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Appenzeller sennenhund

The Appenzeller is one of four Swiss Sennenhund breeds, from the Appenzell region, where it drove cattle, pulled carts and guarded farms.

It is the middle-sized of the four and by some distance the most energetic.

It stands 48 to 58 centimetres, weighs 22 to 32 kilograms and lives twelve to fifteen years, with a tricolour double coat and a tail carried in a tight curl over the back. Temperament is the point to understand: this is a hard-driving working farm dog, lively, extremely alert, vocal and pushy with stock and with people, and it is a poor fit for a quiet household regardless of how appealing the tricolour coat is.

Origin
Appenzell region, Switzerland
Size
48–58 cm; 22–32 kg
Lifespan
12–15 years
Coat
Tricolour double coat; tail curled over the back
Temperament
Very energetic, alert and vocal; a working farm dog
Health
Hip and elbow dysplasia, PRA

2 appenzeller sennenhund photos, newest first

  • Olive II, a appenzeller sennenhund

    Olive II

    Olive II was promoted to botanist studying an absurdly large houseplant; unfortunately, a parade of rubber ducks heads the wrong way.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Olive II, a appenzeller sennenhund

    Olive II

    Olive II pretending the mud was not their idea.

    MerryBadger · 2 weeks ago

Living with a appenzeller sennenhund

This is a working dog and needs a job. Herding, carting, agility or long daily work — an Appenzeller under-exercised becomes noisy, destructive and pushy, and the barking is what neighbours notice first.

They are naturally suspicious of strangers and will announce everything. Socialisation moderates it and does not remove it.

They are strong-willed and need consistent handling from someone who enjoys training. They are not difficult dogs, but they are not passive ones.

Ask for hip and elbow scores and PRA testing.

The double coat needs brushing weekly and daily during the moult. Otherwise grooming is undemanding.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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