APPENZELL MOUNTAIN DOG

Description:

Also known as the Appenzeller Sennenhund and Appenzell Cattle Dog. Of the four regional Alpine breeds, the Appenzell Mountain Dog is the least known and extremely rare outside its homeland. This breed was developed in Switzerland in order to protect the herd, to overtake cattle, rescue people and carry loads. Appenzell Mountain Dog has completely preserved their ancestral working qualities. This breed is very rare, therefore very expensive.

Height: 18-23 inches  Weight: 48-70 pounds  Lifespan: 12-14 years

Characteristics:

The Appenzell Mountain Dog is a medium-sized Mountain Dog. This is a muscular, athletic and strong animal that has great endurance and agility. This breed is truly versatile, hardworking and useful. Comparable Breed: Entlebucher Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.

Character:

The Appenzell Mountain Dog is not suitable for dog breeders with no previous experience. These dogs are very loyal and devoted companions, they are hardy, brave and affectionate. The Appenzell Mountain Dog is good with children and gets along with other dogs and pets. They are rather unsure of strangers and overprotective of their family. The Appenzell gets very bored lonely if left alone for a long time, it can even show destructive behavior.

Coat / Care:

The Appenzell Mountain Dog is covered with a double-layered coat. The outer layer is short, thick and glossy, and underneath is located soft and dense undercoat. This breed sheds a lot and needs to be regularly groomed with a stiff brush, in order to remove the excess hair. Also, be sure to constantly check the dog’s ears and the pads of her paws, cleaning them from dirt. Bathe your dog need only if necessary.

Health Problems:

The Appenzell Mountain Dog is a fairly healthy breed, but like any other breed, genetic health issues are common in Appenzeller Mountain Dogs today because of unwise breeding practices. The Appenzell Mountain Dog has a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.

Weight / Height

The male Appenzell Mountain Dog dog breed’s height is around 22 – 23 inches and weighs around 55 and 70 pounds. Female Appenzell Mountain Dog dogs can reach a size from 18 – 20 inches and weighs between 49 and 65 pounds. Male dogs are generally larger than females.

Training:

Early socialization and obedience training are of key importance. The Appenzell Mountain Dog is very clever but needs a dominant owner. Oppressive or harsh methods are useless. Education should be based on persistence, respect, fairness and consistency.

Activity:

The Appenzell Mountain Dog is not suitable for living in a city apartment. Dogs of this breed need constant exercise and headwork. Ultimately, it does best when it can live on a farm where it has room to run.

Photo Credit: localpups/Flickr