Appenzeller Cattle Dog

Have you heard of the dog breed called "Appenzeller Cattle Dog"? This breed has worked as a herding dog alongside humans for many years. However, it is very rare and not kept in Japan, so few people may know about it. Let's introduce the Appenzeller Cattle Dog!

Appenzeller Cattle Dog Basic Infomation

Basic Information

Country of Origin: Switzerland Height: Male 52-56cm Female 50-54cm Weight: 20-32kg The Appenzeller Cattle Dog, being a herding dog, is very active and has great leadership. It is a hardworking breed with a muscular and robust body that exudes reliability. Despite its impressive appearance, it has cute features like a curly tail, eyebrow-like marks above the eyes, and floppy ears. The Appenzeller Cattle Dog's coat is short but double-layered, with a glossy and hard texture. The coat color is generally black with tan markings and white marks symmetrically on the eyes, cheeks, chest, and legs. Among the Swiss Mountain Dogs, the Appenzeller Cattle Dog is unique in having a chocolate-colored "Havana Brown" variant. This makes it the only Swiss Mountain Dog with a color other than black and tan. The Havana Brown color is rare and precious.

History of the Appenzeller Cattle Dog

The ancestors of the Appenzeller Cattle Dog are believed to be the "Tibetan Mastiff," brought to the Mediterranean by Greek and Phoenician sailors. When the ancient Roman army invaded Europe, they brought the Tibetan Mastiffs with them. Switzerland's inconvenient mountainous terrain led to isolated villages and regions, allowing the Tibetan Mastiffs to evolve independently into different Swiss Mountain Dogs. In the Appenzell region, they mixed with Spitz blood to become the Appenzeller Cattle Dog. One of the oldest dog breeds, the Appenzeller Cattle Dog worked as a herding and cattle dog. It appears in an 1853 book on Alpine animals and is often depicted in illustrations of the Appenzell region, showing its significance to the local people. The Appenzeller Cattle Dog guided cattle and sheep, pulled milk carts, and even served as a rescue dog during avalanches or emergencies in the mountains. It protected farms and human lives. Despite being one of the oldest breeds, it was not registered with the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) until 1889, likely due to Switzerland's isolated geography.

Appenzeller Cattle Dog Q&A

What is the Origin of the Name Appenzeller Cattle Dog?

The name Appenzeller Cattle Dog can be understood by breaking it down. "Appenzeller" means "from the Appenzell region," and "Cattle Dog" means "cattle herding dog." Together, it means "cattle herding dog from the Appenzell region," reflecting its origin and job. The breed has many names, differing by country. The FCI registers it as "Appenzeller Cattle Dog," the American Kennel Club registers it as "Appenzeller Sennenhund," and the United Kennel Club registers it as "Appenzeller." Other names include "Appenzeller Dog," "Appenzeller Hund," and "Appenzell Cattle Dog," among others. Despite the variation, they all refer to the Appenzeller Cattle Dog.

Is the Appenzeller Cattle Dog Endangered?

The purebred Appenzeller Cattle Dog has always been rare, but its numbers decreased to the brink of extinction. Why did this happen? Although popular as herding and cattle dogs, their robust nature made them difficult to keep as pets. Many owners found them too challenging to manage, leading to a decline in their numbers. Switzerland initiated conservation efforts to protect the Appenzeller Cattle Dog, helping it avoid extinction and slowly increase in numbers. Despite this, it remains the rarest of the Swiss Mountain Dogs. Some believe that introducing mixed breeds could make them healthier and easier to keep as pets, but Switzerland and the Appenzell region aim to preserve the pure breed while balancing health and manageability. This cautious approach keeps the Appenzeller Cattle Dog rare even locally.

What is the Temperament of the Appenzeller Cattle Dog?

The Appenzeller Cattle Dog is a vigilant farm guardian, alerting to any abnormalities with a bark. At home, it makes an excellent watchdog. Though wary, it is affectionate and protective of its family. Intelligent and discerning, it is easy to train but selective in its interactions. Building a trusting relationship from puppyhood leads to a loyal and indispensable family member.

Can You Keep an Appenzeller Cattle Dog in Japan?

Appenzeller Cattle Dogs are rare even in their native region and are not kept in Japan. There are no breeders, so importing from Switzerland is necessary. Their high activity levels require ample space, and their loud bark may not suit urban living. Meeting various conditions to keep one may make them even more cherished.

Do Appenzeller Cattle Dogs Need a Lot of Exercise?

As herding and cattle dogs, Appenzeller Cattle Dogs have high energy and need plenty of exercise. Daily walks of an hour each, incorporating jogging and free running in dog parks, are essential. Early socialization helps them get along with other dogs and people. They enjoy purposeful activities like fetching frisbees or balls and hiking, requiring active owners. Insufficient exercise can lead to aggression or obesity, so keeping them active is crucial. Meeting their exercise needs helps them adapt even to smaller living spaces.

How Do You Groom an Appenzeller Cattle Dog?

Despite their double coat, Appenzeller Cattle Dogs shed less and need brushing only 1-2 times a week. Clean their ears regularly to prevent infections. Regular grooming reduces disease risk and strengthens your bond with them.

What Diseases Are Appenzeller Cattle Dogs Prone to?

Appenzeller Cattle Dogs, like all animals, are prone to certain diseases. Seek veterinary care if something seems off. "Hip Dysplasia": Common in large breeds, this condition involves malformed hip joints, worsened by excessive exercise or obesity. Check the parents' condition and ensure moderate exercise. "Deafness": Hearing loss can result from aging or infections like otitis externa, and some dogs are born deaf. Check the parents before getting a puppy. "Cataracts": This eye disease can cause blindness, with genetic and injury-related causes. Monitor their health and check the parents for hereditary conditions. "Skin Diseases": Despite their short coat, Appenzeller Cattle Dogs are prone to skin inflammation due to reduced barrier function. Seek veterinary care for excessive scratching or visible redness. The average lifespan of an Appenzeller Cattle Dog is 12-15 years. Cherish their time with you and ensure their happiness and health.

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