Learn More About Appenzell Mountain Dog

Summary

The Appenzeller Mountain Dog is a medium-sized, muscular and powerfully built dog. His appearance conveys the impression of agility and endurance. The head is powerful, with a pronounced stop and medium-long lopsided ears. The eyes are small, almond-shaped and have an attentive expression. The tail is long and is often carried arched over the back. The Appenzeller Mountain Dog belongs to FCI Group 2 and is one of the four mountain dogs, which also include the Bernese Mountain Dog, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog. The Appenzellers do not differentiate between performance and show lines.

Character

The Appenzeller Mountain Dog is a hard-working and attentive dog with a strong drive to herd. Traditionally a farm dog, he feels most comfortable when he has chores to do, especially outdoors. The herding disposition is strong in this breed and should be taken into account if you are considering keeping an Appenzeller as a family dog. He is not a dog that likes to laze around and needs an active lifestyle with enough mental and physical activity. An Appenzeller who is bored may develop destructive behavior. However, if you enjoy being out in nature and are looking for a loyal companion for long walks or hikes, the Appenzeller could be just the thing for you. The Appenzeller is very people-oriented and forms a deep bond with his family. He is also alert and can be suspicious of strangers, making him an effective guard dog. However, with appropriate socialization and habituation, he can learn to deal with new people and situations in a more relaxed manner. He also has a playful personality, which makes him a fun family member. The Appenzeller is intelligent and learns quickly, which makes training easier. However, he is sometimes a little stubborn and therefore needs clear leadership. Because of its herding instincts, the Appenzeller Mountain Dog is prone to a certain degree of hunting behavior, so it is important to train and control it well from the start, especially in the presence of smaller animals. He can learn to stay alone, but as a dog that is closely bonded with his family, this should not be done for long periods of time. If you take the time to properly train this wonderful dog and give him the love and attention he needs, he will be an incredibly loyal and faithful companion.

What to Expect

Appenzell Mountain Dogs are considered lively and headstrong dogs. They are easy to train and are often described as unsure of the unknown.

Care

The Appenzeller Mountain Dog is not particularly suitable for keeping in cities as it needs a lot of exercise and activity. A house with a large garden would be ideal. Small children are usually not a problem for the Appenzell Mountain Dog as long as they treat the dog with respect. The Appenzeller can also get along with cats and other pets if he is accustomed to them from an early age.

Training & Education

The Appenzell Mountain Dog is intelligent, eager to learn and willing to work. It is well suited for various dog sports such as agility, obedience or protection work. It's important to start training early and stay consistent. The Appenzeller Mountain Dog has a high level of energy and needs a lot of activity, but you should be careful not to let him become "over-busy" as this can lead to stress. There is a risk that the Appenzeller Mountain Dog will become a ball junkie if he plays with balls too often and too intensively. Frustration tolerance and impulse control are important aspects of education. It is important to teach the dog to stay calm sometimes and not to be constantly in action. Since the Appenzeller Mountain Dog is originally a herding dog, you should offer him alternatives to meet his natural instincts without causing him to develop undesirable behavior. This can be done through intelligence toys, nose work, or special training exercises.

Nutrition & Grooming

The Appenzeller Mountain Dog requires a balanced diet that is rich in nutrients to support its active lifestyle. High-quality dog ​​food suitable for medium-sized and active dogs is recommended. Additionally, fresh fruits and vegetables can be given in moderate amounts. It is important to be careful not to allow the dog to become overweight as this can place additional stress on the joints. The Appenzeller Mountain Dog has a dense coat with an undercoat. The fur is weatherproof and he usually copes well with the climate in Germany. He sheds moderately and requires regular brushing to remove dead hair and prevent tangles.