Appenzeller Sennenhund

 

Summary:

• Tri-colored, medium-sized dog with an almost square build
• Well-proportioned and muscular with a free expression
• Temperamental, loyal and courageous behavior
• Double coat and close-fitting fur that requires care
• The breed club provides valuable guidance and information about the breed

Country of origin and overall impression:

The Appenzeller Sennenhund originates from Switzerland and is a tri-colored, medium-sized dog with an almost square build. It is well-proportioned, muscular and has a free expression that radiates charm.

Behavior and Temperament:

This breed is known for its lively and temperamental nature. Appenzeller Sennenhund is confident, loyal and brave. It is somewhat reserved towards strangers and acts as a reliable guard dog that does not allow itself to be bribed. At the same time, it is happy and willing to learn, and it thrives in human company.

Appearance and Grooming:

The head of the Appenzeller Sennenhund is harmonious in size in relation to the body. The skull is fairly flat, widest between the ears and tapering evenly towards the muzzle. It has a weakly marked nape and a moderately developed forehead furrow. The nose is black in black dogs and brown (as dark as possible) in havanese dogs.The muzzle is medium strong and evenly tapered. The lips are dry and tight, with black lips in the black dogs and brown lips in the brown dogs. The jaws are powerful with a scissor bite, and a full set of teeth is expected. The eyes are rather small, almond-shaped and not protruding. They have a slightly tilted position and radiate a lively expression.The color of the eyes varies from dark brown to brown in the black dogs and as dark brown as possible in havanese dogs. The ears are set quite high and wide, are carried hanging close to the cheeks, and have a triangular shape with a rounded tip. Appenzeller Sennenhund has a rather short, strong and dry neck. The forelimbs are characterized by a strong bone trunk and muscular structures.The shoulders are long and sloping, and the upper arm is about the same length or slightly shorter than the shoulder blade. The elbow is close, the forearm is straight and dry, and the middle hand is slightly inclined when viewed from the side. The paws are short, arched and well-ended with strong wooden deposits. The body of the Appenzeller Mountain Dog is compact and substantial. The topline is moderately long, powerful and straight, while the loin is short and muscular. The crossing is short and in a straight extension of the upper line.The chest is broad, deep and reaches the elbows. There is a clear forechest and vaulted ribs. The chest has an oval shape in diameter with sufficient length, and the underline is slightly drawn up. The tail is set high, medium length, strong and densely haired. When moving, the tail is carried coiled over the crotch or to the side, while it hangs at rest.The hind legs of the Appenzeller Sennenhund are muscular. Seen from behind, they are straight and parallel, and they have a moderate angulation typical of the breed. The thighs are quite long and form an open angle towards the lower thigh in balance with the shoulder angle.The knees have a relatively open angle, the lower thighs are dry and muscular, and the hocks are relatively high and parallel. The middle foot is straight and slightly longer than the middle hand, and the paws resemble the front paws with arched wooden depots.

Movements and Fur:

Appenzeller Sennenhund has ground-winning movements with a powerful kick and a long stride. The movements are in a line seen from the front or from the side. The fur of this breed is of a double layer (Stockhaar). It is firm, close-fitting and has a thick and shiny top coat. The undercoat is thick and comes in the colors black, brown or grey.The undercoat should not be visible through the topcoat. Slightly wavy fur on the withers and back is tolerated, but it is undesirable. The color of the fur is either black or havana brown with symmetrical tan (rust red) and white markings.There are small tan spots above the eyes, as well as tan markings on the cheeks, both sides of the chest and on the legs. The drawings on the legs must always be between the black or havana brown and the white.White markings include a distinct white marking from the skull without interruption over the bridge of the nose and all or part around the muzzle, white from the chin running from the throat down to the chest without interruption, white on all four paws, white on the tip of the tail, and a white nape patch or half white collar is tolerated. A narrow white neck ring is tolerated but is undesirable.

Size and Weight:

Male dogs have a withers height of 52-56 cm ± 2 cm, while bitches have a withers height of 50-54 cm ± 2 cm.