Appenzeller Complete Breed Guide

Appenzeller are smart, energetic mountain dogs who love herding, being active, and snuggling with their families. These loyal dogs may take a while to warm up to new people and surroundings, but once they bring you into the pack, they’ll do whatever it takes to keep you happy and safe.

As the rarest of the four Swiss Sennenhunds, the Appenzeller is an energetic mountain dog that was bred to herd cattle. Because of their rich lineage, these dogs still love to work hard and remain active. When they aren’t chasing animals around the backyard, you can find them curled up next to their favorite humans. Appenzellers are wary of strangers, but after they warm up, they consider you part of their pack and will do whatever it takes to protect you. This breed also loves being around other dogs, cats, and animals, but they may need a bit of training and socialization to teach them how to play instead of herd.

Lifestyle & Living Conditions

Appenzellers are more suspicious of strangers than their Bernese or Swiss Mountain Dog relatives, but once they warm up to you, you become part of their pack. They adore their families and often bond with one person in particular who they see as the leader. Appenzellers can get along well with other dogs and cats as long as they’re trained and socialized together, but their herding habits may occasionally reveal themselves, so it’s smart to watch them around small children and new animals until they get acquainted. These dogs are quite athletic and need a lot of exercise, so they do best in homes with yards where they can run and play.

Exercise & Activity

The Appenzeller was bred as a herding and working dog in the mountains of Switzerland, so they're quite athletic. These pups have a lot of stamina and could play or exercise for hours. However, if you give them enough activity, they’re happy to spend the rest of the day lounging by your side watching tube on the couch.

Appenzellers are smart and sensitive dogs that crave being part of a pack. They spend their days running, jumping, barking, and watching over their family. These dogs may be slow to warm up to strangers, but once they do, they’ll grow attached and quickly become your closest companion.

Appenzellers have a double coat of straight hair that doesn’t require much grooming. Their fur is a distinctive tri-color mix of black, tan, and white. The Appenzeller’s coat is thick because they were originally bred as Swiss mountain dogs, but it’s surprisingly easy to care for. Brush them once or twice each week to remove loose hairs, and they will be good to go.