DESCRIPTION
The Appenzell Mountain Dog is also called the "Appenzeller," the "Appenzell Cattle Dog," or originaly the "Appenzeller Sennenhund."
It is probably the least known and rare of the 4 swiss sennenhunde (others being the Berner, Grosse Schweizer & Entelbucher Sennehunde). Some refer to them as swiss border collies due to their energy and stamina however not anywhere near as hyperactive. Whoever saw border collies in action knows just what a handful they can be. Definitely not a breed suited to everyone. And that's where apis come into their own. If you want a dog with lots of energy to keep up with whatever you throw at it but also one that likes to chill out in the shadow of a tree then this is it.
It is a muscular but not massive dog. A well-built and hardy animal, it is a versatile working dog. It has a wide, flat head with a muzzle that narrows towards a black nose. The eyes are small and dark and the ears are pendant. Its tail is carried rolled up on its back. Its limbs are straight and very flexible. They can stretch them in any direction you can imagine. Much like a gymnast. Its short double coat is considerably tight, thick and glossy. The basic colors are black or brown with symetrical white and rust markings. A white blaze and rust marking over the eyes must be present on the head. Rust is always between the black and the white.

TEMPERAMENT
Tough, sober, brave, intelligent, and lively, the Appenzeller usually gets along well with other dogs and mixes well with livestock and household animals if it has become used to them while still young. They are rather unsure of strangers but greet family and friends effusively. A healthy and well brought up Appenzell Mountain Dog is fine with children. It is loyal to the whole family, but tends to bond closely with one person. They respond best to consistent, even-tempered training. Socialize this dog well with all kinds of situations, people and other animals. Appenzells learn quickly, partly because it is so intelligent, but also because it really wants to have something to do. It likes to be outdoors, but only when it is with its handler. Agility skill trials and games of catch are suitable sports for this breed. The Appenzell is a noisy, extroverted dog that makes a great watch dog. It is charming and affectionate, but it loves the freedom of open spaces and thus is not adapted to living indoors or in a kennel.

LIVING CONDITIONS
The Appenzell Mountain Dog is not recommended for apartment life. They prefer to live outdoors and should have acreage where they can run free - such as a farm. They like to bark, so they are not suited for areas with close neighbors.

EXERCISE
The Appenzell does not belong in a busy urban environment or in the suburbs. It should live on a farm where it will give itself enough exercise on its own. Its strong herding instincts keep it from running off. It prefers to be outdoors and closely bonds with its territory. In all other circumstances it must be taken for really long walks. If you can find work for the Appenzell, it will be completely happy.

HEIGHT, WEIGHT
Height: Dogs 56-58.5 cm Bitches 46-50 cm
Weight: 22-32 kg

Life Expectancy
About 12-13 years.

Grooming
The Appenzell's straight-haired double coat is easy to care for and requires little attention. Just remove the dead hairs with a rubber brush from time to time.

Recognition
FCI, CKC, NKC

BREED STANDARD (external link)

text adapted from DogBreedInfo.com complemented with my own observations