Appenzeller Sennenhund

Also known as the Appenzeller mountain dog, the Appenzeller Sennenhund has a stocky build. Its musculature is well defined however. It has a tail that is carried almost horizontal to the body and ends in a strong curve. While males stand anywhere between 20 and 23 inches, females have a height of 18 to 20 inches. They weigh something between 22 and 32 kg. Thus, they are fairly large. The breed is one of the four Swiss mountain dog breeds and has been known for a very long time now. Understandably, health problems are very rarely seen and the breed is mostly healthy.

A house with a yard makes a perfect home for the Appenzeller Sennenhund. Apartment conditions are not suitable. Having the dog in an apartment would put extra pressure on the owner to cater to its exercise needs- daily long walks and regular exercise is of prime importance. Ignoring these physical demands can have consequences. Sedentary, confined lifestyle can take its toll on the dog’s emotional health. The dog also barks a lot, so that’s another reason apartment living is not suited to it. The average longevity of this breed is 12 to 13 years. The primary purpose that an Appenzeller Sennenhund had been used formerly was as a farm dog. To this day, it is used as a farm dog but its role has changed from that of a livestock guardian to a companion. Its origin also equips it with the required temperament that makes it a good guardian dog.

Basic caution needs to be exercised when it comes to training- the trainer must exhibit qualities of a pack-leader, something a good many breeds of dogs long for. With this in place, most of the other needs can be easily met. Training should be imparted from a very early stage and this must include socializing with other dogs.

The dog has small, pendant ears. The dog is a mastiff and since it has been around for such a long time, its origin is ambiguous- one theory says that the breed was carried across into Switzerland by the Roman and is of descended Molossus descent. Another theory claims it to be of ancient origin, back in the Bronze Age. The dog is enthusiastic and agile to the extent that it cannot rest too long.

It has a double-coat which is mostly straight haired and does not warrant a great deal of care. Only basic care is needed. Since its ancestors were involved in herding activities, the dog has a friendly disposition towards other animals. It also gels well with other dogs or household pets. These dogs have a tendency to bond well with a family and more strongly with one individual they recognize as their pack leader. An important part of the training process is to impart a strong sense of hierarchy- the dog must understand who stands where and that it comes only after humans. If this is not done, it tends to become stubborn and possibly aggressive.