In this post, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the Appenzeller Sennenhund, from their personality traits to their health concerns. So read on if you’re curious to find out more about this fascinating breed!
History of the Appenzeller Sennenhund Dog Breed
The Appenzeller Sennenhund is a Swiss herding and guard dog breed. The breed’s name comes from the Appenzell – name of the Swiss scenic village located in the mountains. The Appenzeller is one of four Swiss Mountain breeds, the other three being the Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and the Small Swiss Mountain Dog.
This breed is believed to have originated in the Swiss Alps, where it was used by farmers as cattle dogs, for herding and guarding livestock. The Appenzeller Sennenhund is still used for herding cattle in Switzerland today. The breed was first imported to the United States in the 1950s.
The breed is recognized by the American Kennel Club and classified as a member of the working group.
Appenzeller Sennenhund: Temperament and Behavior
Appenzellers are intelligent, alert, and active dogs. They are also friendly and good with children, but may be too energetic for very young kids. They need daily exercise and a lot of mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
These dogs were originally bred as working farm dogs, and they still have a strong work ethic. They excel at many dog sports, such as agility, obedience, tracking, and herding. They are also very loyal and protective of their families, and make excellent watchdogs.
If you are looking for an active and intelligent dog who will be a loyal and loving family member, the Appenzeller Sennenhund may be the right breed for you!
Appenzeller Sennenhund: Appearance and Size
The Appenzeller Mountain Dog is a large breed, weighing in at anywhere between 48 and 70 pounds. They are muscular and athletic, with a thick coat that can be either short or long. The coat is typically tricolored (black, white, and brown), although there may also be some brindling present. The head is large and blocky, with a long muzzle and floppy ears. The eyes are dark brown and almond-shaped.
Appenzeller Sennenhunds are classified as a medium to large breed, standing anywhere from 19 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder. They are slightly longer than they are tall, with a deep chest and muscular hindquarters. The tail is thick and bushy, and is typically carried low. The coat is thick and dense, providing excellent protection against the cold.
How to Train Appenzeller Sennenhund Puppy
When it comes to training your Appenzeller, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First of all, socialization is key. You’ll want to introduce your pup to as many different people, places, and experiences as possible so that they grow up to be confident and well-rounded dogs. Secondly, they are very intelligent dogs, so you’ll need to be patient and consistent when training them. With the right approach, you’ll have no problem teaching your Appenzeller Sennenhund pup everything they need to know!
Some basic commands that all puppies should learn include sit, stay, down, come, and heel. Once your pup has mastered these basics, you can start teaching them more advanced tricks or commands. If you’re not sure where to start, there are plenty of resources available online and in dog training books that can give you some great ideas.
Appenzellers are also known for being very active dogs, so it’s important to make sure they get plenty of exercise. A good way to do this is to enroll them in a puppy obedience class at your local dog training center. Not only will they get the chance to socialize with other dogs and people, but they’ll also learn some important obedience skills.
How to Properly Groom Appenzeller Sennenhund Dog
Assuming you’ve already decided to groom your dog, the first step is to choose the right tools. You’ll need a quality dog shampoo, conditioner, and slicker brush. A detachable shower head is also recommended to make the process easier.
The next step is to properly bathe your dog. Begin by wetting their fur with warm water (not hot) and applying a generous amount of shampoo. Work the shampoo into a lather, being sure to avoid their eyes and ears. Rinse thoroughly and apply conditioner if desired.
Once your dog is clean, it’s time to start brushing. Begin at the head and work your way down the body. Be sure to brush in the direction of hair growth to avoid damaging their coat. If you’re not comfortable doing all of this yourself, there are professional groomers who can help. Just be sure to find someone who has experience grooming Appenzeller Sennenhunds.
Appenzeller Sennenhund’s Perfect Diet
Appenzeller Sennenhunds are a high energy breed that needs a lot of exercise. They will do best on a diet that is rich in protein and fat to help them maintain their energy levels. A good quality dry dog food that is specially formulated for working dogs is the best option for this breed. You may also want to add some raw meat or eggs to their diet for an extra boost of protein. Appenzellers need to be fed twice a day, and they should always have access to fresh water.
Appenzeller Sennenhund’s Perfect Exercise Session
This is a high energy breed that requires plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. A minimum of one hour of vigorous exercise per day is necessary, but two hours or more is even better. Daily walks, runs, hikes, or other activities that provide mental and physical stimulation are all great ways to keep your pup in good shape.
If you don’t have the time to commit to such a high energy breed, then the Appenzeller is probably not the right dog for you. However, if you are willing to give them the exercise they need, they will reward you with their loyalty and affection.
Appenzeller Sennenhunds: General Health
Appenzeller Sennenhunds are a generally healthy breed, but like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health conditions. Some of the more common health problems seen in this breed include hip and elbow dysplasia, von Willebrand’s disease, and eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy.
Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of the most common orthopedic problems seen in dogs. They are both genetic conditions that can cause joint pain and lameness. Von Willebrand’s disease is another genetic condition that affects the blood’s ability to clot properly. It can cause bleeding episodes in affected dogs. Progressive retinal atrophy is a degenerative disease of the eye that can eventually lead to blindness.
Appenzellers are also prone to something called “brachycephalic syndrome.” This is a condition that affects short-nosed breeds of dogs and can cause problems with breathing, due to the dog’s shortened nose and soft palate. If you are considering adding an Appenzeller Sennenhund to your family, be sure to talk to your veterinarian about ways to help prevent these health conditions.
Where to Buy This Adorable Mountain Dog
If you’re interested in purchasing an Appenzellers, you’ll likely find them for sale at breeders’ websites, kennel clubs, or online marketplaces. Prices for the breed can vary depending on factors like pedigree, location, and availability, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $700 to $2,000 for a puppy.
When looking for an Appenzeller, be sure to do your research and purchase from a reputable source to ensure you’re getting a healthy, well-bred dog. Puppies from pet stores or backyard breeders are often overpriced and may have health or behavioral issues.
If you’re interested in adopting a pup, check with local shelters or rescue organizations first. While adult dogs may be less expensive than puppies, they may also come with some baggage (like bad habits or health issues) that you’ll need to be prepared to deal with.
No matter where you get your Appenzeller, be sure to have a contract drawn up that includes clauses on health guarantees, spay/neuter agreements, and more. This will help protect both you and your new dog in the long run.
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