Appenzeller Sennenhund: breed description, photos, reviews

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Sennenhunds are a rather large group that united dogs similar in appearance, among which there are short- and long-haired varieties. The breed of Swiss mountain and herding dogs, which includes the Appenzeller Sennenhund, is recognized by the International Cynological Association.

By the way, sennenhunds ("zenn" - a shepherd, "hund" - a dog) with the same success can be not only shepherds, but also perfectly cope with the role of a guide, watchman and rescuer. These animals have a peaceful, playful nature and are very obedient.

All sennenhunds are divided into 4 types, among which the most popular is the big Swiss:

• Bernese - long haired look;
• large swiss - large variety (up to 72 centimeters at the withers);
• Appenzeller Sennenhund - variety withtail curled up;
• entlebuch - the smallest variety (up to 50 centimeters at the withers).

Color

A common feature for the sennenhund is a tricolor: black, white and red. This combination is very impressive due to the contrast of the predominant black color on the body and symmetrically located red spots on the paws, eyebrows, cheekbones, as well as white marks on the chest and muzzle.

History of the breed

Sennenhunds have been around for more than two thousand years, including the Appenzeller Sennenhund, a description of the breed of which we will give below. Anyone who has ever met these charming dogs will fall in love with this breed forever.

Supposedly the Mountain Dogs originated from the Tibetan Mastiff, were brought to Europe by the Phoenicians and thanks to the Romans became widespread in this part of the world. At first, beautiful three-colored dogs appeared in the Appenzell region, and a little later in the Entlebuch and Bern regions, where the varieties of the same name acquired their names. If you want to have a devoted four-legged friend, then the Appenzeller Sennenhund will suit you. The nature of this animal is docile and mature, it is easy to train.

Great Swiss Mountain Dog

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is the oldest variety of the breed. A large, physically developed animal has a powerful torso. Due to the bright color of these dogs, it is impossible to confuse them with other breeds: the muzzle, paws and tail are decorated with white spots, and reddish-red tan marks canbe present on the tail and cheeks, as well as above the eyebrows. The female is usually slightly smaller than the male.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is characterized by doggy wisdom and self-confidence; has a balanced character. This dog loves children very much, forgiving them pranks, and is also distinguished by goodwill towards all family members.

The Big Swiss is like a variety of Appenzeller Sennenhund, the reviews of the owners of which positively characterize the dog as a pet. People are captivated by the seething energy of the sennenhunds, rather high intellectual development and easy learning to numerous teams. In addition, some dog qualities such as obedience, distrust of strangers and amazing tenacity to stand up to the end for their master or protected object will come in handy for some.

Bernese Mountain Dog

Another type of Sennenhund is the Bernese breed, which originated from Dyurbahler. Large dogs were originally used to help shepherds, as they did an excellent job of grazing and protecting livestock, and then they were entrusted with the duties of milk carriers. Nowadays, these cute dogs are bred for pleasure, accepted as full and grateful members of the family.

The traditional tricolor coat of these dogs is very thick and long, which distinguishes them from other Sennenhund varieties. Calm and alert Bernese Mountain Dogs instantly join the family and get along well with the kids. Like other brethrenbreed, they have a benevolent and peaceful character, showing endless devotion to their master. Thanks to their playful nature, they are always fun to be with.

Appenzeller Sennenhund

As far back as 1853, the first descriptions of this variety of the breed were found, which began to be bred first in Appenzeller, and then throughout Switzerland. Having become a separate breed, the Appenzeller Mountain Dog won the hearts of amateur dog breeders and professional shepherds. And in our time, these animals continue to carry the main qualities of their ancestors, such as dedication, reliability, devotion, courage and endurance.

Appenzeller Sennenhund is not large in size and has a small weight. Like other sennenhunds, this species has a characteristic tricolor color and an athletic body. The energy of these dogs can be envied, however, as well as physical strength. One of the distinguishing features is the amazing ability to be an attentive friend and a good helper. If you lead a fairly active lifestyle, then the Appenzeller Sennenhund breed is ideal for you, reviews of which characterize dogs as excellent companions in outdoor activities and travel.

In many ways, sympathy among dog lovers is caused by the mischievous and cheerful nature of these animals. This is stated in numerous reviews. And they are also capable of an affectionate and gentle attitude towards children, playing with them with pleasure. However, a certain indulgence of the Appenzellers still does not allow them to lose their vigilance, defendingtheir honor and dignity. Many people like that a friendly dog in the family is extremely wary of strangers, because this makes the process of training easier.

Entlebuch (Entlebucher)

Entlebuchers, (like the Appenzeller Sennenhund), the photos of which are presented below, are relatively small in size. The similarity of the varieties is obvious: the same tricolor suit and the same arrangement of spots characteristic of the breed. No significant differences are observed. Short shiny coat and wide athletic torso.

About the character, it can be said that the Entlebuchers are bold, fearless and self-confident. Owners are captivated by their cheerful disposition and charming enthusiasm, which are manifested in outdoor games with people and animals. Like other fellow Scottish breeds, these dogs are unconditionally devoted to their owners and are ready to protect them day and night from visible and invisible enemies.

The owners note that Entlebuchers are smart, hardy and agile, but these qualities do not prevent them from being calm and balanced, so pets do not cause much inconvenience and trouble in everyday life. Owners of a strong muscular body can be excellent guards not only of herd animals, but also of any household and economic property.

Reviews say that these dogs, even as a nanny, can look after children. Dogs have remarkable intelligence and quickly master all training commands to the great pleasure of all household members.

Food

One of the important advantagesdogs of the Sennenhund breed is indiscriminate in food, which greatly facilitates their care. Both puppies for normal development, and adults for good nutrition, natural food or special dry food is excellent. Although, in order to maintain the he alth of a pet and keep the coat in perfect condition, preference should be given to premium and higher class feeds. This is described in detail by the reviews of the owners of dogs of this breed.

With natural nutrition, meat food should prevail, and all products must be fresh, supplemented with vitamins and minerals for dogs. By following these rules, your beloved dog will never get sick and will always look great.

Care

Like any other breed of dog, Sennenhunds need some care. In particular, they need to be brushed regularly, especially if your pet has long hair and especially during periods of shedding. Getting used to this simple procedure from childhood, dogs get great pleasure from it and gladly put their sides under a stiff brush.

In addition to caring for the purity of dog hair, you should also take care of the ears of your pet and be sure to pay attention to the condition of the eyes. In principle, caring for the Sennenhund is not difficult; the main thing is to do it with love. If a four-legged pet lives in an apartment, then, among other things, it is recommended to periodically trim the claws in a veterinary clinic. Although it cannot be said that this proceduredogs like it, they get used to it.

Training

All varieties of Sennenhunds are highly intelligent dogs. According to the owners, they are smart, trainable and obedient, which helps to speed up the training process. Dogs quickly learn a large set of commands, gaining mutual understanding with all family members, and become loyal friends and reliable companions for joint activities and walks. Any owner is pleased to have a well-mannered four-legged pet.

Diseases

Unfortunately, purebred animals are prone to certain diseases. So, sennenhunds often have a pathology of the hip joint, therefore, for preventive purposes and on the recommendation of a specialist, chondroprotectors should be given to dogs. Early detection of such a disease is established during an x-ray examination, which in the future will help maintain the joints in a normal state. In addition, timely vaccination of puppies is absolutely necessary, because vaccinations will not only provide your dog with excellent he alth, but also save life.

In general, for those who wish to have a charming Scottish Mountain Dog of any variety, these dogs can be briefly described as follows: they are smart, strong, courageous, funny and simple. These loyal friends are great for family life and from the first days become its full members. Sennenhunds can hardly endure loneliness, so you can’t “forget” them for a long time. But they will share all your sports interests with joy and undisguised pleasure, because they love activelifestyle.