Appenzell Cattle Dog
Other names: Appenzeller, Appenzell Cattle Dog, Appenzeller Mountain Dog, Appenzeller Sennenhund

The Appenzeller Sennenhund is a rare breed of dog native to the Swiss Alps. The name refers to the ‘Senn’ herders and farmers of a region of Switzerland called Appenzell. The breed is said to be so loyal to its herd that it would give its life in defence of an attack by a predator.
Key facts about the Appenzell Cattle Dog
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Origins and history
First records of the Sennenhund date back only to around 1850 but breed experts have opined that the dog may be related to ancient breeds of central European mountain dogs that existed thousands of years ago. Since the Victorian era Sennenhunds have been used by the Swiss to herd and guard livestock, but in the last fifty years their popularity as a worldwide companion pet has risen.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 2 - Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs
Section
Section 3 : Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs
Physical characteristics of the Appenzell Cattle Dog
Adult size
Female : Between 20 and 21 in
Male : Between 20 and 22 in
Weight
Female : Between 44 and 55 lb
Male : Between 44 and 55 lb
Coat colour
Basic colours most often seen of this dog are black, ‘Havana’ brown, reddish-brown and white in a tricolour pattern.
Type of coat
Topcoat thick and shiny; undercoat thick and soft. It is the undercoat that affords the dog’s visible colours. The coat is short.
Eye colour
Various shades of brown.
Description
A well-built and muscular dog with tricolour markings all across its abundant shiny coat. Well-balanced and agile, the dog’s best virtues have been selectively bred: to work, to guard and to herd. Its expression has been called ‘cheeky’.
Good to know
The Appenzeller Sennenhund is a very intelligent dog that is quick to learn both good and bad habits. The dog must be socialised from an early age to prevent its developing antisocial habits in later life.
Temperament
Behaviour of the Appenzell Cattle Dog
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Compatibility
Price
This dog will cost between £800 and £1,000 to buy, and between £60 and £90 per month to keep.
Grooming
Brush this dog every two weeks or so to remove dander and to keep the coat shiny.
Nutrition of the Appenzell Cattle Dog
It is always worthwhile to feed a Sennenhund a high-quality and specially formulated dog food rather than human food. The Sennenhund’s diet should consist of good amounts of protein and fat.
Health of the Appenzell Cattle Dog
Life expectancy
The Sennenhund is renowned for its robust and healthy constitution.
Strong / robust
The Sennenhund is strong, agile and adventurous.
Withstand heat
The Appenzeller Sennenhund does not tolerate hot weather particularly well and is prone to heat stroke.
Withstand cold
The double coat of the Sennenhund keeps the dog warm in cold weather.
Tendency to put on weight
Weight gain is seen of any dog that is not exercised as regularly as it should be and is fed too much human or substandard food.
Common illnesses
- Hip dysplasia
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy