The Appenzeller, also called the Appenzell Cattle Dog or the Appenzeller Sennenhund is a medium-sized breed of dog that originates from Switzerland. The breed’s original purpose was as a flock guardian, a draft dog, and a general farm dog. It is still used for these purposes but also excels in obedience competitions.
As with all large, very active working dogs, this breed should be well socialized early in life with other dogs and people and provided with regular activity and training if they are to be safely kept as a pet. According to the breed standard, the Appenzellers are lively, high spirited, and suspicious of strangers.
Appenzellers tend to be tough, brave, intelligent, and lively. They get along well with other animals. They are reserved and aloof when it comes to strangers but they welcome people they know. They are very protective of their family and their territory and if their family is threatened they are willing to fight for them.
However, they are gentle, loving, friendly, active and loyal, all at once. The like to stay close to the family and do not roam away or like being chained up. They are the happiest when they are close to those they love.
Colors include black or Havana brown with symmetrical tan and white markings. There are symmetrical russet and white markings on an Appenzeller as well. They have white at the toes, tail tip, chest and blaze. The tan always lies between the black and white. Red tricolors do occur but are not acceptable.
Appenzellers have a straight-haired double coat which is firm and close fitting. It is easy to care for and requires little attention. Dead hairs should be removed with a brush from time to time.
A fairly healthy breed, Appenzellers may suffer from hip dysplasia, and eye problems such as ectropion (droopy eyelids) and entropion(inward curling eyelids). To help prevent the chance of hip dysplasia developing make sure your dog is on a healthy, well proportioned diet, and avoid excessive running and jumping while still a puppy as this can be hard on the developing joints. To minimize the risk of your Appenzeller developing any hereditary health issues such as the mentioned eye conditions, you should buy a puppy from a reputable breeder.
The Appenzeller feels at home in a farm or a rural environment. It is not ideal in a city or an apartment. They really need large open fields to run around. They also like to bark, so are not recommended for close confinements where neighbors live close-by. If it does live in a reasonably confined environment, it should be taken for very long walks. They are the happiest if they have work to do, and where they can use their energy to the fullest.
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