Mary Allen
Among the externally very similar mountain dogs, the Appenzell Mountain Dog is the sportiest with its post-horn tail. The bright farmer’s dog no longer just looks after cattle in the Alps but is popular all over the world as a watchdog and family dog. In a brief overview of the breed, you will find out how you can organize a varied everyday life for the agile miniature version of the Bernese Mountain Dog.
Appearance Characteristics of the Nimble Appenzeller Sennenhund
In terms of their appearance, Appenzeller Sennenhunds resemble the three other Sennenhund breeds in many respects. With an average height at the withers of 52 to 56 cm for males and 50 to 54 cm for females, they are larger than Entlebuch Mountain Dogs but smaller than the shaggy Bernese Mountain Dogs and Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs.
The Appenzeller in detail: Typical mountain dog
- As with all mountain dogs, the head of the Appenzeller is broad and tapers relatively sharply towards the snout. The forehead is very flat and the stop is hardly pronounced. The dogs wear light brown or rusty brown markings on the eyebrows.
- The eyes are relatively small and set wide apart. The iris should be as dark as possible, with Havana brown Appenzellers having lighter brown noses and amber eyes.
- If the forward floppy ears are raised, the head appears almost triangular. The ears are medium-sized and moderately pointed.
- The back and loins are strong and relatively short, giving the dog a square and compact appearance. The profile line on the belly is quite straight and the chest is not as deep as in larger mountain dogs. The fur on the strong body is shorter and harder than that of Bernese Mountain Dogs.
- The front and rear legs are significantly longer than the Entlebucher Sennenhund. Typical of the breed is the obtuse angulation of the hocks.
- The tail is usually carried high and curled up, which is why it is also called the post horn in Switzerland. The hair grows a little longer on the underside.
The coat color of mountain dogs
- All of today’s mountain dog breeds are characterized by their three-colored coat with a black or Havana brown base color.
- White markings are permitted on the forehead, muzzle, chin, throat, neck, paws, and tip of the tail. Some dogs wear a thin collar or half-collar.
- Brown smut is visible on the transitions between white and dark fur, as well as on the cheeks and eyebrows.
The History of Mountain Dogs Briefly Explained
Like all of today’s mountain dogs, the Appenzeller has only been specifically bred since the beginning of the 20th century. As farm dogs, they are still used today in the Swiss Alps for herding cattle, as livestock guardian dogs, or as guard dogs on rural farms and in urban areas. The animals are also increasingly being used as service dogs and service dogs: some breeders train the dogs as puppies to become guide dogs or tracking dogs. They only differ from the other mountain dog breeds in terms of their size and cost structure; in addition, brown is approved as the basic color for breeding.
Overview of modern mountain dog breeds
- Large Welder Mountain Dog (larger than 60 cm)
- Bernese Mountain Dog (withers 58 to 70 cm, long topcoat)
- Appenzeller Sennenhund (withers 50 to 56 cm, tail is carried rolled up)
- Entlebucher Sennenhund (short legs and long body, withers up to 52 cm)
Mountain Dogs: A breed with a long history
The Alps were settled early on and played an important role in the development of Europe for many peoples. Farm dogs have been used here since ancient times. The dogs received their typical features through cross-breeding with Roman Molossians, who drove cattle from the south across the Alps. Up until the 19th century, there were all kinds of alpine shepherd dogs – when it came to breeding, the dogs’ fitness for work and general health played a greater role than their looks. Most modern herding dogs carry the genes of the original Swiss Mountain Dogs in their blood, as breeders wanted to improve their breeds’ ability to learn and work.
Nature and Character of the Appenzeller Sennenhund
An Appenzeller Sennenhund is not for couch potatoes and cozy city dwellers. The dogs need clear tasks in everyday life – if they are not challenged enough, they will look for activities that they think make sense. This often ends in chaos and can be very tiring for strong, barking dogs. If you want to get an Appenzell without a job as a service dog, you need a good training plan and, ideally, several caregivers in the household so that the dog can always demand attention.
The many talents of the Appenzeller Sennenhund
- They remember commands after just a few repetitions and are absolutely reliable in their execution.
- Once they have understood a prohibition, they usually strictly adhere to it.
- Capable guide and diabetic dogs or everyday helpers for physically handicapped people.
In view of the return of the wolf in Germany, the dogs are again being used more frequently for herd protection. - They also adeptly round up scattered cattle and large herds.
- As guard dogs, they don’t take bribes from strangers.
- The dogs can easily empathize with people and react strongly to the emotions of their owner.
Upbringing and Keeping: Every Investment of Time is Worthwhile
If an Appenzeller lives in the family, there is always something going on: the dog easily keeps the entire household busy and develops individual rituals and gestures with each person. If he is kept as a family dog, he needs at least one hour of active sports units a day. Just going for a walk is not enough for the dogs. If everyday life is made too monotonous, the dogs quickly become unhappy and lethargic.
Principles for Service Dogs
Appenzell Mountain Dogs are used in the military, in nursing, and in ski rescue. If an Appenzeller is to be trained as a guide dog, it must be prepared bit by bit during the imprinting phase after the fourth week of life. There are special aptitude tests for each area of work that dogs have to pass before they can be used in public service. If you would like to offer your dog some variety, carry out an official protection dog or service dog training with him. This is not only fun but also useful.