> Appenzeller Sennenhunde

Appenzeller Sennenhunde Breed Introduction

The Appenzeller Sennenhunde breed, also called the Appenzeller Mountain Dog breed, is known for its industriousness.  Appenzeller Sennenhundes are generally versatile and enjoy work.

The Appenzeller Sennenhunde's Behavior

Source: Wikipedia, and the Dog Breed Info Site
Recommended for: pet, working dog
The Appenzeller Sennenhunde dog breed is an old one and rare. Appenzeller Sennenhundes tend to be tough, brave, intelligent, and lively. They get along well with other animals. They are reserved when it comes to strangers but they welcome people they know. If raised properly they are good with children. Though they are close to the family, they tend to bond to one person. They learn quickly because they do not have a lazy bone in their body. They like to do something. If not working, they will actively watch over their territory and will not hesitate to bark. Appenzeller Sennenhundes do not take well to indoor environments or to confinement in kennels. The breed belongs to a farm or a rural environment, not an urban one.
Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog's actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.

The Appenzeller Sennenhunde's Physical Characteristics

Here are some of the characteristics of the Appenzeller Sennenhunde breed.  Source: "Der Hund" website, a Swiss site.

• Size: males 20 - 22 3/4 inches, females 18 3/4 - 22 inches
• Coat: doublecoat, firm, close fitting
• Color: black or havana brown with symmetrical tan and white markings
• Eyes: small, almond-shaped, not portruding, bit oblique towards nose
• Ears: set high, hanging down, triangle shape, rounded tips
• Muzzle: strong lower jaw, tapering evenly
• Nose: black for black dogs, brown for brown dogs
• Tail: set high, mid-length, thickly coated

The Appenzeller Sennenhunde's Origins and History

Source: Wikipedia, Dog Breed Info Site, and the Hund website (a Swiss website)
Country/Region of Origin: Switzerland
Original purpose: herding, guard dog, draft dog, general farm work
Name: Derived from the Appenzell region of Switzerland which is its original breeding territory. also known as Appenzeller, Appenzell Cattle Dog
Historical notes: Appenzeller Sennenhunde dogs are one of the ancient breeds of Switzerland. There are two theories as regards their origins. The first claims that they are a native breed dating back to the bronze age. The second holds that they are descended from the Molossus and were brought to the Alps by the ancient Romans. Of the four Swiss mountain dog breeds, it is the rarest. Its work ranges from herding cattle to pulling milk carts.