Photo courtesy of hundund.deThe Appenzeller Sennenhund's origins are in Switzerland. Today the breed is distributed all over Switzerland and beyond its borders and bred in many European countries. Although the Appenzell Mountain Dog has found many admirers, the breeding stock is still very small. It is only by responsible and careful breeding that it will be possible to establish and consolidate its natural and outstanding hereditary qualities.
The Appenzeller Mountain Dog has a compact, strong body with a moderately long, firm and straight back. This is a Lively, high-spirited, self-assured, reliable and fearless breed. The Appenzeller can be slightly suspicious of strangers, but at the same time he is a watchdog which cannot be bribed, and has great capabilities to learn.
Coat
The double coat is firm and fitting. The topcoat is thick and shiny. The undercoat is thick, black, brown or gray. It is undesirable for the undercoat to be visible through the topcoat. The coat can be slightly wavy on withers and back, but is not desirable in show dogs.
Color & Markings
The basic color is black or havana brown with reddish-brown and white markings as symmetrical as possible. There are small reddish-brown spots over eyes. Reddish-brown markings on cheeks, chest (left and right in the region of the shoulder-joint) and on legs.
There are several white markings which are accepted in the breed:
- Distinct white blaze which runs from the skull without break over the bridge of the nose and can reach totally or partially round the muzzle.
- White from chin, covering throat without break at chest.
- White on all four feet.
- White on tip of tail.
- White spot on nape of neck or half collar tolerated.