Appenzeller Sennenhund - description of the breed and character of the dog

Appenzeller Sennenhund is a popular breed that is in the TOP 10 most popular dogs in various countries. A distinctive feature of individuals is considered to be that they hatched without crossing, and as a result of natural selection. Dog handlers unanimously reiterate that it is ideal to keep an appenzeller not only in a private house, but also in apartment conditions. Today we will consider everything that affects the characteristics of the breed.

Historical data

In the Swiss highlands, previously there were no communication options between settlements. As a result of this, in every remote corner there was a separate breed of dog, which was required for cattle grazing, protection of agricultural enterprises and farm territories.

Individuals of the presented breed inhabited presumably in the northeastern part. Historical data is difficult to collect by chain, the first mention of dogs similar to appenzellers dates back to the end of the first century BC.

Some experts associate the origin of the breed with ancestors, alpine alpine dogs. Rottweilers and mastiffs made their contribution to the formation, their blood is also present in the Sennenhund.

Later, dog handlers compiled their data and could accurately determine when a thoroughbred breed originated. In the middle of the 19th century, dogs were mentioned in Switzerland with an unusual color, a proud physique, and voiced barking.

Later, breeder F. Shertenleib was called to the country, who set a goal - to announce dogs all over the world in order to get an international standard. He seriously engaged in breeding, separated the appenzeller from all the Sennenhund at that time. In early 1906, an amateur club of dogs of the breed was created.

Generally accepted standards

In terms of its external characteristics, the breed is similar to other representatives of shepherd dogs that were common in Switzerland. Dogs lived in mountainous areas and are ideal for such conditions.

1. This is not to say that the dogs are huge, but their physique is large, shaped and harmonious. Rather, dogs are classified as medium breeds. Bitches from 46 to 53 cm tall, males slightly larger, 50–58 cm. As for the weight category, it is 18–32 kg.
2. The head has a wedge-shaped shape, it is proportional and not sharp. The hillock on the back of the head is almost invisible, the forehead is wide and flat, does not protrude much. The arches above the eyebrows are not visible. The cheekbones are visible, they are muscular and embossed, giving the dog a special twist.
3. The muzzle is wide enough with an even nose bridge, tapering to the lobe. Scissor bite, strong, all teeth complete. One of the jaws is not allowed to extend forward. The nose of dogs is large and prominent, it has an exclusively black tone.
4. The ears are rounded at the tips, triangular in shape. If the dog is calm and indifferent, it holds its ears along the cheekbones. When the dog is interested or alert, they move forward.
5. Eyes are almond-shaped, slightly slanted, small in size. They are preferably located in front of the muzzle. The shade is dark, but if the dog has a brownish coat, it can be light brown.
6. The physique is powerful, in harmony with the limbs and head. It is muscular, proportional. If you look at the dog from the side, it may seem that it is square. This is partly true, because the length of the body of the dog is 10% greater than the height at the withers.
7. The chest is well developed, deepened. The back is straight, the withers are clearly visible. Loin short, croup slightly fallen.The stomach is picked up, there is a transition to the inguinal region. The neck is strong and muscular.
8. The tail of the dog is twisted and touched to the lower back. But if the dog is calm, there are no special requirements for the location of the tail. The limbs are smooth, muscular. Hips can be seen quite well. The whole appearance of the dog suggests that you are a real athlete.

Color and type of coat

1. Shepherd specimens must have a reliable and dense coat, which will protect the dog from harmful weather conditions. Accordingly, the presented individuals are famous for just such wool.
2. Dogs have stiff hair, which in its structure consists of two layers. Oily and dense undercoat does not leak moisture. The upper hair is adjacent to the body. A certain waviness may be observed in the neck area, but the hair on the whole body is straight.
3. The undercoat can be fawn, black or gray. If the appenzeller has single-layer wool that does not protect from weather conditions, then this will be considered a defect. The dog will simply be cold in harsh climates.
4. As for the shade of hair, you can often find black or brown dogs. By standard, they should have red marks on the eyebrows, chest, cheeks, paws, cheekbones.
5. There is a white mark at the end of the tail, the same goes for the hands of the paws and the area from the chest to the chin (white stripe). Also, a white mark goes along the bridge of the nose and reaches the upper lip.

Breed character

1. A dog is by nature a “workhorse” that loves physical labor and cannot sit idle. Appenzeller needs constant physical activity, the owner needs to take care of this in advance.
2. Representatives of the breed are real family pets. They like to be among a large crowd of people close in kindred ties. Dogs get along with people, are very attached to the owner. The dog chooses one owner for himself, and obeys him.
3. It is important to socialize the pet in time, then it can get along with other animals. If the dog is not socialized, it can negatively relate to noisy young children and other animals.
4. The breed has a long history. Dogs are excellent guards and do their job well. Suspicion of strangers is laid at the genetic level. So that the pet is not too aggressive, it is important to conduct early socialization.
5. If such procedures are not carried out in time, the pet will consider any person or animal as a potential threat. It should also be noted that with proper upbringing, the dog will be polite to strangers. However, you should not expect strangers to expect friendliness from such a pet.
6. The Appenzellers are not only good guards, but incorruptible vigilant watchmen. The dog in no case will not allow the stranger to move around its territory. Therefore, you can be sure that the attacker will not go unnoticed. The pet will protect you and property at all costs.

Training and education

1. In order for everything to develop successfully, it is important to organize the process of education and training from an early age. As a result, you can grow a real champion. The presented breed is distinguished by great abilities, unlike its counterparts.
2. Thoroughbred pets learn very quickly and have excellent memory. The appenzellers are quick-witted and quick-witted. When the animal will carry out all the commands, there is no doubt that they do everything efficiently and honestly.
3. However, it is worth noting that the breed in question loves independence and freedom. The problem is that because of these qualities, training can be complicated. The dog will definitely show dominance. On the part of the owner, it is necessary to consolidate the features of a leader. Do not show slack.
4. After acquiring an animal, you need to immediately identify who is the boss in the house. It is strictly forbidden to resort to physical impact. Also, do not be rude to the dog, raise your voice and humiliate it in every way.
5. Do not forget to regularly reward your pet for correctly executed commands. If during training you go too far and constantly break down, the dog will become cowardly or very embittered. Also, you should not start such a breed if you do not have any experience in keeping and raising dogs.
6. If you nevertheless acquired an unusual breed, it is strongly recommended that you attend special training courses with your pet. A professional dog handler can easily train a dog for everything necessary. In addition, the specialist will tell you how to properly raise such a breed. Do not neglect this.
7. Dog skills can be successfully applied in various sports. This breed will perfectly cope with running, agility and the passage of an obstacle course. Do not be limited to this. There are many options for playing sports with a dog. The breed is also capable of repeating complex tricks for the development of intelligence.

Care Rules

1. Appenzellers have a beautiful and thick coat, so be prepared for molting to occur 2 times a year. Due to this feature, the pet's fur coat always looks up to par. However, do not let everything go by chance.
2. The pet must be combed and combed regularly. Also do not forget about systematic water procedures. For combing, it is recommended to use a special brush with rare metal teeth.
3. During molting, without fail, treat the wool with a special compound. Only after that start combing the animal with a professional brush of the necessary stiffness. As for the bathing of the pet, the procedure should be carried out no more than once every six months.
4. This procedure is best practiced during molting. The rest of the time, the hair should be cleaned regularly with dry shampoos. In addition, do not forget about standard procedures. Be sure to monitor the condition of the eyes and rinse them regularly. Brush your ears and teeth as needed. Cut the claws.
5. Also regularly do all the necessary vaccinations and prevention from worms. If everything is done correctly, the pet will not have health problems. If you notice a dog feeling unwell, do not try to solve the situation yourself, be sure to contact your veterinarian.

Breed diseases

1. Appenzellers easily live up to 15 years, while it should be noted that dogs have excellent health. As for diseases, they most often develop in individuals who are at an advanced age. Also, the presented breed still has its weaknesses.
2. In rare cases, dysplasia of large compounds affects the age of the pets. Ailments affect the musculoskeletal system. Osteoarthritis and osteoarthritis are also observed.
3. As mentioned earlier, most often sick old individuals. In some cases, heart failure in the form of cardiomyopathy is observed. Sometimes the bladder and kidneys are affected. Therefore, it is important to monitor the health of the animal.

Mountain Dogs are quite interesting and active breed with its own characteristics. When starting such a pet, it is important to have experience in keeping hunting dogs. If you do not have certain skills, problems can arise in raising an appenzeller. Therefore, prepare in advance.