Other names: Appenzeller, Appenzeller Cattle Dog &Appenzeller Mountain Dog.

The Appenzeller Sennenhund is a medium-sized breed of dog, one of the four regional breeds of Sennenhund-type dogs from the Swiss Alps. The name Sennenhund refers to people called Senn, herders in the Appenzell region of Switzerland.

Appearance

The Appenzeller Sennenhund is a medium-sized dog, 18.5-23 ins. at the withers and weighing 49-71 lbs. Like the other Sennenhunds, the Appenzeller Sennenhund has a heavy, molosser-like build and a distinctive tricolour coat. The breed’s ears are small and triangular, set high and hanging down against the dog’s cheeks, similar to a button ear. Faults in the breed’s appearance include walleye, kinked tail, a single coat, and a coat that is not tricolour.

Four breeds of Sennenhund

The four breeds of Sennenhund, with the original breed name followed by the most popular English version of the breed name.

1. Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

2.Berner Sennenhund, Bernese Mountain Dog

3.Appenzeller Sennenhund, Appenzeller Mountain Dog

4.Entlebucher Sennenhund, Entlebucher Mountain Dog

History

An early reference to the breed’s predecessors was made in an 1853 book, Tierleben der Alpenwelt (Animal Life in the Alps), referring to dogs in the Appenzell region. The Appenzeller Sennenhund was only recognised internationally as a separate breed in 1989.

The Appenzeller Sennenhund was originally kept primarily as a cattle-herding dog and a flock guardian. appenzeller sennenhund was also used as a draft dog and general farm dog. The appenzeller sennenhund breed also was known for its affinity to both herd and guard with such devotion that they would give their lives to protect their charges. Today, the breed is primarily kept as companions and excels in agility/flyball competitions, obedience competitions, and Schutzhund. They are also still used in many places as working cattle dogs even now. appenzeller sennenhund are highly intelligent and learn quickly.