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The Appenzeller Mountain Dog
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Bitch |
Dog |
| Shoulder height |
48-54 cm |
52-58 cm |
| Weight |
28-35 kg |
| Characteristics |
Harmonious build, strong,
muscular limbs, short-haired, robust |
| Character |
Vivacious and tireless,
incorruptible watchdog, entirely loyal to his own family,
willing learner. |
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| The quartet of the four breeds of Swiss Mountain Dogs
would simply not be complete without the Appenzeller Moutain Dog.
In appearance the Appenzeller is similar to the Entlebucher. However,
there are important differences: The Appenzeller is somewhat larger,
but shorter in length meaning that the limbs and body form a square
when viewed from the side. This is advantageous from the point of
view of pressure on the hip joints and the backbone. A further visible
difference is the Appenzeller’s curled tail. (The Entlebucher´s
tail should not be curled). And, finally, an audible difference: whilst
the Entlebucher´s bark is deep and gruff, the Appenzeller uses
his voice in different ways according to the situation varying from
a deep bark to a higher pitched rumbling to a high tone - used especially
when herding. The Appenzeller uses his bark to attract attention to
himself. |
| The Appenzeller (known as the "Bläss" in Switzerland)
is an excellent guard dog, who always knows what is going on in the
house and the garden. His reacts courageously and as fast as lightening.
The “Bläss” is also characterised by his vivaciousness,
self-confidence, mistrust of strangers, incorruptibility, joy and
willingness to learn. In former times he was bred to help Alpine dairy
farmers and consistent breeding led to the development of an ideal
droving and herding dog, who needs tasks and work (see picture on
right: the Appenzeller nipping the heel of cattle). Although the working
Appenzeller was expected to be able to react independently, he is
very affectionate towards his own family and would literally go through
thick and thin for them. However, this means that he needs company
and is definitely not suited to be kept in a kennel or, worse still,
on a chain. |
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The Appenzeller is not a dog for stay-at-homes. The Appenzeller
is a wonderful dog for people who love to be active and are looking
for a loyal walking companion or a reliable partner for canine sports.
The dogs enjoy obedience training and Agility.
The dogs are particularly suitable for those who wish to work professionally
with their dog and they can be trained as tracking or rescue
dogs, as guard dogs (see picture left)
or even as guide dogs (further information on this
is available from the Swiss
Club for Appenzeller Mountain Dogs, which provided these photos).
Since the Appenzeller is a dog who is ready to accept his leader
of the pack, he is not very difficult to train. What is necessary
is energy and the right temperament for the breed. Anyone who has
never had experience with an Appenzeller should definitely arrange
to visit an adult dog before acquiring a dog as the character of
the breed cannot be really understood merely by reading about it.
The dogs are not suited to flat life and if the dog will have to
be left alone for long periods, it would be better to consider another
breed, or indeed another kind of pet. Constant contact with people
plays a very important rôle in the positive development of
the dog. |
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