nails, make sure you do not cut into the quick, which is a small vein running down into each nail.
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
Appenzell Mountain Dog Common Health Conditions
Appenzells are quite hardy, and healthy dogs of this breed can live up to 14 years or longer. However, due to its breed type, you may want to be on the look-out for such problems as hip dysplasia, eye disorders and epilepsy.
Appenzell Mountain Dog Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
"Many Appenzells have been known to live as long as 17 years old. It is thought that the first Appenzells were brought to the U.S. in 1950. The Appenzell Mountain Dog gets its name from the Appenzell region of Switzerland. Sennedhunde is Swiss for ""Cattle Dog""."
| Training: | Hard to train |