Appenzeller

Official U.K.C. Breed Standard*

Guardian Dogs Group
  © Copyright 1993, United Kennel Club, Inc.

HISTORY

The four Sennenhunds were developed by the crossing of the Roman Mastiffs with the local Swiss working dogs during the time of the Roman invasion and conquest of Europe. These four breeds include the Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, the Bernese Mountain Dog, the Entlebucher and the Appenzeller. It is generally accepted that the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was the first of the breeds to develop, and the other three descended from it.

Some Hungarian influence is also suspected in the heritage of the Appenzeller (Appenzell Mountain Dog), reflected by the carrying of the tail curled over the back, in its high energy level and watchfulness, and a more refined head and body than those of the other three Sennenhunds.

The breed was and still is used as a herd guardian, as a draft animal and as an all-around farm dog. Currently the Appenzeller is also campaigned in obedience and Schutzhund work.

The Appenzeller was recognized by the United Kennel Club on January 1, 1993.

GENERAL APPEARANCE & CHARACTERISTICS

The Appenzeller is a large medium-sized breed. They are muscular, but not massive. They have a short, smooth coat and a tail that is carried curled over the back. The Appenzeller is always tricolored - with a black ground coat and rich rust and clear white markings.

The Appenzeller is very energetic and has an outgoing temperament.

FORELEGS

The forelegs are straight, lean and muscular. The pasterns slope slightly. Dewclaws may be removed from the forelegs.
Serious fault: Weak pasterns.

BODY

The backline is level; there may be a slight rise at the withers. The back is firm. The loin is strong. The croup is broad and well-muscled. The broad chest is well let down, but not excessively so.

HINDQUARTERS

The hind legs are straight, lean and muscular. The stifles are moderately bent.

HIND LEGS
The hind legs are slightly longer than the forelegs. The hocks are moderately let down. The rear pasterns are straight when viewed from behind. Dewclaws are not removed from the hind legs.

FEET

The small, round feet are of moderate length. The toes are arched, and the nails are strong.

HEAD AND SKULL

The skull is flat on top and moderately broad. The stop is slightly defined. The strong muzzle tapers gradually toward the nose. The lips are clean and rather tight.
Faults: Narrow or round skull. Rounded forehead. Excessively long, thin or curved muzzle. Stop too pronounced.

TEETH
A full complement of strong, white teeth meet in a scissors bite.
Serious Faults: Overshot. Undershot.

Faults: Level bite. Incomplete dentition.

EYES
The rather small, dark brown eyes have a lively, vivacious expression. They are almond-shaped. Eye rims are black.
Fault: Light eyes. Round eyes.

NOSE
The nose is always black.

EARS
The small to medium-sized, triangular shaped ears are rounded at the tips. They are set on high and hang down against the cheeks when the dog is at rest. They are carried slightly forward when the dog is alert. The top of the ear is level with the top of the skull.
Faults: Short, pointed ears. Ears laying away from the head or carried badly.

NECK
The short, smooth neck widens toward, and is well set into, the shoulders.

FOREQUARTERS

The flat-lying, well-muscled shoulders are moderately laid back.

TAIL

The strong tail is covered with medium length hair. It is carried curled over the back when the dog is in movement.

COAT

The short, smooth coat is thick and glossy.

COLOR

The Appenzeller is tri-colored, with a jet black ground color and rich rust and clear white markings. Symmetry of markings is desired.

The rust markings appear over each eye, on the cheeks (reaching to at least the corner of the mouth), on each side of the chest, on all four legs and under the tail. Wherever the rust markings appear, they are invariably located between the black and white areas.

White normally appears on the chest, neck, muzzle, feet and tip of the tail. There is a white blaze and muzzle band. A white star is desirable. The white marking on the chest typically forms an inverted cross. The white on the feet must not extend higher than the pasterns.

Faults: Colors or markings other than those specified.

HEIGHT AND WEIGHT

Height ranges, measured at the withers: males, 19 to 23 inches; females, slightly smaller. Weight ranges from 48 to 55 pounds.

GAIT

There is good reach in the forequarters and a powerful drive from the hindquarters, without any wasted action. As speed increases, the dog tends to single track.

DISQUALIFICATIONS

Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Extreme viciousness or shyness. Any ground color other than black. Blue eyes.

** NOTE:

This information has been contributed by, and is property of The United Kennel Club, Inc. and is gratefully used here with permission.

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