INTRODUCTION

The Appenzeller Sennenhunde originated as an all-purpose farm dog breed, kept busy herding cattle, guarding the farm, and pulling carts in its native Switzerland. Today’s Appenzellers still have the energy, intelligence and self-confidence that make them valuable working dogs, but they are far from easy to maintain. Although they are purebred dogs, you may find them in the care of shelters or rescue groups. Remember to adopt. Don’t go shopping if you want to take a dog home. Dogs of this breed need lots of exercise, training, and a job to do. Apartment dwellers should be careful. These dogs need room to run and play. But families who can provide the mental and physical stimulation these dogs need will be rewarded with a loving and loyal companion. They will even adore children, although they may fall into some herding habits without proper training. Socialize and teach your dog early on and you will have a very loving and furry family member.

MORE ABOUT THIS BREED

Also known as the Apennine mountain dog, it is the rarest of the four ancient Swiss mountain dog breeds. It began as a farm dog of all kinds – herding cattle, pulling carts and guarding the farm – in the Appenzell region of Switzerland. Today, the Appenzeller is known to be a versatile, intelligent, cheerful, self-confident, reliable and fearless working and family dog. His slight wariness of strangers and tendency to bark make him a good watchdog, but he needs a lot of early socialization so that he does not become too distrustful. Also, because of his barking, he is not the best dog if you have neighbors nearby. It is a great friend to children, but can nip at their heels as if they were cattle to be herded; younger Appenzellers are large and exuberant enough to accidentally run over small children. With a strong work ethic and lots of energy, this breed is not suited to an inactive lifestyle. Provide him with training and a job or dog sport he can do, or he will be an unhappy camper. Like other breeds that need lots of exercise and stimulation, he can become bored and destructive if he doesn’t get it. He excels in agility, herding and obedience trials. At home, teach your Appenzeller to pull a cart with his gardening supplies.