External parameters of the Appenzeller Mountain Dog, the character of the dog and the nuances of its health, the requirements for care: walking, diet, training. The cost of a pedigree puppy. The Appenzeller Sennenhund or Appenzeller sennenhund is an old, multipurpose, agricultural dog that originated in Switzerland. There are many assumptions about its origin and these disputes continue to this day. But, it is known for sure that the representatives of the breed have been used for many centuries for grazing, driving and guarding cattle and other livestock, pulling carts with farm products over long distances and protecting their home and family. Not a single alpine farmer could do without the help of such dogs.
The Appenzeller Mountain Dog is one of the famous representatives of the four closely related Swiss mountain herding dogs, namely the Great Swiss Mountain Dog, the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog. If we translate the word "mountain dog" into Russian, it will sound like "a dog from the alpine meadows." This breed is the least common and considered the most distinctive of all Swiss Herding Shepherd Dogs and is sometimes classified as a Pomeranian.
Appenzeller Sennenhund has survived to this day, thanks to the remoteness of the area where it originated, called Appenzell, from industrial, large cities. But still, in the 19th century, modern technologies came to the homeland of these dogs and, to a greater extent, no longer needed their functions. It was expensive to keep such a large dog, and people began to abandon the appenzells. Then the number of the breed declined sharply.
But thanks to fans such as mechanic Max Sieber and Dr. Albert Heim, the variety has not only been revived, but also popularized in other Western countries and has earned international recognition. To this day, the working functions of the Appenzelle Mountain Dog have survived, but more and more people are adopting them as companion dogs.
Description of external parameters Appenzeller Sennenhund
These animals tend to be similar in appearance to other Swiss mountain dog breeds, but are the most unique of the four. The Appenzell Mountain Dog reaches a mature state of medium size. Most males are from 50.8 to 58.4 centimeters in height at the withers, and a large mass of female specimens is from 45.7 to 53.3 centimeters. Average representatives of the species weigh from 18, 15 to 31, 76 kilograms, and large males usually weigh 25-32 kg.
- Head and muzzle Appenzeller Sennenhund are proportional to body size and in combination form a wedge-shaped shape, but not very sharp. The frontal part is relatively flat and somewhat wide. The superciliary arches and the occipital part are not pronounced, the cheekbones are prominent.
- Muzzle - rather wide and narrows only slightly towards the end, with a straight bridge of the nose. The transition between the muzzle and the forehead is not clearly pronounced, the lines of the foot are connected very smoothly. Jaws with strong teeth forming a scissor bite.
- Nose - voluminous, eye-catching, always only coal-black.
- Eyes almond-shaped, somewhat small for animal size and slightly sloping. Placed on the front, front. Darker eyes are preferred, but individuals with brown coats may have lighter brown eyes.
- Ears Appenzeller Sennenhund are small, medium in size, triangular in shape and have rounded tips. They fit close to the cheekbones when the dog is at rest, but move forward when the dog is alert.
- Neck - of good length, strong, muscular.
- Frame these dogs have a harmonious distribution. Although appenzellers are generally about ten percent longer than their shoulder height. The variety is very powerful and muscular, but when judged externally, it should never appear massive or stocky. This dog has a deep chest and a straight back. Withers pronounced. Ribs are oval. The loin is strong, the croup is voluminous, slightly sloping. The lower part of the body is tucked up. In general, the breed has the most athletic and lightest build of all Mountain Dogs.
- Tail appenzeller sennenhund is perhaps its most distinctive feature. When the animal is moving or standing, it curls very tightly, lying on its back in the same way as most Pomeranians. If the dog is at rest, the tail may remain curled up or be in different positions.
- Front limbs - muscular, straight. Hind legs - erect, with voluminous hips.
- Paws - round, fingers are collected in a ball.
- Coat - two-layer. It has a soft, dense undercoat and an outer short, smooth, shiny and thick main guard hair. Some waviness in the neck and withers is acceptable but undesirable.
- Coloring and pattern very important to the appenzeller sennenhund. The breed should always be tricolor. Any base coat in coffee, brown or black shades is allowed, but black is much more common. Orange and white spots join the base layer.
The tan markings should be above both eyes and cheeks, chest, all four limbs and under the tail. Ginger markings are always located between black and white spots.
The dog needs to have a long white stripe that extends from the skull to the muzzle and may partially or completely cover the muzzle. The white markings should also run from the chin to the neck, on the chest, all four legs and the tip of the tail. White markings on the back of the neck, may form a white collar. It is acceptable, but highly undesirable.
Appenzeller Mountain Dogs that do not exactly meet these requirements are not eligible to compete in the show ring and should not be bred. But, otherwise, such animals are as good pets and working dogs as other members of the breed.
Manifestations of the character of the Appenzeller Mountain Dog
The Appenzel Mountain Dog retained the highest working data of all four varieties of Mountain Dog. His displays of behavior and in many ways are similar to the nature of the average Rottweiler. The breed is extremely loyal and affectionate with all members of their family. There is no higher degree of pleasure and desire for pets than to constantly be in the company of their pets.
This attachment can lead to separation anxiety and depression. While Appenzellers will be loyal to all family members, most pets have a very strong tendency to bond closely to one person. And usually, these animals become dogs of only one owner. With proper socialization, most members of the breed are gentle and tolerant of children, although young individuals are often too loud and active for very young children.
The Appenzeller Mountain Dog can develop aggression towards fellow animals and other animals, although this is not a commonly known trait of his character. Socialization and training is very important for each of these dogs to develop proper behavior with other animals. Their owners should always be careful when introducing pets to new animals.
For many centuries, one of the main responsibilities of the Appenzeller Mountain Dog has been to serve as a watchdog. This breed is naturally suspicious of strangers, and some are doubly wary. Proper socialization is absolutely essential for a species to become discerning protectors, not canines, who view all outsiders as a potential threat.
With the right upbringing, most Appenzellers will behave politely with strangers, although they will very rarely be friends with them. Without proper training, aggression can be a problem for owners. This breed not only behaves defensively, but also very sensitive guard dogs are obtained from it. The Appenzeller Mountain Dogs will never allow an intruder to enter the protected area, the property of the owner, without his permission. These pets also tend to become extremely territorial. When the situation calls for it, the pet will be a courageous and determined defender with surprisingly tremendous strength.
Health nuances in Appenzeller Sennenhund
It is unlikely that there has been any thorough research into the health of the Appenzeller Mountain Dog. As a result, it is extremely difficult to formulate final conclusions about their hereditary disease genetics. Most hobbyists seem to think that this species is in relatively good condition. The breed appears to have a significantly stronger immune system than purebred dogs in general. Many breeders point out that the average life expectancy for these pets will be between twelve and thirteen years, which is roughly the same as a dog of this size. But, of course, no thorough statistical research was conducted on this matter.
Since skeletal and external defects are known to be found in related breeds of the Appenzeller Sennenhund (hip dysplasia is common), owners are required to have their pets tested by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the CERF). OFA and CERF thoroughly perform genetic and various other tests to identify potential health defects before they arise.
This is especially necessary if breeders plan to breed Appenzeller Sennenhund in the future to prevent the spread of potential genetic flaws in the offspring. Such tests are very valuable because they allow you to determine the hereditary disease at an early stage, before the dog reaches adulthood, when it is often useless to treat it.
Although no health studies have been conducted on the Appenzeller Mountain Dog, they have been bred using a number of closely related breeds. Based on these examinations, the species may be susceptible to the following diseases: dysplasia of the hip and elbow joints, progressive atrophy of the retina, cataracts, gastrointestinal diseases, demodicosis (subcutaneous tick damage), autoimmune hemolytic anemia, epilepsy (uncontrollable bodies) and ectropion (volvulus and inversion of the eyelid).
Appenzeller Mountain Dog Care Requirements
- Wool these animals have an undercoat, and the guard hair is short and coarse. Foreign particles weakly adhere to such a structure of the cover, therefore water procedures are carried out extremely rarely or as the doggie gets dirty. But, in choosing a detergent, owners should be careful. The shampoo should not be very abrasive, as you will wash off the protective lubricant from the pet's "fur", and there is a risk of dandruff. It is better to prevent than to treat skin irritation later. Before applying the product, the dog's coat must be wetted well, and after a little massage, it is washed off well, making sure that no water gets into the pet's ears. Next, the Appenzeller is wiped off and left to dry on a mat. An important procedure for these dogs is brushing, especially when the dog sheds seasonally. First, you will help your pet get rid of dead hair faster. Secondly, give a healthy massage and evenly distribute the natural lubricant. Thirdly, if you brush outside, you will not find hairs on the floor, carpets and furniture.
- Teeth clean the appenzeller with a special paste and a brush for a day or two. Then his dentition will be in great shape.
- Ears such dogs are hanging and require constant examination and cleaning with lotion, once a week. Fill your ear with the product and massage, and after a couple of minutes, wipe off the dirt.
- Eyes do not disregard the dog and, if necessary, wipe them with medicinal products.
- Claws must be shortened with clippers, with a length longer than the prescribed length.
- Feeding should be balanced, like most canines. Ready-made feed of the highest quality will help you. Natural food is difficult to find. If you have chosen this way of feeding, then the veterinarian will tell you all the nuances.
- Walking. Abilities for a variety of work functions are inherent in the genes of this dog, and she has both the desire to perform them and the corresponding physical data. The Appenzeller sennenhund are very athletic and energetic dogs and require a significant amount of physical activity.
Such pets should probably get at least at least an hour of vigorous daily activity, but, of course, preferably much more in time. This breed is great for walking and jogging, but Appenzellers prefer the ability to roam freely in a securely enclosed backyard space.
Pets that don't get enough exercise are highly prone to developing behavioral problems. This can manifest itself in extreme destructiveness, hyperactivity, excessive barking, excitability, nervousness, and aggression. This is a species that prefers to have an activity or at least regular tasks that train its active mental activity as well as its body.
Appenzeller Mountain Dog training
The Appenzellers are highly intelligent and extremely fit for the job. This breed has a tendency to learn quickly and can become very well trained. They have competed with great success in many canine competitions such as competitive obedience and schutzhund, and have done dozens of jobs over the centuries. Experienced owners who put in the proper time and effort are likely to get very docile and well trained Appenzeller Mountain Dogs.
However, this breed is not always easy to train and obey. While most of its members won't constantly challenge their owners' credentials, these dogs are more than capable of detecting when an owner is out of control and will happily take the lead if allowed. For this reason, the owners of the appenzeller sennenhund must maintain a constant position of dominance to avoid behavioral problems. In addition, some members of the breed tend to be very stubborn.
Appenzeller Sennenhund cost
Those looking for a dog to compete in agility, obedience or schutzhund competitions are likely to be very happy with one of these pets. But, people who just want a pet may not be able to cope with the usual requirements of the Appenzeller. The high energy level of this breed is very suitable for families looking for a companion dog to accompany on long and difficult adventures, for example, through the snowy mountains.
The Appenzeller Mountain Dogs are true country dogs that prefer to live in a free and large area of the backyard. Therefore, most breed representatives do not feel well in a confined space, especially in a small apartment. The price for such puppies is $ 600-1000.
