Appenzeller Mountain Dog - breed description and character of the dog

The Appenzeller Mountain Dog is a popular breed that is among the top 10 most sought-after dogs in various countries. A distinctive feature of individuals is that they were bred without crossing, but as a result of natural selection. Cynologists unanimously say that it is ideal to keep appenzeller not only in a private house, but also in apartment conditions. Today we look at everything that affects the characteristics of the breed.

Historical data

In the Swiss highlands there were previously no communication options between settlements. As a result, in every remote corner there was a breed of dogs, which was required for grazing, the protection of agricultural enterprises and farmers' territories.

The specimens of the represented breed lived presumably in the northeastern part.Historical data is difficult to collect along the chain, the first mention of Appenzeller-like dogs dates back to the end of the first century BC.

Some experts associate the origin of the breed with ancestors, alpine alpine dogs. Rottweilers and mastiffs contributed to the formation, their blood is also present in the mountain dogs.

Later dog handlers compiled their data and were able to determine exactly when the purebred breed was born. In the middle of the 19th century in Switzerland they mentioned dogs with an unusual coloring, a proud build, and a ringing barking.

Later the breeder F. Shertenlaib was called into the country, who set a goal to announce dogs to the whole world in order to get an international standard. He took up seriously breeding, separated the appenzeller from all the puppies at the time. In early 1906, an amateur dog club of the breed was created.

Generally accepted standards

According to its external characteristics, the breed is similar to other representatives of herding dogs, which were common in Switzerland.The dogs lived in the highlands and are ideal for such conditions.

1. It is impossible to say that dogs are huge, but their constitution is large, formed and harmonious. Rather, dogs are classified as medium breeds. Bitches from 46 to 53 cm in height, males slightly larger, 50–58 cm. As for the weight category, she is 18–32 kg.
2. The head is wedge-shaped, it is proportional and not sharp. The hillock on the nape is almost invisible, the forehead is wide and flat, it does not bulge much. Arcs over the eyebrows are not visible. The cheekbones are visible, they are muscled and relief, giving the dog a special zest.
3. The muzzle is quite wide with a smooth nose, tapers towards the lobe. Bite scissor, strong, all teeth in the collection. It is not allowed for one of the jaws to protrude forward. The nose of the dogs is large and prominent, it has an exceptionally black tone.
4. Ears are rounded in tips, triangular in shape. If the dog is calm and indifferent, it keeps the ears along the cheekbones. When the dog is interested or alert, they move forward.
5. The eyes have an almond shape, slightly slanting, of small size. They are located preferably in the front part of the muzzle.The shade is dark, but if the dog has brownish hair, it may be light brown.
6. The build is powerful, in harmony with the limbs and head. It is muscular, proportional. If you look at the dog from the side, it may seem that it is square. This is partly true, because along the length of the body the dog is 10% more than the height at the withers.
7. The rib cage is well developed, indented. The back is even, clearly withers. Loins short, croup slightly fallen. The stomach is selected, there is a transition to the groin area. The neck is strong and muscular.
8. The tail of the dog twists and touches the waist. But if the dog is calm, there are no special requirements for the location of the tail. Limbs smooth, muscled. Thighs are viewed quite well. The whole look of the dog says that before you is a real athlete.

Color and type of wool

1. Individuals of herding breeds must have a reliable and dense coat that will protect the dog from the adverse weather conditions. Accordingly, the presented individuals are famous for just such wool.
2. The dogs have hard hair, which in its structure consists of two layers. Oily and dense undercoat does not pass moisture.Upper hair adjacent to the body. Some waviness may be observed in the neck, but the hair on the whole body is straight.
3. The undercoat can be fawn, black or gray. If the appenzeller has a single-layer wool that does not protect against weather conditions, then it will be considered a defect. A dog will simply be cold in a harsh climate.
4. As for the shade of wool, you can often find black or brown dogs. According to the standard, they should have red marks on the eyebrows, chest, cheeks, paws, cheekbones.
5. At the end of the tail there is a white mark, the same applies to the hands of the paws and the area from the chest to the chin (white stripe). Also, the white mark goes along the nose and reaches the upper lip.

Breed character

1. A dog is by its nature a “workhorse” that loves physical labor and cannot sit idle. Appenzeller requires constant physical activity, the owner must take care of this in advance.
2. Representatives of the breed are real family pets. They like to be among a large gathering of people close to their relatives.Dogs get along with people, very attached to the owner. The dog chooses one owner for himself, and submits to him.
3. It is important to socialize the pet in time, then he will be able to get along with other animals. If the dog is not socialized, it can negatively relate to noisy young children and other animals.
4. Breed has a long history. Dogs are excellent guards and do an excellent job. Suspicion of strangers they laid at the genetic level. To pet was not too aggressive, it is important to carry out early socialization.
5. If such procedures are not carried out in time, the pet will consider any person or animal as a potential threat. It should also be noted that with the right upbringing, the dog will be polite to strangers. However, from such a pet friendliness should not expect strangers.
6. The Appenzellers are not only good guards, but also incorruptible vigilant watchmen. The dog will in no case allow the movement of a stranger in its territory. Therefore, you can be sure that the attacker will not remain unnoticed.The pet will protect you and the property at any cost.

Training and education

1. In order for everything to be successful, it is important to organize the process of education and training from an early age. As a result, you can grow a real champion. The presented breed differs in big abilities unlike counterparts.
2. Purebred pets learn very quickly and have an excellent memory. Appenzeller resourceful and quick-witted. When the animal will perform all the commands, there is no doubt that they do everything efficiently and conscientiously.
3. However, it is worth noting that the breed in question loves independence and freedom. The problem is that because of these qualities can be complicated training. The dog will definitely be dominant. On the part of the owner it is necessary to secure the leader traits. Do not show slack.
4. After acquiring an animal, you need to immediately identify who is the boss. It is strictly forbidden to resort to physical effects. Also, do not treat the dog rudely, raise your voice and humiliate her in every way.
5. Do not forget to regularly encourage your pet for correctly executed commands.If during the training you overreach the stick and constantly break down, the dog will become cowardly or very angry. Also, do not start such a breed, if you do not have any experience in keeping and raising dogs.
6. If you still got an unusual breed, it is strongly recommended to attend special training courses with your pet. A professional dog handler will help you to train the dog with all the necessary things without any problems. In addition, the specialist will tell you how to properly educate this breed. Do not neglect this.
7. Dog skills can be successfully applied in various sports. This breed perfectly cope with running, agility and the passage of obstacles. Do not be limited to this. There are plenty of options for playing sports with a dog. The breed is also able to repeat complex tricks for the development of intelligence.

Care rules

1. The appencellers have a beautiful and thick coat, so be prepared for the molt to occur 2 times a year. Thanks to this feature, the pet's coat always looks great. However, do not let everything go by itself.
2. Favorite need to regularly comb and comb. Also do not forget about systematic water procedures. For combing it is recommended to use a special brush with rare metal teeth.
3. During the molting process necessarily wool with a special composition. Only after that start combing the animal with a professional brush of the desired hardness. As for bathing a pet, the procedure should be carried out no more than 1 time in six months.
4. This procedure is best practiced during the molting period. At other times, the wool should be regularly cleaned with dry shampoos. In addition, do not forget about the standard procedures. Be sure to monitor the condition of the eyes and rinse them regularly. Brush your ears and teeth as needed. Cut the claws.
5. Also regularly do all the necessary vaccinations and prevention of worms. If everything is done correctly, the pet will not have any health problems. If you have noticed a bad state of health in a dog, do not try to solve the situation yourself, be sure to contact your veterinarian.

Breed diseases

1. Uppenzellera easily live to 15 years, while it should be notedthat dogs have excellent health. As for diseases, they most often develop in individuals that are in old age. The presented breed also has its weaknesses.
2. In rare cases, with the age of pets affects the dysplasia of large compositions. Ailments affect the musculoskeletal system. Osteoarthritis and osteoarthrosis are also observed.
3. As mentioned earlier, most often old individuals are sick. In some cases, there is heart failure in the form of cardiomyopathy. Sometimes the bladder and kidneys are affected. Therefore, it is important to monitor the health of the animal.

Sennenhundy is quite an interesting and active breed with its own characteristics. Starting such a pet is important to have experience in keeping hunting dogs. If you do not have certain skills, problems may arise in raising appenzeller. Therefore, prepare in advance.