About

Breed information

 

Length range  : 81.0-97.0 cm

Height range  : 48.0-56.0cm

Weight range : 20.0-32.0kg

Coat : short , dense double coat|weather-resistant double coat|thick topcoat with dense undercoat

Life expectancy years : 11-14

Colors: black|brown|white|tri-color|black tricolor|havana brown tricolor|rust markings.

Activitity Level : High

Origin: Switzerland

Similar Breeds : Bernese Mountain Dog|Entlebucher Mountain Dog|Greater Swiss Mountain Dog|Australian Cattle Dog|Rottweiler

 

History

The breed comes from the Appenzell region of northeastern Switzerland and is one of the four Swiss mountain dog breeds. Historical descriptions date to the 19th century and the dogs were used to herd cattle , guard farms , pull carts and help with mountain farm work. Max Siber promoted the breed in the late 1800s and Professor Albert Heim helped establish the club and breed standard in the early 1900s.

 

 

characteristics

Temperament

high-spirited , fearless , willing , obedient when guided well , territorial , vocal , reserved with strangers

Personality

intelligent|energetic|loyal|affectionate with family|alert|watchful|protective|wary of strangers

Needs

high daily exercise|mental stimulation|early socialization|outdoor space|structured work

Social Needs

strong family bond|reserved with strangers|can do well with children if socialized|needs careful introduction to other pets

Grooming 

weekly brushing|more brushing during shedding season|occasional bathing when dirty|regular ear checks and cleaning|regular nail trimming|dental care is important

Nutrition

high-quality balanced diet appropriate for age|watch calorie intake to prevent excess weight|fresh water available|diet should support active lifestyle

 

Breed Standard

medium-sized , squarely built , muscular dog with tri-color double coat|small triangular ears|high-set tail tightly curled over the back|balanced and agile working build

Did you know?

The Appenzeller Sennenhund is the rarest of the four Swiss mountain dog breeds and is especially recognized for its tightly curled ring tail and historic role as a cattle drover , farm guardian and cart-pulling mountain dog.

HEALTHCARE

Most Common / iconic illnesses 

Hip Dysplasia, Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Cataracts, Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency

 

Symptoms

1. lameness or stiffness
2. reluctance to rise or jump
3. shifting weight may occur
4. loss of muscle mass may occur
5. hip pain or altered gait

1. anxious look
2. standing and stretching
3. drooling
4. distended abdomen
5. retching without producing anything

1. night blindness
2. unusually reflective eyes
3. dilated pupils
4. progressive vision loss
5. blindness may develop

1. cloudy or bluish-white eye appearance
2. white spot or streak may appear
3. blurred vision
4. bumping into objects may occur
5. complete blindness may develop in advanced cases

1. lethargy and weakness
2. pale gums
3. exercise intolerance
4. enlarged spleen or liver may occur
5. collapse may occur in severe cases

Onset of symptoms

 

Hip Dysplasia

1. signs may appear in young growing dogs
2. more mature dogs may show signs after arthritis develops

Probability Of Onset:

1. hereditary risk may be significant in the breed and screening of breeding dogs may be advisable

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus

1. can occur suddenly
2. risk may increase in older dogs and after large meals

Probability Of Onset:

1. the breed may be at elevated risk because of deep chest and size-related factors

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

1. signs typically become apparent in adulthood
2. often between about 3 and 6 years

Probability Of Onset:

1. inherited risk is recognized in the breed and annual eye exams for breeding dogs may be advisable

Cataracts

1. congenital cases may be present at birth
2. hereditary cases may appear in young to adult dogs
3. dogs can develop cataracts at any age

Probability Of Onset:

1. hereditary cataracts are a documented breed concern and risk may be moderate

Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency

1. symptoms usually become apparent in young dogs
2. often before 1 year of age

Probability Of Onset:

1. the disease may be rare but significant as a recessive inherited condition in the breed

Reasons

Hip Dysplasia       

 1. no single chemical lack is identified because the disease is mainly hereditary and structural
2. the content suggests the body may not keep pace with cartilage support demands

 

Progressive Retinal Atrophy:

1. no specific chemical lack is identified because this is a genetic retinal degeneration
2. oxidative stress may affect eye tissues according to the provided health text

 

Hip Dysplasia       

 1. no single chemical lack is identified because the disease is mainly hereditary and structural
2. the content suggests the body may not keep pace with cartilage support demands

Progressive Retinal Atrophy:

1. no specific chemical lack is identified because this is a genetic retinal degeneration
2. oxidative stress may affect eye tissues according to the provided health text

 

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus

 1. no specific chemical lack is identified because this is a mechanical and circulatory emergency

Cataracts

1. no specific chemical lack is identified because cataracts involve lens opacity rather than a simple deficiency

Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency

  1. 1. pyruvate kinase enzyme may be lacking due to genetic mutation
    2. ATP production in red blood cells may be reduced

Normally Treament Methods

Hip Dysplasia:

  1. 1. diagnosis may use specially positioned x-rays and palpation with light sedation
    2. treatment may include keeping the dog slim , controlled exercise , NSAIDs , physical therapy and selected surgery
    3. highly athletic activity without appropriate management is not recommended

 

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus:

  1. 1. immediate medical attention is required
    2. stabilization may include intravenous fluids , oxygen and gastric decompression
    3. surgery with de-rotation and gastropexy may be used and delay is not recommended

 

Progressive Retinal Atrophy:

  1. 1. there may be no cure
    2. management may focus on adapting the environment and using consistent cues

 

Cataracts:

  1. 1. early cataracts may not require treatment
    2. ophthalmology evaluation may include electroretinogram and ultrasound
    3. surgical lens removal may restore vision in suitable candidates

 

Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency:

  1. 1. blood testing and DNA testing may help confirm the disorder
    2. supportive care and transfusions during crises may be used
    3. breeding two carriers is not recommended. Ask professional vets for detailed information.

 

Supplements

Hip Dysplasia :

  • 1. glucosamine and chondroitin can,might be helpful for cartilage support
    2. omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful for reducing joint inflammation
recommend product

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus

  • 1. no supplement may prevent GDV according to the content
    2. probiotics can,might be helpful for general gut support but may not prevent torsion
recommend product

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

  • 1. antioxidant eye formulas can,might be helpful for supporting overall eye health
    2. omega-3 fatty acids especially DHA can,might be helpful for retinal support
recommend product

Cataracts

  • 1. antioxidant eye formulas can,might be helpful for general eye support but may not reverse lens opacity
recommend product

Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency

  • 1. iron can,might be helpful for supporting red blood cell production if veterinarians advise it but it may not correct the underlying disorder
recommend product
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