Appenzeller Sennenhund
Also Called: Appenzeller Cattle Dog Appenzell Cattle Dog Appenzell Mountain Dog Appenzeller Mountain Dog
| Affection Level | Cuddly |
|---|---|
| Friendliness | High |
| Kid Friendly | High |
| Pet Friendly | High |
| Exercise Needs | Moderate |
| Playfulness | High |
| Energy Level | High |
| Trainability | Easy |
| Intelligence | High |
| Tendency To Bark | Low |
| Amount Of Shedding | Medium |
The Appenzeller Sennenhund is a Herding dog breed native to Switzerland and is the smallest of the four Swiss Sennenhund breeds. They are compact and well-muscled, also possessing an intelligent and alert personality. The Appenzeller is a highly versatile breed, being used for herding, tracking, as a draft animal and search and rescue.
Breed Overview
- Group: Herding Dog
- Life Span: 10-12 years
- Height: Medium
- Weight: 25-50 lbs
- Coat: Dense and thick double coat
- Coat Colors: Black,White
- Litter Size: 2-8 puppies
- Family: Herding Dog
- Hypoallergenic: false
- Recognition: AKC, UKC
- Size: Medium
Training and Care
Appenzeller Sennenhunds are relatively easy to train, having very good problem solving skills, but they can still learn some bad habits from lack of obedience training. As with most active herding breeds, Appenzeller Sennenhunds require plenty of exercise to stay healthy and prevent behavioral issues from being bored. Proper socialization with other animals and people is also important.
Diet and Nutrition
The Appenzeller Sennenhund should be fed a high-quality diet with all-natural, nutritious ingredients. It is important to provide your pup with the protein and carbohydrates they need for energy, as well as healthy fats for joint health and skin and coat. Feeding your Appenzeller according to their age, weight, and activity level is recommended.
Health Problems
The Appenzeller Sennenhund is generally a healthy breed with few serious genetic health concerns. However, there are still a few common and potential health issues that owners should be aware of. These include hip dysplasia, eye problems, and skin allergies.
Breed History
The Appenzeller Sennenhund is a centuries old herding dog breed originating in Switzerland. They were originally used by farmers and shepherds to herd cattle, guard livestock, and protected their homes. The Appenzeller was nearly extinct after World War II, but slowly made a comeback in the 1980s.
