15 Things to Know Before Getting an Appenzeller Sennenhund

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Do you like the look of the Appenzeller Sennenhund?

Are you thinking of getting one as a pet?

They are sometimes called Appenzeller Mountain Dogs or Appenzell Cattle Dogs, and you should know a few things before bringing one of these dogs into your home. Here are 15 of them!

The Appenzeller Sennenhunds is a medium to large-sized dog breed originating from Switzerland.

They are one of the four kinds of Sennenhunds. The Appenzeller dogs are working dogs that have been employed for:

herding animals
pulling carts
and protecting property for centuries.

They gained popularity in the Swiss canton of Appenzell due to their many desirable traits, including its:

adaptability
quickness
and intelligence.

Appenzeller Sennenhunds is a large dog breed, with average weights for males of 65–75 pounds and females of 50–65 pounds.

They are a highly active and energetic breed.

Given their high activity and energy levels, Appenzeller Sennenhunds need regular exercise and mental challenges to maintain their health and happiness. Puppies need to be given a chance to engage in both work and play since it is in their nature to do so.

Here are some great ways for you to accomplish their exercise requirements:

taking them for long walks
running or jogging
trekking
playing games
and providing them with toys that challenge their minds.

They might develop behavior problems if they don't get enough exercise and mental stimulation, such as:

excessive barking
destructive chewing
and hostility

Your dog's age, health, and temperament can all affect the appropriate minimum and maximum exercise and activity. Choose the optimum amount of exercise and mental stimulation for your Appenzeller Sennenhund by consulting your veterinarian or a professional dog trainer.

These dogs are ideal pets for energetic people or families that love the outdoors and are willing to devote plenty of time to playing with and exercising their canine partner.

Appenzeller Sennenhunds are loyal and affectionate towards their owners but can be wary of strangers.

The Appenzeller Sennenhunds are incredibly devoted and loving pets. They develop deep relationships with their families and strive to meet the expectations of those closest to them.

Yet, they are sometimes apprehensive of strangers, so they may be distant or reserved around new individuals unless they are appropriately introduced and comfortable. Many working breeds were explicitly developed to guard their human families and possessions; thus, they do this instinctively.

A highly-socialized and trained puppy will mature into a dog who gets along well with everyone, including strangers. This is especially true for the Appenzeller Sennenhund.

They are intelligent dogs and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods.

Appenzeller Sennenhunds learn quickly and enthusiastically through rewards-based training. Positive reinforcement aims to encourage the desired behavior by providing a reward while ignoring or diverting the undesirable behavior.

Despite their intelligence and desire to please, Appenzeller Sennenhunds can be stubborn sometimes. While the Appenzeller does not respond well to rough treatment, the owner/trainer must be firm, respectful, and, most importantly, consistent.

Appenzeller Sennenhunds requires regular grooming.

To keep their thick double coat from matting and tangling, Appenzeller Sennenhunds need to be brushed frequently. Its coat is built to withstand the severe winters and icy springs from their native Swiss Alps.

Matted or tangled fur can cause dog discomfort and skin irritation if not taken care of. Be careful not to yank or tug on the hair and gently work through any knots or tangles in the coat.

Because of the dense undercoat, Appenzeller Sennenhunds need regular baths to avoid attracting dirt and unpleasant odors. If you live in a region where ticks are common, examine your dog's ears and coat thoroughly after returning from walks to prevent the buildup of dirt and strange objects.

They are generally healthy dogs but may be prone to some health issues.

In general, the Appenzeller Sennenhunds enjoy good health; however, they may have a predisposition to hip dysplasia and eye issues. With hip dysplasia, the hip joint does not normally form, which can lead to arthritis and other complications in the future.

Concerns like conjunctivitis might progress to more severe eye illnesses like cataracts and glaucoma if not taken care of early.

Not all Appenzeller Sennenhunds will develop these illnesses. However, choosing a breeder who does pre-breeding health checks on their dogs, particularly for hip and eye disorders, will help lessen the likelihood that you will have to deal with these concerns down the road.

Learning about these conditions can help you take preventative measures to ensure your Appenzeller Sennenhund lives a long and healthy life.

Appenzeller Sennenhunds are unsuitable for apartment living.

A large yard is essential for an Appenzeller Sennenhund, as these dogs are highly active and playful. They need lots of space to run, play, and let off steam; therefore, apartments and compact houses aren't ideal for them.

The lack of privacy could lead to dangerous behavior. Appenzeller Sennenhunds thrive in environments such as a fenced yard or a big open area like a park or a field. To keep your Appenzeller Sennenhund healthy and happy, even in a small house or flat, you must give it lots of daily exercise and playtime.

They are a vocal breed and may bark excessively if not appropriately trained.

Owners residing in apartment buildings or other locations with noise ordinances may find this habit an issue. Thus, it is crucial to begin teaching your Appenzeller Sennenhund as soon as possible to prevent unnecessary barking.

Positive reinforcement techniques like reward-based training can be helpful if you want to train your dog to bark only when absolutely required.

To avoid irritation and boredom, which can contribute to excessive barking, you must provide your Appenzeller Sennenhund with many exercise opportunities and mental challenges. Paying attention to and training your Appenzeller Sennenhund may lessen the likelihood of unwanted barking and create a more pleasant environment for you and your pet.

Appenzeller Sennenhunds are great with children and make excellent family pets.

The amiable and affectionate temperament of the Appenzeller Sennenhund makes it a great companion animal. They thrive on human company and have a sterling reputation for compassion for kids.

Always keep an eye on your Appenzeller Sennenhund when you let them play with youngsters or other animals to ensure that they are being as kind and respectful as they have been trained to be.

They have a strong herding instinct and may try to herd other animals or people.

Appenzeller Sennenhunds, like many other herding dogs, have an innate propensity toward gathering and herding livestock. But this impulse can also show itself in their interactions with other creatures, including humans.

Certain Appenzeller Sennenhunds may exhibit herding behavior, such as nipping at the heels of other animals or people or excessive barking. This behavior can be problematic if the dog is not trained to rein in their natural herding impulses.

Appenzeller Sennenhunds thrive on human companionship.

Appenzeller Sennenhunds, like many other dog breeds, loves human company and tend to develop close ties with their owners. When left alone for extended periods, this might cause anxiety or distress.

Separation anxiety is a term used to describe a wide range of behaviors, including:

destructive chewing
excessive barking
hostility
and attempts to leave the house.

It is crucial to progressively adapt Appenzeller Sennenhunds to periods of isolation and provide lots of mental and physical activity during these times. You can do this by:

leaving them puzzles or toys to play with
making sure they have a warm, dry place to sleep
or even hiring a pet sitter or dog walker.

It's also crucial to note that dogs are different and may require various tactics to prevent separation anxiety. You should talk to your vet or an animal behaviorist if your Appenzeller Sennenhund shows signs of fear or suffering while you're gone.

They are a working breed that also excels in various activities.

Appenzeller Sennenhunds is a working breed that fares well in the following:

agility
obedience
and herding trials competitions.

These canines have a history of working in agricultural settings and an innate drive to assist their human companions in the field. In the present day, many Appenzeller Sennenhunds still have a strong working drive and take pleasure in engaging in activities.

Here are some ways you can make use of their fantastic working drive and enthusiasm:

enroll in agility training
train for competitions like herding trial
teach basic commands

Appenzeller Sennenhunds require a balanced diet and may be prone to obesity if overfed.

Overfeeding an Appenzeller Sennenhund can lead to obesity. Many health issues might arise if you overfeed your Appenzeller Sennenhund, including:

arthritis
heart disease
and even diabetes.

This is why giving your dog a healthy diet and limiting their access to high-calorie table scraps and snacks is essential. The ideal diet for an Appenzeller Sennenhund includes the following:

vitamins
minerals
protein
healthy fats
and carbohydrates.

Feeding your Appenzeller Sennenhund a healthy and well-balanced meal is an essential step in ensuring that your dog stays at a good weight and has a long, fulfilling life with you.

They have a life expectancy of around 12-14 years.

The typical lifespan of these canines is 12–14 years. It's worth noting that this varies from breed to breed based on health, genetics, and lifestyle.

Proper care and attention will go a long way toward ensuring that your Appenzeller Sennenhund enjoys a long and healthy life. As part of this, they should receive the following:

frequent trips to the vet
a healthy diet
lots of exercises
mental stimulation
and a ton of love and attention.

Appenzeller Sennenhunds are a rare breed.

Because Appenzeller Sennenhunds are so uncommon, tracking down a reliable breeder who focuses on this breed can be difficult.

Breeders who care about their puppies' health and their reputations will be happy to show you records of their health checks on the parents of the puppies they're selling and answer any questions you have about the breed or their breeding methods.

Inquire for customer recommendations, and if possible, visit the breeder's location to check in on the pups and their living conditions. Getting an Appenzeller Sennenhund from a trustworthy breeder is the best way to guarantee a healthy, happy dog that will fit right in with your family.

Overall, the Appenzeller Sennenhunds is a unique and wonderful breed, but they require a dedicated and responsible owner who can provide them with the exercise, training, and companionship they need to thrive. With proper care and attention, these dogs can make excellent family pets and companions for years to come!