Appenzell Mountain Dog (Appenzeller)

The Appenzell Mountain Dog(or "Appenzeller," the "Appenzell Cattle Dog," and the "Appenzeller Sennenhund." is amuscular but not massive dog. Solid and hardy, it is a versatile working dog. It has a wide, flat head, and a muzzle that narrows towards a black nose. The eyes are small and dark and the ears are pendant. Its tail is carried rolled up on its back. Its limbs are straight. Its short double coat is considerably tight, thick and glossy. Coat is black or brown with symmetrical white and rust markings. A white blaze and rust marking over the eyes must be present on the head. with the rust marking always between the black and the white.

Temperament
Appenzeller's are intelligent and active, getting along with other animals and people, especially if socialised when young. Can be wary with strangers. They are very active and need lots of exercise. Will thrive on agility and skill training. They may be noisy and get bored easily, so they are not suitable indoor dogs.

Height, Weight
Height: Dogs 22-23 inches (56-58.5 cm.) Bitches 18-20 inches (46-50 cm.)
Weight: 49-70 pounds (22-32 kg.)

Health
No breed specific conditions to report, they are a fairly robust, healthy breed

Life Expectancy
About 12-13 years.

Grooming
The Appenzell's straight-haired double coat is easy to care for and requires little attention, a quick brush from time to time to remove dead hairs.

Origin
There are two theories concerning the origin of the Appenzell Mountain Dog.

1. it is a native breed dating back to the Bronze Age,
2. it descended from the Molossus and was brought into Switzerland by the Romans.

In any case it is one of the four Swiss Sennenhunds. The Appenzell is the rarest of the four and is an outstanding herd dog, tireless and surefooted and surefooted in the mountains.