The Appenzeller Sennenhund is a hard-working herding dog that can easily compete with the Border Collie. This beautiful animal from the Appenzeller region of Switzerland is a typical working dog, but is also suitable as a family dog. An active dog lover will find the intelligent animal to be the perfect companion.
Content: Appenzeller Sennenhund
Appenzeller Sennenhund - Profile
- Character: Lively, spirited, self-confident and fearless
- Size: Medium
- Height: 50-56cm
- Weight: 22-32 kg
- Life expectancy: 12-14 years
- Coat type: short hair, firm stock hair
- Colour: Basic colour black or Havana brown with as symmetrical as possible white and reddish brown markings
- FCI Group: Pinscher – Molosser – Swiss Mountain Dogs
Appenzeller Sennenhund - Special characteristics
The Appenzeller Sennenhund is an active working dog. He prefers to live in an environment where he can take on tasks. Bred as a guard and herding dog, he is the perfect four-legged helper on a farm or a house with a garden. The dog is characterized by exceptional intelligence and is very willing to learn. If he has enjoyed a good school, he is a very reliable and predictable companion with a lot of temperament.
The Appenzeller is also particularly well suited as a watchdog! The distinctive, high-pitched bark immediately alerts everyone to intruders. The dog is not prone to aggressive behavior and is therefore definitely not one of the dangerous dog breeds. Quite the opposite! The Appenzeller not only gets along well with other dogs, it also fits well into a family context. However, you should take into account that the Swiss dog needs enough exercise and activity. An Appenzeller needs to be actively occupied for several hours every day and is certainly not an animal for a couch potato!
The Appenzeller is a dog with an almost square build and a muscular and well-proportioned body. The medium-sized animals are quite slim and have triangular ears. The coat pattern of the Sennenhunds is particularly beautiful. Appenzellers have symmetrical white and reddish-brown markings on a black or brown base color. This creates a really beautiful appearance that is very characteristic of these dogs.
Appenzeller Sennenhund - What should be considered regarding nutrition?
A diet with a high meat content is best for the Appenzeller Sennenhund. A large amount of fruit and vegetables should also be fed. Bernese Mountain Dogs can be fed both wet and dry food. BARF , feeding high-quality raw meat and vegetables, has now become popular with Swiss farm dogs. A balanced diet that is based on the dog's age, weight and activity level is important. Obesity should be avoided in any case in order to prevent health problems. It is also important to ensure that dogs do not receive too much protein while they are growing. This can lead to rapid growth and cause problems with muscle and bone structure.
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Appenzeller Sennenhunde - Health and Care
The care of the Appenzeller Sennenhund is essentially limited to occasional brushing. Apart from that, the four-legged friend is very easy to care for. However, regular checks of the ears, eyes, claws and teeth are recommended. Appropriate chews are advisable for preventative dental care. The dogs do not usually need a bath. However, stubborn dirt can be removed with a mild shampoo.
The most important thing for the Appenzellers is an appropriate exercise program for the dogs. As working animals, they are used to covering long distances every day and therefore need a lot of exercise! Aside from the long daily walks, it is essential to incorporate regular exercise sessions such as jogging or cycling. The dogs are not really suitable for keeping in urban areas.
The Appenzeller Sennenhunds are otherwise considered to be robust dogs. A balanced diet can support the vitality of these four-legged friends.
Appenzeller Sennenhund - The right accessories
The following basic equipment is the most important for keeping an Appenzeller Sennenhund: water and food bowls , a dog basket, leash, harness or collar and a first aid kit for dogs. You also need a good brush, preferably made of natural bristles. If you live in a snowy area, find out about dog sleds and get a suitable harness. This will bring great joy to both you and your dog!
Every now and then you should give your loyal companion a toy to stop him from playing with things he shouldn't. You wouldn't be the first dog owner to have nothing but chewed shoes in his closet.
Appenzeller Sennenhunde - Origin & History
The Appenzeller Sennenhunds, as their name suggests, come from the Appenzell region in Switzerland. The exact origin of the animals is not clear. However, one origin is seen in Roman war dogs. As early as 1853, the book “Animal Life in the Alpine World” describes the Sennenhunds as herding and guard dogs. Towards the end of the 19th century, forester Max Sieber championed the breed and began breeding Appenzeller Sennenhunds with the help of funding from the canton of St. Gallen. A commission was formed and a breed standard established. In 1906, at the suggestion of Prof. Albert Heim, an Appenzeller Sennenhund Club was founded to further consolidate the breed and promote its natural characteristics. His official breed standard gave rise to the now well-known “Appenzeller Sennenhund” breed, which has since spread to many countries and is widely appreciated. Despite this, the breeding base is still small. Overall, however, the dogs are considered to be a very robust and clearly defined breed with outstanding genetic makeup.
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