Dog Breeds - Appenzeller Sennenhund

Appenzeller Sennenhund

ATTRIBUTES: Versatile, Agile, Lively

GROUP: Foundation Stock Service

ACIVITY LEVEL: Needs Lots Of Activity

BARKING LEVEL: Frequent

COAT TYPE: Smooth, Double

COAT LENGTH: Short

SHADDING: Regularly

SIZE: Medium

TRAINABILITY: May Be Stubborn

CHARACTERISTIC: Best Guard Dogs, Largest Dog Breeds, Medium Dog Breeds

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection a breed is expected to show towards its family members and familiar acquaintances varies greatly. Certain breeds may appear distant from everyone except their owner whereas others demonstrate friendliness towards everyone they are acquainted with, treating them as their closest companions.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
The extent to which a breed can tolerate and be patient with children's behavior as well as its overall family-friendly nature can differ significantly. It is important to supervise dogs around young children or children of any age who have limited experience with dogs.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The overall friendliness of a breed towards other dogs can vary. While it is essential to supervise dogs during interactions and introductions with other dogs, certain breeds tend to have a natural inclination to get along well with other dogs both at home and in public.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The amount of fur and hair a breed is expected to shed can vary significantly. Breeds that have high shedding tendencies will generally require more frequent brushing to manage the shedding and they may also be more likely to trigger allergies associated with pet dander. Additionally, homes with high-shedding breeds may require more consistent vacuuming and lint-rolling to keep up with the amount of fur left behind.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
The grooming needs of a breed can vary in terms of bathing, brushing, trimming, and other coat maintenance tasks. It's important to consider the amount of time, patience, and budget you can allocate for grooming when choosing a breed. While all breeds require regular nail trimming some may require more frequent bathing, brushing, and trimming compared to others. It's essential to research and understand the specific grooming requirements of the breed you are considering to ensure you can meet its needs.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
The tendency for a breed to drool can vary significantly. If you have a preference for cleanliness and dislike excessive drooling, it may be important to consider breeds that are not prone to excessive drooling. Some breeds are known for leaving ropes of slobber or creating large wet spots on clothes which may not be ideal for individuals who prefer a neater environment. It's crucial to research the drooling tendencies of specific breeds before making a decision.
COAT TYPE +
Smooth, Double
COAT LENGTH +
Short

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
The level of welcome a breed extends towards strangers can vary. Certain breeds may be naturally reserved or cautious around all strangers, regardless of the setting. On the other hand, some breeds are generally more open and enthusiastic when it comes to meeting new people. It is important to consider the temperament and social tendencies of specific breeds in order to match them with your preferences and the environment in which they will be living.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
The enthusiasm for play in a breed can vary, even past the puppyhood stage. Some breeds will continue to have a strong desire to play games like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years. These breeds tend to be more energetic and enjoy engaging in playful activities. On the other hand, some breeds may be content with more relaxed activities and prefer to spend their time relaxing on the couch with their owners. Understanding a breed's inclination for playfulness can help you choose a dog that aligns with your own energy level and preferences for playtime.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
Certain breeds have a natural tendency to alert their owners when strangers are present. They are more likely to react to any potential threat such as the arrival of the mailman or the sighting of a squirrel outside the window. However, it's important to note that these breeds can also warm up to strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family. Their alertness serves as a protective instinct and does not necessarily imply aggression or unfriendliness towards strangers.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
The adaptability of a breed to handle changes in various aspects of life can vary. Some breeds are known for being more adaptable and flexible when it comes to changes in living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily schedule, and other variations in day-to-day life. These breeds tend to adjust well to new environments and experiences.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
The ease of training and willingness to learn in a breed can significantly vary. Some breeds are known for their high trainability and eagerness to please their owners. These breeds are generally more willing to learn and follow commands to make their owners proud. On the other hand, there are breeds that tend to be more independent and may show a preference for doing things on their own terms.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
Exercise and mental stimulation requirements can vary from one breed to another. High-energy breeds are always prepared and eager for their next adventure, utilizing their time for running, jumping, and playing throughout the day. Meanwhile, low-energy breeds often exhibit similarities to couch potatoes as they find joy in simply lounging around and enjoying peaceful bouts of snoozing.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
The frequency at which this breed vocalizes whether through barking or howling can vary. While certain breeds tend to bark at every passer-by or bird they spot through a window others reserve their barking for specific situations. It is worth noting that even barkless breeds may have alternative ways of expressing themselves through various sounds.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
Determining the level of mental stimulation necessary for a particular breed to maintain optimal happiness and well-being is imperative. Dogs bred for specific purposes often possess skills that involve decision-making, problem-solving, concentration, and other valuable qualities. Without adequate mental exercise, these dogs will find ways to occupy their minds, and unfortunately their chosen activities may not align with your preferences.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The level of affection a breed is expected to show towards its family members and familiar acquaintances varies greatly. Certain breeds may appear distant from everyone except their owner whereas others demonstrate friendliness towards everyone they are acquainted with, treating them as their closest companions.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

The extent to which a breed can tolerate and be patient with children's behavior as well as its overall family-friendly nature can differ significantly. It is important to supervise dogs around young children or children of any age who have limited experience with dogs.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

The overall friendliness of a breed towards other dogs can vary. While it is essential to supervise dogs during interactions and introductions with other dogs, certain breeds tend to have a natural inclination to get along well with other dogs both at home and in public.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

The amount of fur and hair a breed is expected to shed can vary significantly. Breeds that have high shedding tendencies will generally require more frequent brushing to manage the shedding and they may also be more likely to trigger allergies associated with pet dander. Additionally, homes with high-shedding breeds may require more consistent vacuuming and lint-rolling to keep up with the amount of fur left behind.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

The grooming needs of a breed can vary in terms of bathing, brushing, trimming, and other coat maintenance tasks. It's important to consider the amount of time, patience, and budget you can allocate for grooming when choosing a breed. While all breeds require regular nail trimming some may require more frequent bathing, brushing, and trimming compared to others. It's essential to research and understand the specific grooming requirements of the breed you are considering to ensure you can meet its needs.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

The tendency for a breed to drool can vary significantly. If you have a preference for cleanliness and dislike excessive drooling, it may be important to consider breeds that are not prone to excessive drooling. Some breeds are known for leaving ropes of slobber or creating large wet spots on clothes which may not be ideal for individuals who prefer a neater environment. It's crucial to research the drooling tendencies of specific breeds before making a decision.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Smooth, Double

COAT SPECTRUM

Short

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

The level of welcome a breed extends towards strangers can vary. Certain breeds may be naturally reserved or cautious around all strangers, regardless of the setting. On the other hand, some breeds are generally more open and enthusiastic when it comes to meeting new people. It is important to consider the temperament and social tendencies of specific breeds in order to match them with your preferences and the environment in which they will be living.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

The enthusiasm for play in a breed can vary, even past the puppyhood stage. Some breeds will continue to have a strong desire to play games like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years. These breeds tend to be more energetic and enjoy engaging in playful activities. On the other hand, some breeds may be content with more relaxed activities and prefer to spend their time relaxing on the couch with their owners. Understanding a breed's inclination for playfulness can help you choose a dog that aligns with your own energy level and preferences for playtime.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

Certain breeds have a natural tendency to alert their owners when strangers are present. They are more likely to react to any potential threat such as the arrival of the mailman or the sighting of a squirrel outside the window. However, it's important to note that these breeds can also warm up to strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family. Their alertness serves as a protective instinct and does not necessarily imply aggression or unfriendliness towards strangers.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

The adaptability of a breed to handle changes in various aspects of life can vary. Some breeds are known for being more adaptable and flexible when it comes to changes in living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily schedule, and other variations in day-to-day life. These breeds tend to adjust well to new environments and experiences.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

The ease of training and willingness to learn in a breed can significantly vary. Some breeds are known for their high trainability and eagerness to please their owners. These breeds are generally more willing to learn and follow commands to make their owners proud. On the other hand, there are breeds that tend to be more independent and may show a preference for doing things on their own terms.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

Exercise and mental stimulation requirements can vary from one breed to another. High-energy breeds are always prepared and eager for their next adventure, utilizing their time for running, jumping, and playing throughout the day. Meanwhile, low-energy breeds often exhibit similarities to couch potatoes as they find joy in simply lounging around and enjoying peaceful bouts of snoozing.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Frequent

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

Determining the level of mental stimulation necessary for a particular breed to maintain optimal happiness and well-being is imperative. Dogs bred for specific purposes often possess skills that involve decision-making, problem-solving, concentration, and other valuable qualities. Without adequate mental exercise, these dogs will find ways to occupy their minds, and unfortunately their chosen activities may not align with your preferences.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
Black Brown & White	022

PATTERNS

About The Breed

The Appenzeller Sennenhund is a well-proportioned, medium-sized herding breed with a tri-color coat. This agile and muscular dog is highly versatile and excels in various roles such as driving, guarding, watching, herding, and even as a farm dog. Known by alternative names like Appenzeller Mountain Dog or Appenzell Cattle Dog this breed showcases a lively and self-assured nature. With its reliability and fearlessness the Appenzeller Sennenhund serves as an excellent watchdog that cannot be easily swayed by bribery. Their intelligence also enables them to be adept learners. However, due to their exercise requirements and lively disposition they are not well-suited for apartment living.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Appenzeller Sennenhund: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	The Appenzeller is generally a healthy breed, with only a few common health issues. These dogs often have a life expectancy ranging from 13 to 15 years, although it is not uncommon for them to surpass that and live even longer enjoying a robust and fulfilling life. Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association: Hip Evaluation Elbow Evaluatio

Grooming

	The Appenzeller boasts a dense double coat. The outer coat is firm, shiny, and thick, while the undercoat is also thick and can come in black, brown, or gray. It is advisable to brush your Appenzeller on a weekly basis using a firm brush to eliminate loose and dead hair. Additionally, it is important to inspect the ears regularly, ensuring there is no accumulation of dirt or foreign objects. If you live in an area known for ticks it is crucial to check your dog's ears and coat thoroughly after outdoor walks.

Exercise

	The Appenzeller is a herding and working breed known for its abundant energy levels. These dogs possess high intelligence and require a sense of purpose or job to fulfill. Early socialization is essential and training from a young age plays a crucial role in their development. Due to their strong and powerful nature along with impressive speed Appenzellers need ample space to run freely. They are not well-suited for busy urban environments or suburbs unless provided with plenty of activity. This breed does not thrive in kennels and generally prefers to be outdoors where their strong herding and guarding instincts come into play. Their bond with the territory they consider their own and their loyalty to their owners help prevent them from running off.

Training

	The Appenzeller is a dog with a lively and high-spirited nature known for its reliability and capability. Early socialization and obedience training during puppyhood are absolutely vital for their development. With their high intelligence they require a fair yet firm leader in their owner/trainer. Harsh or rough handling does not work well with this breed but consistent and respectful training is key. The Appenzeller is naturally watchful and protective of their territory, home, and loved ones. Proper socialization is crucial involving exposure to various people, dogs, and animals, as well as different environments and situations. While not suitable for inexperienced or first-time dog owners, a well-trained Appenzeller can be a loyal and affectionate companion. Providing them with a job to do and demonstrating good leadership will help ensure their loyalty and contentment.

Nutrition

	The Appenzeller Sennenhund generally thrives on high-quality dog food whether it is commercially manufactured or prepared at home under the supervision and approval of a veterinarian. It is important to select a diet that is suitable for the dog's specific life stage, including puppy, adult, or senior. Some Appenzellers have a tendency to gain weight, so it is crucial to monitor their calorie intake and maintain a healthy weight. Treats can be beneficial for training, but overindulgence can lead to obesity. It is advisable to educate yourself about which human foods are safe for dogs and which should be avoided. If you have any concerns about your dog's weight or diet, consulting with a veterinarian is recommended. Access to clean and fresh water should always be available to the Appenzeller Sennenhund.

Historiography

The Appenzeller Sennenhund, originally known as the Appenzell Cattle Dog, was first described in 1853 as a high-pitched barking, short-haired multi-colored dog of the Spitz type. It was primarily used for herding cattle and guarding homesteads in the Appenzell region of Switzerland. Thanks to the efforts of Max Siber, a breed promoter, the Appenzeller was recognized as a distinct breed by the Swiss Cynological Society in 1898.

The Appenzeller Sennenhund Club was founded in 1906 by Professor Dr. Albert Heim, a passionate enthusiast of Swiss Cattle Dogs with the goal of promoting and preserving the breed. Dr. Heim established the first official breed standard in 1914 along with the compulsory registration of puppies in the Appenzeller Dog Stud Book.

Presently, the Appenzeller Sennenhund can be found throughout Switzerland and other parts of Europe. Although still considered a rare breed their numbers are gradually increasing in North America as well. However, the breeding stock of Appenzellers remains relatively small, necessitating careful and responsible breeding practices to establish and solidify their exceptional hereditary qualities.