Originating from the Alpine region of Switzerland known as Apenzell, this dog is one of the oldest of the region and now exists in very small numbers.

Appearance

Standing at between 20 and 23 inches, the Apenzell Mountain Dog is a medium sized breed. An adult dog will weigh in at between 22 and 32 kilograms, the male dogs being somewhat larger than the females. Dogs often will have a blaze of colour across the nose and muzzle. The body is quite muscular, and the dogs have a square and stocky appearance. The length and height of the body are often equal, or close to. They have a broad head, almond shaped eyes and ears which drop. To cope with the cold mountain weather, they have a double coat which is short and smooth. Colour variations include black and brown, both colours have points of white in some instances. The tail is quite long and thick.

Temperament

A hard working dog, the Apenzell Mountain Dog is a happiest when outdoors completing a task. They are always much happier when they have a job to complete, and will never be found just sitting idle. They are a very loyal dog, and will develop a strong bond with their master and family. Eager to please, they are obedient and will do what their master asks of them.

While the Apenzell Mountain Dog will bond well with all members of the family, including pets and children, they will often have a favourite. This may or may not be the alpha of the household. Many owners of the breed report that they tend to favour women, however the reasoning behind this is unknown.

The dogs do have a tendency to bark, but if given something to keep them active during the day this will not be a problem. They are rarely destructive in a backyard if given activities to do and taken on regular walks. They are happiest when outdoors, and most suited to rural living.

Working and Tasks

Traditionally, many dairy farmers kept Apenzell Mountain Dog. During the day they would help herd cattle and other stock, and at night take the job of guard dog, watching over both animals and the family. They do well at other tasks and would often pull carts of produce or feed around the farm.

Their intelligence and eagerness to please means that they do well at any type of training, including agility and obedience. Their loving nature makes them a popular pet, especially with families. Modern dogs are often used as guide dogs for the blind or as therapy dogs for ill or the elderly.

Health

The short coat of the Apenzell Mountain Dog requires a small amount of grooming, but when brushing it is important to make sure that you do a  thorough job. Brushing with a comb suited for a double coat is a must, this will remove dead hair and massage the skin at the same time.

The lifespan of the Apenzell Mountain Dog is generally between 12 and 14 years. There are no reported genetic disorders reported associated to the breed.