Appenzeller Sennenhund
The Appenzeller Sennenhund is the most energetic of the Swiss mountain dogs, from the canton of Appenzell, where it herded cattle and guarded farms. It is clever, hardy and devoted to its family, but wary of strangers and quick to bark. It does best with active owners who walk and train a lot.
Weight
22–32 kg
Height at withers
48–58 cm
Life expectancy
12–15 years
Size
medium
Activity
high
Shedding
moderate
Barking tendency
high
Apartment friendly
Poorly suited to apartments: it needs lots of exercise and a job, and its loud barking bothers neighbours. A house with a yard and active owners is ideal.
Care
Brush weekly, and several times a week during seasonal shedding. Bathe as needed. Needs at least 1.5–2 hours of active exercise a day plus mental work such as obedience, agility or scent games. Without enough to do it gets bored, noisy and destructive.
Health
Hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)
Coat
Double coat: short, dense, glossy outer coat with a thick undercoat; tricolour
Travel
In the car use a secured crate or a car harness. On long trips stop every 2–3 hours for a run and water. It copes with heat worse than cold — never leave it in the car and plan activity for cooler hours.
Carrier size
Too big for the cabin (48–58 cm at the shoulder, 22–32 kg). Air travel requires a rigid IATA-compliant crate in the hold, sized to the dog.
Harness size
Usually size M–L depending on the manufacturer. A Y-shaped harness with adjustable chest and belly straps works well.
Leash
A sturdy 1.5–2 m leash for town; a 5–10 m long line for training and walks in nature. It is a strong, lively dog, so a harness is more comfortable than a collar.
Airline cabin travel
usually not
Hani Walk — walk tracking, a digital pet passport and vaccination reminders, always at hand in the app.