Appenzeller Sennenhund
AH-pen-tsell-er ZEN-en-hoont
Switzerland· Appenzell, north-eastern Switzerland
The Appenzeller Sennenhund is a medium-sized, tricoloured Swiss mountain dog bred for droving cattle.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Medium
Exercise needs
2 hours+ per day
Home size suited to
Medium or larger
Grooming frequency
Weekly brush
Coat length
Short to medium
Sheds
Yes
Lifespan
12-14 years
Town or country
Country preferred
Garden size needed
Medium or larger
Where it comes from
Origins of the Appenzeller Sennenhund
In the steep pastures around Appenzell, farmers needed a tireless, tricoloured dog to drive cattle to and from alpine grazing, guard the farmstead and haul small carts. The breed developed alongside its larger Sennenhund relatives, remaining smaller and more agile to suit the region's demanding, hilly farmland.
- Region
- Appenzell, north-eastern Switzerland
- Climate it was bred for
- Cool alpine and pre-alpine terrain
- Original job
- Droving cattle, guarding farms and pulling small carts
The long read
About the breed
Its work driving livestock over steep terrain and guarding farms shaped a highly energetic, alert and vocal dog with strong herding instincts and a piercing bark.
It suits an active rural household that can provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, as the breed is intelligent, loyal and can become bossy or noisy without a job to do.
Today it remains most popular in Switzerland as a farm and family dog, still valued for its versatility as herder, watchdog and companion.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Friendliness
3/5
How openly the Appenzeller Sennenhund greets people it does not know.
Trainability
3/5
How readily the breed takes to training in an ordinary home.
Energy
3/5
How much daily exercise and stimulation the breed expects.
Barking
3/5
How vocal the breed tends to be day to day.
Grooming
3/5
How much coat work the breed needs to stay comfortable.
Suits a first-time owner
3/5
How forgiving the Appenzeller Sennenhund is for someone taking on their first dog.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Skull
The Appenzeller Sennenhund's skull is judged on balance rather than size — proportionate to the body, with a clean cheek and a stop typical of the breed. Coarseness or an over-refined head are both faulted.
Timeline
History & development
1853
First described
The breed was first documented as a distinct alpine farm dog in Swiss literature.
1898
Breed club formed
Early enthusiasts began organised efforts to standardise the breed.
1906
Official standard
The Appenzeller Sennenhund received its first official breed standard.
1989
FCI recognition confirmed
The breed's standard was revised and reaffirmed under FCI.
1990s
International spread
The breed began to gain a modest following outside Switzerland.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Sturdy, compact body with a level back.
- coat
- Short, dense double coat with a shiny top coat.
- ears
- Medium, triangular, set high, hanging close to the head.
- eyes
- Small, almond-shaped, dark brown.
- head
- Strong, flat skull with a moderate stop.
- size
- 38-56cm at the withers
- colour
- Black or brown base with symmetrical white and tan markings.
- temperament
- Lively, self-confident and reliable, with a strong protective instinct.
- general appearance
- A medium-sized, well-muscled, tricoloured mountain dog, slightly longer than tall.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
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Appenzeller Sennenhunds added by PawPoint members through their pet passports. Share yours to appear here.
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Made for the Appenzeller Sennenhund
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Appenzeller Sennenhund illustration — and one everyday accessory that suits any dog.
The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
Every officially recognised breed plus the unofficial ones nobody else documents. 400+ pages, hardback, printed and shipped from the UK.
Own stock — shipped by us
Framed poster
Appenzeller Sennenhund Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Appenzeller Sennenhund illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
Appenzeller Sennenhund Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Appenzeller Sennenhund illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
Appenzeller Sennenhund Mug
Ceramic mug with the Appenzeller Sennenhund illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
Standard Lead
Padded-handle 1.2m lead in Pawpoint tan.
Fits any dog
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