
Height | 19 – 22 inches |
Weight | 48 – 70 pounds |
Lifespan | 12 – 15 years |
Colors | Black, brown, and white |
Suitable for | Experienced dog owners with active lifestyles, looking for an intelligent dog who needs a job to do |
Temperament | Agile, versatile, lively, intelligent, hard-working, watchful |
When you see the name Appenzeller Sennenhund you may be wondering, is that really the name of a dog breed? Yes, it is! Although the Appenzeller Sennenhund is a less common breed in this country, they have a long history in Europe. The Appenzeller Sennenhund is a hard-working, very energetic herding breed that loves to join in long hikes or run across acres of farmland as a working dog. While not always a good fit for every lifestyle, the Appenzeller Sennenhund can be a friendly, protective member of the family with proper training and plenty of exercise. Unsure if the Appenzeller Sennenhund is the breed for you? Keep reading to learn more about this active breed and find out if one is a good choice for your family!
Appenzeller Sennenhund Puppies – Before You Get One…
3 Little-Known Facts About Appenzeller Sennenhund
Temperament & Intelligence of the Appenzeller Sennenhund
Appenzeller Sennenhunds are very intelligent dogs. They are also extremely active and prone to being stubborn which can make them challenging to train. Appenzellers bond very closely with their families and take on the role of a protective guardian with ease. Their protective nature makes them suspicious of people they don’t know, a tendency that makes for a good watchdog but also requires diligent socialization.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪
Appenzeller Sennenhunds are a good choice for active families who share their high-energy personalities. They do well with children, although they should be socialized with kids at a young age. As with many herding breeds, Appenzellers may be tempted to try and “herd” running children as they were bred to do with farm animals. Herding cattle involved a certain amount of nipping at heels, behavior that will be neither welcomed nor tolerated when it comes to children!
Because they bond so tightly with their families, Appenzellers will want to be included in family life. Because their energy levels are so high, families who prefer to stay active will be the best match for these dogs. Appenzellers are a breed best left to experienced, rather than first-time dog owners, since they can be a challenge to train and to keep busy and out of trouble. Families looking for a more “hands-off” dog-owning experience should not consider an Appenzeller Sennenhund.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?
Bred as working farm dogs, Appenzeller Sennenhunds usually get along well with a variety of other animals. They do well with other dogs and cats although they should be socialized with them early for the most harmonious relationships. And should you happen to actually live on a farm, Appenzellers will fit right in with cows, goats, sheep, and other livestock. They will likely try to follow their instincts and herd the livestock, which may not be appreciated by the cows!
Things to Know When Owning an Appenzeller Sennenhund:
If you are intrigued by what you’ve read so far about the Appenzeller Sennenhund, you might be considering making one a part of your family. If so, you will want to find out as much as you can about how to properly care for this breed. Here is some information you may find helpful when deciding whether an Appenzeller Sennenhund would be a good fit for your lifestyle.
Perhaps because they are a less common breed, Appenzeller Sennenhunds are generally healthy dogs overall with a longer than usual average lifespan for their size.
Male vs Female
Now you’ve done your research and you think the Appenzeller Sennenhund may be the right breed for you. Now should you get a male or a female dog? Is there a difference between them? Well, male Appenzeller Sennenhunds tend to be a bit larger than females. Otherwise, there are not a lot of reported breed-specific differences between the sexes.
As a general rule, male dogs tend to be a bit more energetic and dominant than female dogs. Then, of course, there is the issue of marking, which male dogs are more prone to do. Neutering the male dog can help with both marking and dominant behavior. With female dogs, you will have to deal with them going into heat every 6 months or so, although, having your female spayed will also eliminate this issue.
In the end, the decision of whether to get a male or female Appenzeller will likely come down to your own personal preference for one versus the other.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an energetic companion, the Appenzeller Sennenhund may just be the breed to fill that role. Make sure you are prepared for some of the more challenging aspects of their personality and are ready to devote plenty of time to training and socialization. You may also have to spend a bit more time finding a reputable Appenzeller breeder due to their relative scarcity in this country. If you really feel this is the breed for you, however, the time and effort will certainly be worth it in the end!
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Featured Image Credit: Vincent Scherer, Shutterstock