Today, we are going to talk about a special mountain dog breed, which is very famous for herding and working abilities. It’s a dog of the Appenzeller Sennenhund variety. Appenzeller Mountain Dog and Appenzeller Cattle Dog are their names. The three other Swiss mountain dogs that are related to them are the Greater Swiss, Entlebucher, and Bernese So, let’s research more about the Appenzeller.
History of Appenzeller Dog Breed
Appenzeller dogs have a rich history that dates back several centuries, like all other dog breeds. This dog breed is famous among Swiss herders and farmers for different tasks such as guarding livestock and herding cattle.
In the past, farmers used this dog as a working dog in Swiss farms. They were clever at various tasks, including pulling carts, herding cattle and guarding property, because of their strong work ethic and intelligence. So, this is the historical background of the appenzeller dog breed.
Standards of Appenzeller Dog
Here are some of the main standards of Appenzeller Sennenhund that are officially accepted by national and international bodies.
- Head: The head is related to the body’s balanced size.
- Eyes: Eyes are almond-shaped and brown and dark brown in color.
- Ears: Ears are triangular shaped with tips.
- Neck: Clean and Strong neck.
- Body: The body is strong and compact.
- Tail: The tail is strong and medium length.
Appenzeller Dogs’ Characteristic
Below are the main characteristics of the Appenzeller dog breed that you should know.
- Group: Herding
- Size: Medium size
- Other names: Appenzeller Cattle Dog and Appenzeller Mountain Dog
- Height: 19 to 22 inches
- Weight: 48 to 70 pounds
- Coat: Short and Smooth double coat
- Coat colour: white, Brown and Black Colour.
- Life Span: 12 to 15 years
- Temperament: Energetic, loyal and lively.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Origin: Switzerland
- Puppy Price: Between $1800- $2200
Temperament of the Appenzeller Sennenhund Dogs
The Appenzeller breed is famous for its special temperament and personality traits like intelligence, high-spiritedness, reliability, fearlessness and watchfulness. In addition to Appenzeller traits, you should know more about their special temperament issues shown below.
- Work Ethic: This dog breed is famous for working dogs historically. They are also very clever at tasks with mental and physical abilities and their job.
- Intelligent: This kind of dog is quite intelligent, which makes them receptive to instruction. So, they enjoy mental challenges and obedience training.
- Protectiveness: They are good watchdogs because of their protective instinct, and They are alert and bark to potential threats in front of their owners. They pay good attention to their surroundings and unusual or unfamiliar things.
- Friendly: They are normally friendly with people, especially children, and like to enjoy human companions.
What Are the Health Problems of Appenzeller?
During Appenzeller dogs’ life span, they have to face common health issues such as elbow and hip dysplasia, bloat, eye diseases, and more. Here is a brief overview of their certain health issues and proper answers as their owners identify these problems and take preventive measures early.
- Hip Dysplasia: One of the primary health concerns for Appenzeller dogs is this. If their hip joint does not grow properly, they will have to deal with this orthopedic problem. So, Care about this issue, especially when they are in childhood.
- Bloat: This is a disorder that can be fatal in larger breeds where the storm Avoiding vigorous exercise right after eating and feeding them smaller can prevent this health issue easily.
- Elbow Dysplasia: This health issue is the same as Hip Dysplasia. They may endure this issue if their elbow doesn’t develop correctly. So, take care of your Appenzeller dog from these orthopaedic issues.
- Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD): Young Appenzeller dogs are prone to this developmental condition, and it affects their joints. You can prevent these issues using controlled exercises and proper nutrition during growth.
- Allergies: These allergies come in two different types: food allergies and skin allergies. Due to this, they are prone to other issues like skin problems, itching, and discomfort. Providing good foods and an environment can prevent these allergies.
How Maintain a Appenzeller Dog
After adding an appenzeller dog into your family, they depend on you for various causes, including food, shelter and more. It would be excellent if you knew how to properly maintain them. So below maintenance helps you to understand it easily.
- Health: In general, Appenzeller dogs are a healthy breed. However, they may be more vulnerable to some common health problems. Therefore, regular veterinary examinations and appropriate care can maintain the general health of your dog.
- Grooming: This dog breed has a double coat, including a thick and shiny overcoat and a thick gray, black or brown undercoat. You should brush their coat using a firm brush to remove the loose hair weekly.
- Exercise: Appenzeller dogs have high exercise requirements because of their boundless energy and intelligence. So owners should provide exercises for them, mainly including early socialization and training at an early age.
- Training: This is a reliable and capable dog breed that needs a job. So, they are highly intelligent, protective, and watchful of their owner and home. Therefore, they want proper training and early socialization with the people, dogs and other animals.
Recognitions of Appenzeller Dog Breed
The following organizations and Kennel Clubs officially recognized these dogs as a dog breed.
- Swiss Kennel Club
- Federation Cynologique internationale (FCI)
- American Kennel Club (AKC)
- United Kennel Club (UKC)
How About the Price of Appenzeller Puppy
You must invest between $1800- $2200 or more to buy an appenzeller puppy. But it depends on various reasons, such as the dog’s age, location, pedigree, and breeder reputation, and it can change with time. Before buying, research and be careful about the dog’s health and well-being.
Appenzeller Sennenhund Dogs FAQ
These are the specific questions about the appenzeller breed most people ask about.
Is the Appenzeller Sennenhund a Good Family Dog?
This dog breed typically loves to spend their time with its owners. They are very friendly with the people and children. So this dog is a good choice as a good family dog in your family.
What Are the Cons of the Appenzeller Sennenhund?
Appenzeller is a high-energy mountain dog. Therefore, they want daily exercises to live healthy and well-being.
Are Appenzeller Sennenhund Rare?
This dog breed is rare, but research about them is very important because their owners can train them to do complex tasks.
Are Appenzeller Sennenhund Easy to Train?
With proper socialization and puppy obedience, owners can train them easily because they are very capable and reliable.
Conclusion
This dog breed is rare, but research about them is very important. The above details make it easy for you to know all the information about the Appenzeller Sennenhund dog breed, including history, characteristics, maintenance, health, breed standards and more.