Appenzell Mountain Dog Breed description: Character & Co

What are the typical character traits of the Appenzell mountain dogs?

If you are thinking of buying an Appenzell Mountain Dog, you should consider that it is a breed that likes to move around. After all, they are used to be responsible for herds of up to 200 animals, which also explains their sense of independence.

As a versatile animal you can even

• train it as a rescue dog. They also perform
• valuable services as guide dogs: Their sensitive nature helps them with this. Sometimes it seems as if your darling can literally sniff out your mood. Once they have settled in with you, they build up an intimate relationship with you. Nevertheless, consistent training is necessary.
• Watch out for wild play with children: Sometimes they can pinch out of sheer exuberance.
• The excellent watchdog is suspicious of strangers. You should also know that the Appenzell Mountain Dog likes to bark. Especially when they feel underchallenged, this can become a problem.

What are typical diseases of Appenzell Mountain and Cattle Dogs?

The fact that tricolourism was defined as mandatory in the breed standard did not benefit the general state of health of the Appenzell Mountain Dog. After all, this reduced the gene pool, which can lead to hereditary diseases in all breeds. The Appenzell Mountain Dog is especially prone to develop the following diseases:

• hip joint dysplasia
• elbow dysplasia
• cataract
• with increasing age: skin tumours

What should be considered in regards to breeding of the Appenzell Mountain Dog?

The Appenzell Mountain dog is a rare breed, so you will probably have to wait for a puppy to become available for some time. However, it pays off, because only serious breeders will provide you with a healthy animal that you will be able to enjoy for a long time. The Appenzell Mountain Dog breeders approved by the 'Verein für Schweizer Sennenhunde' in Austria commit themselves to adhere to the strict breeding regulations and are regularly controlled. Your future four-legged family addition will be vaccinated, dewormed and chipped before you can take them home with you.