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Appenzeller Sennenhund Facts
- Group
- Working
- Affiliations
- UKC, AKC
- Height
- 19" - 23" (48 - 58cm)
- Weight
- 50 - 70lbs (22.6 - 31.7kg)
- Lifespan
- 10 years | Add yours
- Exercise Requirement
- Training Requirement
- Grooming Requirement
- Colors
- Breed Characteristics
Alternate Names
The Appenzeller Sennenhund is also known as Appenzell Mountain dog, Appenzeller, or Appenzeller cattle dog.
Origin
The Appenzeller Sennenhund breed originated in Switzerland.
Date Of Origin
The modern Appenzeller Sennenhund originated in the early 1900's, but the exact date is unknown.
History
It is said that the Appenzeller Sennenhund descends from ancient warrior Mastiffs left by roman soldiers as they passed through Appenzell, Switzerland over 2000 years ago. The Appenzeller Sennenhund was developed by the crossing of the Roman Mastiffs with the local Swiss working dogs during the time of the Roman invasion and conquest of Europe. Some Spitz influence is also suspected in the heritage of the Appenzeller, reflected by the carrying of the tail curled over the back, in its high energy level and watchfulness, and a more refined head and body than those of the other three Sennenhunds.
In the 1800's, Appenzeller Sennenhund numbers diminished and although it was saved from extinction, the breed is rarely seen outside Switzerland. The Swiss have worked to preserve the breed since the early 19th century.
Description
The Appenzeller Sennenhund is a large, powerful, square-built dog with a broad head; strong muzzle; small, brown eyes; a black nose and small to medium sized drop ears. The short smooth coat is tri-color with black or brown at the base, and tan and white markings.
Temperament
The Appenzeller Sennenhund is known to be confident, affectionate, highly trainable, and cheerful. He is warm and attentive to family, but weary of strangers - making him an effective watchdog. Early socialization and training is important to this working breed.
The Appenzeller Sennenhund is an active working breed that needs daily exercise. Long daily walks will keep your dog entertained. While puppies tend to be playful, some adult Appenzeller Sennenhunds are too serious for games.
Uses
In the middle ages, the Appenzeller Sennenhund was used for hauling products to town on market days. It is an excellent herding dog, willing to gather sheep, cattle, or goats. The Appenzeller Sennenhund also makes for an efficient guard that uses his size, strength, and bark to warn off potential predators or intruders. Today, the Appenzeller Sennenhund continues to work as an all-around farm dog and home guardian.
Health Concerns
Potential health issues for the Appenzeller Sennenhund include ectropion, entropion, hip dysplasia.
Additional Information
The Appenzeller Sennenhund does best with an active individual or family and a lot of room to run. This is not a city dog and will thrive in a large suburban lot or farm type setting.Since they are easy to train, the Appenzeller Sennenhund is a good choice for canine sports such as obedience, herding trials, agility trials, and carting.
Grooming the Appenzeller Sennenhund is not difficult and requires only brushing - about every 2 weeks - along with a steady bathing routine.
Sources
The New Encyclopedia of the Dog
Publisher: Dorling Kindersley Publishing, 2000
Website: http://www.dk.com
Author: Bruce Fogle
Dog Bible
Publisher: BowTie Press, 2005
Website: http://www.bowtiepress.com/bowtie/
Authors: Kristin Meuh-Roe, Jarelle S. Stein
The Howell Book Of Dogs
Publisher: Wiley Publishing Inc, 2007
Website: http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/
Author: Liz Palika
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