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Appenzeller Sennenhund Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Appenzeller Sennenhund so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Guard Dogs
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Appenzeller Sennenhund dog profile picture
OriginSwitzerland flagSwitzerland
Other Names
What other names does the Appenzeller Sennenhund have?
Appenzell Cattle DogAppenzeller Mountain DogEntlebucher Mountain DogEntlebucher SennenhundAppenzeller
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Appenzeller Sennenhund Size and Weight

Size
Is an Appenzeller Sennenhund small, medium or large dog?

How big do Appenzeller Sennenhund get?

What is the average size of an Appenzeller Sennenhund?

Medium
Weight
How much does the Appenzeller Sennenhund weigh? How much should an Appenzeller Sennenhund weight? What is the normal weight of an Appenzeller Sennenhund? How much does a full-grown Appenzeller Sennenhund weight?
49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of an Appenzeller Sennenhund?
60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
How tall is the Appenzeller Sennenhund? Appenzeller Sennenhund height:
Male: 22-23 inches (56-58.5 cm), Female: 18.5-20 inches (47-50 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of an Appenzeller Sennenhund?
Male: 22.5 inches (56-58.5 cm), Female: 18.12.5 inches (48.5 cm)

Appenzeller Sennenhund Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Appenzeller Sennenhund puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of an Appenzeller Sennenhund in the United States? How much money is an Appenzeller Sennenhund?

Where to buy an Appenzeller Sennenhund with a good pedigree?

$600-$800
If you choose to purchase the Appenzeller Sennenhund, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Appenzeller Sennenhund for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Appenzeller Sennenhund gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Appenzeller Sennenhund? How many Appenzeller Sennenhund are there in the world?
Average: The Appenzeller Sennenhund is a commonly available dog breed. There is less risk of overbreeding compared to the very popular dogs.

Of course, they may be more popular in some countries, and inbreeding may occur, so be careful.

Appenzeller Sennenhund Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Appenzeller Sennenhund? Is the Appenzeller Sennenhund breed dumb or smart?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The Appenzeller Sennenhund ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train an Appenzeller Sennenhund?
Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Ability
Is Appenzeller Sennenhund good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs strongly protect their territory. This breed is a complete security guard, so you don't have to be afraid in case of danger.

Appenzeller Sennenhund Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Appenzeller Sennenhund have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
EnergeticReliableLivelySocialSelfishFearless
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Appenzeller Sennenhund sensitivity:
Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. Sometimes it's okay to change the daily routine, have guests and listen to loud music.

Some dogs handle moderate punishment very well, while others crumble apart at a dirty look. This breed is not affected emotionally by moderate punishment.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is an Appenzeller Sennenhund a good family dog?
Average to High: Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs are highly affectionate dogs. They like being involved in the family's life. This breed isn't considered an aloof dog.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Appenzell Cattle Dog need? Appenzeller Sennenhund social needs:
Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Appenzeller Sennenhund to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Appenzeller Sennenhund roam?
Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Appenzeller Sennenhund have high prey drive?
Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

Appenzeller Sennenhund Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The Appenzeller Sennenhund is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Appenzell Cattle Dog bark?
Low to Average: The Appenzeller Sennenhund rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Appenzeller Sennenhund good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have an Appenzeller Sennenhund in an apartment?
It is not recommended to keep the Appenzeller Sennenhund breed in the home. It does best in the garden, but if you do want to keep it indoors, it should be exercised thoroughly with long daily walks, so you can keep the Appenzeller Sennenhund indoors by introducing daily routines.

Appenzeller Sennenhund Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Average: Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can an Appenzeller Sennenhund be left alone? How long can you leave an Appenzeller Sennenhund alone?
Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Appenzeller Sennenhund Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Appenzeller Sennenhund has a hard bite? What is the bite force of an Appenzeller Sennenhund? How much bite force does an Appenzeller Sennenhund have? How strong is an Appenzeller Sennenhund bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Appenzeller Sennenhund bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Appenzeller Sennenhund measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of an Appenzeller Sennenhund is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Appenzeller Sennenhund bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Appenzeller Sennenhund bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train an Appenzeller Sennenhund puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Appenzeller Sennenhund, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Appenzeller Sennenhund bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, an Appenzeller Sennenhund can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do Appenzeller Sennenhund bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Appenzell Cattle Dog? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Appenzeller Sennenhund? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Appenzeller Sennenhund has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Appenzeller Sennenhund do?
Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Appenzeller Sennenhund Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Appenzeller Sennenhunds tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. Regular vet check-ups are needed.
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Appenzeller Sennenhund breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Appenzeller Sennenhund see the vet?
Frequent
The Appenzeller Sennenhund should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs live? How old can a Appenzeller Sennenhund be? What is the age limit of the Appenzeller Sennenhund? How many years can the oldest Appenzeller Sennenhund live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of an Appenzeller Sennenhund?

How long is the lifespan of an Appenzeller Sennenhund?

11-15 years
The average lifespan of Appenzeller Sennenhund: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.

Appenzeller Sennenhund Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Appenzeller Sennenhund have? What is the activity level of the Appenzeller Sennenhund?
Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does an Appenzeller Sennenhund need? How much exercise do Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs require per day?

Do Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs need a lot of exercises?

Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Appenzeller Sennenhund breed need?
Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Appenzeller Sennenhund Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does an Appenzeller Sennenhund need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does an Appenzeller Sennenhund breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Appenzeller Sennenhund? How much food should I feed my Appenzeller Sennenhund?
4 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Appenzeller Sennenhund risk for obesity:
Average: The Appenzeller Sennenhund has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Appenzeller Sennenhund weight regularly.

Appenzeller Sennenhund Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Appenzeller Sennenhund have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
ThickDouble
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Appenzeller Sennenhund coats?
Black tricolor Tricolor Red tricolor
Grooming
How to groom the Appenzeller Sennenhund and how often? How often should I take my Appenzeller Sennenhund to the groomer?
Easy to groom: The Appenzeller Sennenhund doesn't require a lot of grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Appenzeller Sennenhund is a good choice if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Recommended for beginners.
Shedding Level
How much do Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Appenzell Cattle Dog? Do Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs shed a lot?
Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Appenzeller Sennenhund need a bath? How often should you give an Appenzeller Sennenhund a bath? Can I bathe my Appenzeller Sennenhund every day?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Appenzeller Sennenhund breed hypoallergenic?
No
Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Appenzeller Sennenhund has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Appenzeller Sennenhund drool?
The Appenzeller Sennenhund is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Appenzeller Sennenhund could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Appenzeller Sennenhund.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Appenzeller Sennenhund Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs get along with other pets? Are Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Appenzeller Sennenhund temperament with other people:
Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Appenzeller Sennenhund temperament with children:
Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Appenzeller Sennenhund breed live with a cat?
Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Appenzeller Sennenhund good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs get along with other dogs?
Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Appenzeller Sennenhund breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Appenzeller Sennenhund breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs good office canines? Do Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Appenzeller Sennenhund is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Appenzell Cattle Dog temperament with senior people? Are Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs good for elderly owners?
Appenzeller Sennenhunds are usually recommended for elderly people.

Appenzeller Sennenhund As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Appenzeller Sennenhund be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Appenzeller Sennenhund is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Appenzeller Sennenhund be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Appenzeller Sennenhund be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Appenzeller Sennenhund is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Appenzeller Sennenhund be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Appenzeller Sennenhund is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Appenzeller Sennenhund be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Appenzeller Sennenhund is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Appenzeller Sennenhund be a boat dog?

Not really

Appenzeller Sennenhund breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Appenzeller Sennenhund be a drafting dog?

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Appenzeller Sennenhund breed is a good choice for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Appenzeller Sennenhund Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is an Appenzeller Sennenhund pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Appenzeller Sennenhund breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Appenzeller Sennenhund: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Appenzeller Sennenhund have in a litter? How many puppies can the Appenzeller Sennenhund breed have for the first time? How many puppies does an Appenzeller Sennenhund have? How many puppies can an Appenzeller Sennenhund give birth to?
4-6 puppies

Appenzeller Sennenhund Recognition

AKC Group
Is Appenzeller Sennenhund recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Appenzeller Sennenhund recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Swiss Mountain- and Cattledogs section.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the Appenzeller Sennenhund breed?
American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryCanadian Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.American Canine Association, Inc.Continental Kennel ClubNational Kennel Club

Appenzeller Sennenhund Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Trainability: Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs are easy to train.
  • Grooming: Easy to groom: The Appenzeller Sennenhund doesn't require a lot of grooming.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Appenzeller Sennenhund is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Watchdog Ability: Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Child Friendly: Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Appenzeller Sennenhunds are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog: A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
Cons
  • Health Issues: Appenzeller Sennenhunds tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
  • Hypoallergenic: Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Friendly: It is not recommended to keep the Appenzeller Sennenhund breed in the home.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Appenzeller Sennenhund dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Office Friendly: Appenzeller Sennenhund is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Appenzeller Sennenhund History

The earliest origins of the Appenzeller Sennenhund are largely unknown as it was developed before written records were kept of dog breeding. According to a theory, Sennenhunds are descended from the ancient Molossus breed brought to the region by the Romans. The Appenzeller Sennenhund is native to the Alpine region of Appenzell, located in the far northeast of Switzerland. The breed is one of four closely related breeds of Sennenhund, also known as Swiss Mountain Dogs or Swiss Cattle Dogs. The other three are the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, the Bernese Mountain Dog, and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog. There is substantial debate as to how the Sennenhunds should be classified, with many sources placing them with the Mastiff/Molosser/Alaunt family and just as many placing them with the Pinscher/Schnauzer family.

Despite the uncertainty of the breed’s start, it’s well established that the Appenzeller was part of daily life in the Alps by the 1800s. In fact, the earliest published description of the breed is dated from 1853 in a text entitled ‘Tierieben der Alpenwelt’ (Animal Life in the Alps), describes the breed as “a clearly barking, short-haired, medium size, multicolor cattle dog of a quite even Spitz-type which can be found in certain regions and is used the party to guard the homestead, partly to herd cattle”. Moreover, these dogs were kept mostly by dairy farmers across Switzerland, earning the name Sennenhund, which loosely translates to ‘Dairy Farmer Dog’. Their primary task, as mentioned in the quotation, was to drive cattle from the remote countryside to population centers where they could be sold and butchered, although they also served the same purpose on the farms. The remote Swiss valleys in which these dogs lived have long been home to dangerous creatures such as wolves and human thieves. Farmers greatly preferred these dogs, as they were willing and able to protect their families from such dangers, or at least warn them. As a result, the breed became a highly protective and very skilled guard dog. For many centuries, and possibly millennia, the Appenzeller Sennenhun and its relatives faithfully served the farmers of Switzerland. They were being actively used considerably longer than similar breeds found in other countries, as modern technology came to the Alps later than almost anywhere else in Western Europe. However, change eventually came by the end of the 19th century, and Sennenhunds were being replaced. New methods of transportation such as the train and automobile began to render the Sennenhunds obsolete. Many different varieties disappeared altogether, and eventually, only four remained. The Appenzeller Sennenhound began to decline as well, but it never reached quite the desperate state of the other three breeds.

Moreover, in the late 1800s, a forester from the Appenzeller region named Max Siber recognized the need for a breeding program and standard to preserve these special dogs. In 1896, he formally requested the aid of the Swizz Kennel Club to save the breed, and eventually, public funding was given for the breeding and raising of Appenzeller Sennenhunds. The Swiss Kennel Club formed a special commission at a fair in which 9 male and 7 female breed members were exhibited. The club decided on essential breed characteristics and began including Appenzeller Sennenhunds at its shows in the new class specifically created for cattle dogs. At around the same time that Max Siber was trying to save the breed, the internationally recognized scientist Doctor Albert Heim was doing the same for the other surviving Sennenhunds. Heim and his supporters collected the last examples of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and began to breed them. Shortly after, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was rediscovered after it was believed to have gone extinct, and this breed was added to Heim’s efforts as well. From a very early date, Heim was also interested in preserving the Appenzeller and greatly aided the breed’s recovery efforts. In 1906, Heim organized the Appenzeller Sennenhund Club to promote and protect the breed in its natural state. Studbooks were kept for the first time in the breed’s history and in 1914 Heim wrote the first written standard for the Appenzeller Sennenhund. The breed quickly spread throughout Switzerland where they found many fanciers interested in preserving the native breed. For a period between the late 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, the Appenzeller was the most popular of all Sennenhunds. However, this situation has changed dramatically, and the other three breeds gradually became more popular, especially the Bernese Mountain Dog.

In recent years, the Appenzeller Sennenhun’s numbers have been increasing outside of Switzerland, but only slowly and the breed is still considered to be quite rare. In 1993, the United Kennel Club granted formal recognition to the breed as a member of the Guardian Dog Group, under the name Appenzeller. A small number of Appenzeller fanciers and breeders in the United States and Canada got together to form the Appenzeller Mountain Dog Club of America. Their eventual goal was to earn full recognition with the American Kennel Club, a status that has already been achieved by the other three Sennenhund breeds. By 2007, the breed had been entered in the AKC’s Foundation Stock Service Program, which means that the organization supports the breed’s development efforts but it’s not yet registered with the AKC.

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