Appenzell Mountain Dog Breed Profile
The Appenzell Mountain Dog, also commonly known as Appenzell Sennenhund, hails from the mountains of Switzerland. It’s a vastly different landscape to Australia and as such you may find this breed hard to come by Down Under.
But if you do, or if you get the chance to bring one of these beautiful dogs into your family, then our Appenzell Mountain Dog breed profile has all the information you could possibly need!
Also known as
Appenzell Sennenhund
About the Appenzell Mountain Dog breed
Of the Swiss Mountain Dogs the Appenzell, named after the Canton of Appenzell, the Appenzell Mountain Dog is the second favourite and third in the scale of size when it comes to these breeds.
The Appenzell comes runner-up to the Bernese in popularity in Switzerland and has become somewhat fashionable in Great Britain and the U.S.A as well. They also happen to be the most rare of the Swiss Sennenhund dog breeds.
Appenzell Mountain Dogs first became international when Mr. Mark Welch first introduced them to England in 1936, having imported a brace from the Appenzell Canton.
A specialist club in Great Britain for the breed was brought into existence as early as 1906, and the club played a key part in boosting the popularity of the breed in subsequent years, particularly amongst breeders and farmers.
The Appenzell Mountain Dog is mostly used as a Herder’s or Drover’s dog, but many have sprung up in towns and cities as they make excellent pets.
Also see Swiss Mountain Dog.
Appenzell Mountain Dog temperament & lifestyle
They’re a cheerful breed and work well in a family setting. The breed is rarely afraid of anything which promotes a confidence and self-assurance.
Appenzeller’s are a medium breed with a moderate activity level which makes them an enjoyable dog to own.
Are Appenzell Mountain Dogs easy to train?
As a relatively shy breed the Appenzell Mountain Dog benefits greatly with early socialisation with other dogs and people. They are smart and versatile and respond well to training, but their sensitivity and wariness of strangers means they have a tendency to bark. This is fine if you want a watchdog, but would otherwise be something you with to address in the puppy phase.
Feeding & dietary requirements
All dogs need a high quality diet rich in meat and other “whole prey” ingredients, and the Appenzell Mountain Dog is no different. In terms of kibble they will not require as much as a breed such as the Labrador, but may still cost you a fair amount on premium foods. As with any dog they will respond well to fresh, raw, and raw meaty bone diets as well.
Vital statistics
Weight 14.5kg to 16kg (32-35 lb).
Height 19-23 in.
Colour: a tricolour of jet black, deep russet brown and clean white.
Coat short and dense, flat and shiny.
Ears triangular and folded over; body cobby;
Tail curled tight over the back.
Buying an Appenzell Mountain Dog puppy
How much do Appenzell Mountain Dog puppies cost?
Appenzell Mountain Dog puppies are up there with some of the most expensive breeds, so expect to pay a minimum of $3000.
Where can I buy an Appenzell Mountain Dog puppy near me?
The best starting point for finding an Appenzell Mountain Dog puppy in Australia is to search the Australian Association of Pet Dog Breeders (AAPDB) Member List. Full members have had their premises audited by a registered veterinarian for compliance against the AAPDB Code of Ethics, which means they meet animal welfare standards.
Individual states have their own organisations in which breeders can become members.
Dog breeder organisations by Australian state:
- Australian Capital Territory: Dogs ACT – Find a Breeder
- New South Wales: Dogs NSW – Find a Breeder
- Northern Territory: Dogs NT – Find a Breeder
- South Australia: Dogs SA – Find a Breeder
- Western Australia: Dogs West – Find a Breeder
- Victoria: Dogs Victoria – Find a Breeder
How can I tell a good breeder?
A good breeder will be listed by one of the above organisations, but there are many ways to tell if they’re responsible or not.
Social media recommendations from other local dog owners can help point you in the right direction, but always take due diligence when buying a puppy.
A good breeder will always be happy to answer questions, allow for multiple viewings, and should not be pushy in any way. When picking up the puppy they should be willing for you to go to their premises, not ask to meet in a park or public place.
Good breeders will be proactive in asking you questions to ensure you will be a responsible dog owner, and will supply you with an information pack. Many will ask you to sign a contract to ensure the puppy is taken care of, or if they find out this is not the case they will have a legal right to reclaim the puppy.
Further information
If you have any further information on the Appenzell Mountain Dog dog then please comment below and we will add it to the Appenzell Mountain Dog breed profile. Thank you.
