Appenzeller Sennenhund dog

The Appenzeller Sennenhund is one of the farm dogs that are probably as old as the colonization of Switzerland. The dogs here have developed together with the local rural economy and have become, together with their people, what they are today. Nimble, fast, agile and intelligent, they were the ideal, incorruptible guardians and drivers of cattle.

The first breed characteristics were established in 1898, and a club for the promotion and propagation of this breed was founded in 1906. Even so, the breed is not very wide spread and is now considered to be one of the endangered breeds, to the point that the Rara Foundation has adopted them. The farmers in the Appenzell region and the surrounding mountain cantons still consider their dogs in terms of their usefulness to drive rather than seeking breed-induced beauty.

Description

This well-proportioned dog has a tricolor coat of brown and black fur with symmetrical white markings, which is easy to maintain. The fur can also have a base color of Havana brown. The males can be 52 cm to 56 cm tall, females between 50 cm and 54 cm. A weight standard has not been made clear. The tail of the Appenzell mountain dog is curled.

Use

The Appenzeller Sennenhund is suitable for herding and driving of cattle; each animal knows its flock, making it similar to its relative, the Entlebucher Sennenhund.

This brave and agile dog can round up 200 animals scattered over wide areas. It is weather beaten, intelligent and vigilant, and therefore a good guard dog and is also suitable as an avalanche dog. Appenzeller Sennenhund has recently been trained with great success for use as a guide dog.

Nature and attitude

The Appenzeller Sennenhund is in character rather carefree. He is loyal to his master and family, with which he lives. When purchasing such a dog, one should remember that he mostly needs a job and loves freedom of movement. Living with one Appenzeller Sennenhund is simple, but to be properly humane, it is really only possible if one has a large amount of land.

He gets along great with children and is generally good with other dogs. As an attentive watchdog, the Appenzeller Sennenhund barks gladly and loudly, but he is not the usual “barker”. Its light body is striking for its breed.

He has a good grasp, is very capable and willing to learn and master a task. It quickly becomes obedient, if properly regarded. The education of the Appenzeller is relatively uncomplicated because of his empathy when it comes to facial expressions and gestures of his master, but rigor is very beneficial.