Appenzell Cattle Dog
- Medium
- Foundation Stock Service
The Appenzeller Sennenhund is one of Switzerland's four Sennen breeds: a lively, agile herder bred to drive cattle and guard the farm. Medium in size and sharply alert, it needs a job, room to run, and an experienced hand.
- Height
- 19.5 to 22
- inches at the shoulder
- Males 20.5 to 22, females 19.5 to 21.25 in
- Weight
- 48 to 70
- pounds, adult
- Life expectancy
- 13 to 15
- years, median 14
- Senior from
- 10.5
- years, about
Senior starts in the last quarter of a breed's expected lifespan, following the 2019 AAHA canine life stage guidelines. Individual dogs vary.
About the breed
- Temperament
- Versatile, agile, lively
- Coat
- Double, short
- Origin
- Switzerland
The Appenzeller Sennenhund is one of the four Swiss Sennen breeds, also known as the Appenzell Cattle Dog or Appenzell Mountain Dog. It is a medium-sized working dog from Switzerland, standing about 19.5 to 22 inches tall and weighing 48 to 70 pounds, with a typical lifespan of 13 to 15 years.
This is a lively, high-spirited, and self-assured breed. It is reliable and fearless, slightly suspicious of strangers, and a strong watchdog that cannot be bribed. Versatile and agile, the Appenzeller is intelligent and a capable learner.
Because of its personality and exercise needs, the breed is poorly suited to apartment living. (Pronunciation: Ap-pen-zeller Sen-inn-hund.)
Temperament and needs
Scored 1 to 5 for the breed overall. Individual dogs vary.
- Affectionate with family5 out of 5
- Good with young children3 out of 5
- Good with other dogs5 out of 5
- Openness to strangers1 out of 5
- Playfulness3 out of 5
- Watchdog and protective nature5 out of 5
- Adaptability5 out of 5
- Trainability5 out of 5
- Energy level5 out of 5
- Mental stimulation needs5 out of 5
- Barking level5 out of 5
- Shedding3 out of 5
- Grooming frequency3 out of 5
- Drooling3 out of 5
Care
The routines that matter most for this breed. Open one at a time.
Nutrition
The Appenzeller Sennenhund is generally not fussy about food and tends to eat readily. Watch weight closely, especially after neutering.
Choose food suited to the dog's life stage, and monitor calorie intake; include treats in the daily total. Learn which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not. Ask a veterinarian about weight or diet concerns, and keep fresh water available at all times.
Grooming
Appenzellers have a firm double coat. The topcoat is thick and shiny, over a thick undercoat that is black, brown, or gray.
Brush weekly with a firm brush to remove loose and dead hair. Check the ears often for dirt and foreign matter. If you live in a tick-prone area, always check the ears and coat after walks.
Exercise
The Appenzeller is a herding and working breed with high energy, and these intelligent dogs need a job to do. This is a strong, fast breed that needs plenty of room to run.
It does not thrive in a busy urban environment, or in the suburbs unless it gets lots of activity, and it is not a breed for kenneling. The Appenzeller prefers to be outside, where its strong herding and guarding instincts, along with its bond to its territory and people, keep it from running off.
Training
Early socialization and puppy obedience are crucial. Socialize the Appenzeller young with people, dogs, and other animals, and expose it to a range of surroundings and situations.
These highly intelligent dogs need a leader who is fair but firm. The breed does not respond well to harsh or hard handling, so the owner and trainer must be firm, respectful, and above all consistent. Watchful and protective of its territory, home, and people, the Appenzeller is a difficult fit for the first-time or inexperienced owner.
Give it a job and good leadership, and a well-trained Appenzeller is a loyal, loving, and content companion.
Health conditions
1 condition is documented for the Appenzell Cattle Dog.
A predisposition is not a diagnosis. Ask your vet which screenings make sense for your dog's age.
- Ectopic UreterUrinary & Reproductive
Sources
- American Kennel Club: Appenzeller Sennenhund
- Swiss Kennel Club: Appenzeller Sennenhund profile (Hund Schweiz 1/2024)
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