How to Identify an Appenzeller Sennenhund

The Appenzeller Sennenhund is one of four Swiss mountain dog breeds, and was originally given the jobs of herding cattle and guarding the homestead in Appenzell, Switzerland, where the breed originated. [1] If you'd like to figure out whether or not a dog is an Appenzeller Sennenhund, this wikiHow will provide you with some advice.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Noticing the Body Structure

  1. Both male and female Appenzeller Sennenhunds are usually anywhere from 19–22 inches (48–56 cm) in height, and they typically weigh somewhere between 48–70 pounds (22–32 kg). [2]
  2. Appenzeller Sennenhunds should have a slightly wedge-shaped head that has a balanced size overall in relation to the dog's body. Their skull should be relatively flat, taper evenly towards the dog's muzzle, and be the most broad in between their ears. [3]
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  3. Appenzeller Sennenhunds typically have broad ears that are set on relatively high, with a triangular shape and tips that are slightly rounded off. When the dog is at rest, their ears should hang down flat and close to their cheeks. When the dog is alert, the ears are usually raise at the set-on point, and turned forward, so that when viewed from above, the ears and head form a marked triangle. [4]
  4. Appenzeller Sennenhunds should have relatively small almond-shaped eyes that aren't protruding. The dog's eyes should also have a lively expression and be oblique towards their nose. Black-colored dogs should have dark brown eyes, while havana brown-colored dogs typically have eyes that are lighter brown in color, though still as dark-colored as possible. [5]
  5. Appenzeller Sennenhunds usually have a strong, densely-coated tail of a medium length that is set on high. When the dog is moving, the tail should be carried slightly curled over their croup, either in the center or sideways. At rest, the tail is usually hanging downwards in various shapes. [6]
  6. Overall, Appenzeller Sennenhunds typically have a balanced, almost squarely-built appearance. The dog's gait should demonstrate a well-reaching stride in the front, with good rear drive in the back. When viewed from either the front or the back while the dog is trotting, their limbs should appear to movie in a straight line. [7]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Looking at the Coat

  1. Appenzeller Sennenhunds should either have a havana brown or black base color, with reddish-brown markings on the dog's cheeks, legs, on the left and right in the area of the dog's shoulder joint, and as small spots on the dog's eyes. White markings should appear on all 4 feet, on the tip of the dog's tail, on the back of the neck (either as a "half collar" or spot), covering the throat (with no break at the dog's chest area), and a blaze that runs from the skull with no break at the bridge of the nose, and either reaches partially or completely around the dog's muzzle. [8]
    • These markings should appear as symmetrical as possible. [9]
  2. Appenzeller Sennenhunds should have a thick brown, gray or black undercoat, in addition to their topcoat. [10]
  3. Overall, the dog's topcoat should appear shiny and thick, and the undercoat should appear thick as well. The coat as a whole should appear fitting and feel firm, and ideally, the undercoat should not be visible through the dog's topcoat. [11]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Checking Temperament

  1. Once an Appenzeller Sennenhund warms up to someone, they are known to act cheerful and outgoing toward them. [12]
  2. Appenzeller Sennenhunds are known to be intelligent dogs, who typically learn fast. [13]
  3. Appenzeller Sennenhunds are known to be devoted to and affectionate towards their family, always wanting to be near them. [14]
  4. Appenzeller Sennenhunds are very athletic dogs, who have great endurance and love to run. Because of this, they are known to do well at dog sporting events. [15]
  5. In addition to being athletic, Appenzeller Sennenhunds are also very energetic and can at times be rambunctious. Therefore, they are typically not recommended for a home with elderly family members or small children. [16]
  6. Because Appenzeller Sennenhunds are so athletic and energetic, they typically need regular, vigorous exercise, such as going for a run with you. [17]
  7. Appenzeller Sennenhunds are vocal dogs, so you'll likely hear a lot of barking with this breed. [18]
  8. Appenzeller Sennenhunds can have a dominant and pushy temperament, so they will need a strong, clear leader who sets firm boundaries from the start. [19]
  9. Appenzeller Sennenhunds are very watchful and suspicious of strangers, making them good watchdogs. They will need socialization from early on with people, however, to help control this watchful instinct. [20]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/appenzeller-sennenhund/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/appenzeller-sennenhund/
      3. ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/046g02-en.pdf
      4. ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/046g02-en.pdf
      5. ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/046g02-en.pdf
      6. ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/046g02-en.pdf
      7. ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/046g02-en.pdf
      8. ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/046g02-en.pdf
      9. ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/046g02-en.pdf
      1. ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/046g02-en.pdf
      2. ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/046g02-en.pdf
      3. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/appenzeller-sennenhund-temperament/
      4. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/appenzeller-sennenhund-temperament/
      5. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/appenzeller-sennenhund-temperament/
      6. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/appenzeller-sennenhund-temperament/
      7. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/appenzeller-sennenhund-temperament/
      8. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/appenzeller-sennenhund-temperament/
      9. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/appenzeller-sennenhund-temperament/
      10. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/appenzeller-sennenhund-temperament/
      11. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/appenzeller-sennenhund-temperament/

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