Are you considering an Appenzeller puppy? Puppy Questionnaire
Our Havana Brown male, Hektor is available as a stud dog.
The
Swiss Appenzell Mountain Dog
(also know as Appenzeller Sennenhund or Appenzell Cattle
Dog) is a medium-sized short-haired herding dog and part
of the Swiss Mountain Dog family that also includes the
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Bernese Mountain Dog and Entlebeucher.
Like
the other Swiss breeds, the Appenzeller
is tri-coloured with a black body, rust legs, white feet,
white blaze and rust marking over the eyes and a white pattern,
commonly known as the "Swiss cross" across the chest. The
white-tipped tail is carried rolled up on his back. The
Appenzeller can also be "havanna
brown" which is very rare but was approved in 1983 as an
official colour for the breed. Of the four Swiss Mountain
dogs, the Appenzeller is the
least well known, especially in North America. Originating
in the Appenzell region of Switzerland, this breed was,
and still is used for herding and watching cattle, pulling
carts and as rescue dog and watch dog on farms. Today the
Appenzeller has kept his working
instinct. He is a medium-size dog, with legendary speed
and endurance.
The Appenzeller
is NOT a dog breed for everyone; but for many, very special.
If you are interested in an Appenzeller
Mountain Dog, consider first whether this breed suits
your living situation. We emphasize that this breed needs
a lot of activities, exercise and space. The Appenzeller
is a muscular, athletic and powerful dog with tremendous
endurance and agility and they need a job.
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Conformation
and Performance Events
If you choose to participate in Conformation
and Performance Events with your Appenzeller in North America,
options are more limited than with other more popular breeds,
particularly in terms of Conformation. In Canada, the Appenzeller,
is not yet fully recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC)
however, became a listed breed in July, 2023 and registered
dogs can compete in Conformation events. You can also register
your dog with CKC as a Companion Dog and compete in Performance
Events, such as Rally Obedience, Obedience, Scent work and
Agility. The Appenzell Mountain Dog Club of America (AMDCA)
is currently taking steps in the direction of getting the
Appenzeller recognized in Canada.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes
the Appenzeller as Foundation
Stock Service and registering your Appenzeller
with AKC only allows you to compete with your dog in Companion
events.
Your options to show your Appenzeller
in Conformation AND Performance events lie with the United
Kennel Club, (UKC) based in the US. Registration with UKC
is inexpensive, and Appenzellers
are fully recognized.
Conformation events are less formal than other clubs, in that
dogs are handled by their owners. There are many Performance
events with UKC, such as Rally Obedience, Obedience, Agility,
Dock Jumping, Nose Work, and Lure Coursing. You can gain special
titles for your dog if you attend events that have both Conformation
and Performance events the same weekend.
The International All Breed Canine Association
(IABCA)also recognizes the Appenzeller and offers "European
style" dog shows in the US and Canada. They will also be offering
more Rally Obedience trials in the future.
For dog agility, at which Appenzellers
excel, both NADAC and the Agility Association of Canada allow
dogs of any breed, mixed or purebred to compete in events.
There are many dogs clubs in Canada and US that offer dog
agility, and no shortage of events. Regardless of what dog
sports you choose to do with your Appenzeller,
keeping him busy and providing him with a "job" to do will
keep him (and you) fit and happy!
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