Appenzeller Sennenhund
Also known as Appenzeller, Bouvier d’Appenzell
- Height at the withers
- 50 to 56 cm
- Weight
- 22 to 32 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 15 years
- Daily activity
- 120 minutes
- Origin
- Appenzell region, Switzerland
- FCI group
- 2 · Pinschers, molossers and Swiss mountain dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a sporty owner: running, hiking, canicross
- watching over the house
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- a sedentary life: plan on 120 minutes of activity a day
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
Overview
A muscular, agile, medium-sized Swiss mountain dog with a distinctive tricolor coat and a tail curled tightly over its back. Lively, self-assured and hardworking, it combines cattle-driving instinct with real guarding ability.
History and origins
One of the four Swiss mountain dogs, used for centuries in the Appenzell region as an all-around farm dog to drive cattle, guard the farm and pull carts. The breed was established in the late 19th century thanks to forester Max Siber and Professor Albert Heim.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Cataracts
- Progressive retinal atrophy
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short double coat. Heavy shedding, low coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Boundless, 5 out of 5
- Apartment
- Impossible, 1 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Reserved, 2 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Poor fit, 2 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Shedding
- Heavy, 4 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Very vocal, 5 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Appenzeller Sennenhund FAQ
How big does the Appenzeller Sennenhund get?
The Appenzeller Sennenhund stands 50 to 56 cm at the withers and weighs 22 to 32 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Appenzeller Sennenhund shed a lot?
It sheds heavily and its coat needs little care. Plan on brushing several times a week, and more during the spring and fall shedding seasons.
Can the Appenzeller Sennenhund live in an apartment?
It is not recommended: it needs space, ideally a house with a yard. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the Appenzeller Sennenhund need each day?
Allow about 120 minutes of activity a day: its energy is boundless. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Appenzeller Sennenhund good with children?
Fairly well, preferably with children old enough to respect its limits. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Appenzeller Sennenhund live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as cataracts.
