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Appenzeller Dog Facts & Worksheets

Appenzeller Dogs are the rarest breed of the Sennenhund canine breeds from Switzerland.

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Appenzeller Sennenhund Dogs, also known as an Appenzeller Mountain Dog or Appenzell Cattle Dog, are the rarest breed of the Sennenhund canine breeds from Switzerland. Originally considered an all-around farm dog breed, Appenzellers today are known to be lively, high-spirited, self-assured, reliable, and fearless.

See the fact file below for more information on the Appenzeller Dog or alternatively, you can download our 22-page Appenzeller Dog worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

HISTORY

  • The word Appenzell came from the origin of the breed, Appenzell, Switzerland where it used to guard the homestead and herd cattle.
  • Appenzellers are likely to be around for a long time in the Appenzell region of Switzerland.
  • In 1853, they were referenced in the book “Tierleben der Alpenwelt” or the Animal Life in the Alps.
  • Appenzeller Sennenhund descended from the Sennenhund family that includes the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund), the Bernese Mountain Dog (Berner Sennenhund), the Appenzeller (Appenzeller Mountain Dog), and the Entlebucher Mountain dog (Entlebucher Sennenhund).
  • Sennenhund dogs were used to assist in farm work, kept primarily to herd livestock and protect farmers’ properties and possessions.
  • The dogs are well known for their devotion in sacrificing their life to protect their charge.
  • They are said to descend from “cattle dogs” that were left by the Romans.
  • They were recognized in 1853 as a high-pitch barking, multi-colored cattle dog of the Spitz type.
  • The Appenzeller Sennenhund Club was established in 1906 by Dr. Albert Heim to promote and preserve the breed.
  • The breed of Appenzell is the least popular and rarest among the Swiss Sennenhund family.
  • Appenzeller is one of the smaller breeds in the Sennenhund group of dogs.
  • It became an internationally recognized separate breed of Sennenhund in 1989.
  • The breed is now seen in other parts of Europe and is considered a rare breed in North America.
  • Appenzeller Sennenhund has been translated as the Appenzell Cattle Dog in English.
  • They are categorized as Guardian Dogs and are included in the books of the American Kennel Club’s Foundation Stock Service (registry of rare breed in the United States).

CHARACTERISTICS

  • Male Appenzellers stand 20 to 22 inches at the shoulder while females stand 19.5 to 21 inches.
  • Their typical weight ranges from 48 to 55 pounds.
  • They have heavy body build and a distinctive tri-color coat.
  • Shedding is moderately high in Appenzellers.
  • They are not a hypoallergenic dog breed.
  • Appenzellers have thick and shiny top coats.
  • Their top coat is colored black or brown with tan and white markings.
  • Their thick undercoat is either black, brown, or gray.
  • They have small, almond-shaped eyes that are light to dark brown.
  • Symmetrical tan markings appear over the eyes and on the cheeks, chest, and legs.
  • White markings are found on the face, chin to the chest, all four feet, and the tip of the tail.
  • Their ears are small and triangular, set high and hanging down against the dog’s cheeks.
  • Their average lifespan is 12 to 17 years.

BEHAVIOR

  • They are active and energetic dogs.
  • Socialization with other dogs and people should start at an early age.
  • They should be provided with regular activity, exercise, and training.
  • Appenzellers bond with their owners if trained well.
  • These dogs are highly intelligent and learn quickly.
  • They are also high spirited and lively, but tend to be suspicious around strangers.
  • They are not recommended as an apartment dog due to their large size and high energy levels.
  • Appenzellers make vigilant and effective watchdogs because they tend to bark a lot and their natural instinct is to guard and protect.
  • They can be destructive when they are restless or lack physical activity.
  • Appenzeller dogs require confident owners who can take charge because they are independent, strong-willed, and dominant.
  • Young Appenzellers, especially Appenzeller Mountain puppies, can be vigorous and can be too strong around babies or the elderly.
  • Appenzellers love the outdoors and need to have space for its daily walks and runs.
  • They are best suited in suburban or rural areas rather than city life.
  • They prefer a colder climate.
  • As active, working dogs, they are very good at sports and competitions which test herding skills.
  • They also excel in competitions where their agility is tested.
  • They are perfect companions but can be extremely territorial.
  • They are always keen with guarding the territory of their family.

MORE INTERESTING FACTS

  • The international breeding of pure Appenzellers began in Switzerland in 1898.
  • Sennenhund translates to “dairy farmer’s dog.”
  • Appenzeller Sennenhunds are used as rescue dogs in the Swiss Alps nowadays.
  • Pregnancy of Appenzellers usually lasts 60 days and will result in six puppies on the average.
  • Blass is the nickname of Appenzellers because of the white blaze they have on their foreheads.
  • Sennenhund refers to the herd dogs located in the Appenzell region of Switzerland.
  • As a result of careful and regulated breeding, Appenzellers have an extremely healthy breed with little to no undesirable health issues.

Appenzeller Dog Worksheets

This is a fantastic bundle which includes everything you need to know about Appenzeller Dog across 22 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use Appenzeller Dog worksheets that are perfect for teaching students about the Appenzeller Sennenhund Dogs, also known as an Appenzeller Mountain Dog or Appenzell Cattle Dog, which are the rarest breed of the Sennenhund canine breeds from Switzerland. Originally considered an all-around farm dog breed, Appenzellers today are known to be lively, high-spirited, self-assured, reliable, and fearless.

Complete List Of Included Worksheets

  • Appenzeller Dog Facts
  • History Check
  • In Detail
  • Truth or Trash
  • Swiss Breeds
  • Sennenhund Search
  • Tasks of a Herding Dog
  • Reminds Me Of
  • Fable Time
  • Caring For Appenzellers
  • Interview with Appenzellers

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Link will appear as Appenzeller Dog Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, March 26, 2019

Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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