Appenzeller Breed Description

An Owner's Appenzeller Description
This stout, tireless, breed lives for the next task given it to do. It loves to stay occupied. Jake is the perfect example of this breed. He's not into idle time. He'd rather be herding cattle, on active guard duty of the house or even pulling a cart around the farm. Anything that will contribute to work getting done--I guess you could say that Jake possesses a Type-A personality--results driven!

Jake has the stamina of a bull and is always eager to work throughout the day and then prefers to be on watch at night. It's only when all the lights go out and we retire to bed, will Jake finally call it quits.

If there is absolutely no work for Jake, we occupy his time with sporting events. His agility allows him to be quite competitive in most events. His demand for work and tough-guy exterior should not dilute his soft-hearted interior. Jake has a special affection for the kids and most certainly for Rebecca. Given the choice, he'll choose to be with her over anyone else. Sometimes, the choice is torture for him to make, to work or be with her. More than once he has chosen to be with Rebecca rather than to do a task and that is saying a lot about his special attachment to one individual. But, on the other hand, I can understand how he feels. I have had to make that same choice nearly everyday and more than once have I chosen to stay home with Rebecca.

Jake's intelligence gives him the ability to learn quickly and perform at the top of his class. He's won ribbon after ribbon and shows no signs of giving in to any would-be competitors. What a treasure he has turned out to be.

Introduction

Also known as Appenzeller Sennenhunde and Appenzeller Cattle Dog. Although their exact origins are unknown, it is likely that this breed descends from warrior Mastiffs left by Roman legions as they passed through Switzerland 2,000 years ago. Historically this breed was harnessed to carts and hauled items to town. They are excellent herding dogs, willing to gather cattle, sheep and goats. An efficient guard, they use their size, strength and voice to ward off potential predators. This breed is also an excellent companion dog. They are seldom seen outside Switzerland. The Appenzeller weighs 55 to 70 lbs. and stands 19-23" at the shoulders.

History

These happy-faced herders are sturdy animals bred to accomplish their tasks in the terrain of the Swiss Alps. Appenzeller Sennenhunds are expert herders and work equally well with cattle, cows, or goats. They have been used to perform all sorts of tasks, like turning grindstones. Their lineage is ancient, yet they have achieved very little fame beyond the Swiss borders, which makes them extremely rare everywhere else.

Description

All Appenzeller Sennenhunds are black, white and rust. Their face must have a rust spot above each eye, with a white blaze down the center. Other rust-colored areas on these dogs will always be surrounded by black. They are double-coated to withstand the harsh climate of the mountain regions they call home. The top hairs are short and stiff while the undercoat is soft and downy.

Colors

Black or Havana brown with symmetrical tan and white markings

Living Area

Not recommended for apartment life. They prefer to live outdoors and should have acreage where they can run free - such as a farm.

Recognized By

FCI, CKC, NKC, CKC, APRI, ACR, DRA

Pets4You offers listings of Appenzeller breeders with puppies for sale.