The origin of the Appenzell Cattle Dog is not really known. One early theory was that they originated from dogs that were brought to our country from Asia by the Romans, and which crossbred with the existing herding dogs.

A second theory counters that they rose from the prehistoric house dogs (Cani familiaris palustris) of the stilt builders (prehistoric villagers who built dwellings on stilts) and were therefore native to this country having originated here. It was only much later that the various local breeds evolved. The dogs were used as herding-, livestock guard- and watchdogs and were not bred for their physical appearance. They were, until recently, valued as utilitarian animals. Essential for the development of the „Appenzeller Sennenhund“ was the emergence of cattle herding in the 15 th and 16 th century. In order to gain grazing pastures for the animals, highland forests were felled, and in summer land above the forest lines were grazed. In order to keep the herds together it was essential to have watch and herding dogs that were fast, fit, and alert. A dog that could not keep up with the strenuous work demands on very spartan rations would have been deemed ineffective. As a result, a medium sized but muscular and undemanding working dog was developed, - the „Appenzeller Sennenhund“.

Urhund

The origins go back to the farm dogs from the Swiss Alps, especially those of the canton Appenzell where they were used as herding-, driving-, and watch-dogs. At the beginning of the 20 th century several enthusiasts began to develop what were non-standardized dogs, into a pedigreed breed. In 1914, Professor Dr. Albert Heim, a great supporter of the Swiss pure-bred dogs, formulated the first standards for the „Appenzeller Sennenhund“. Right from the start, the appearance as well as the utility of the dogs was an important aspect of the selective breedings.

In 1853 an ancestor of the present „Appenzeller Sennenhund“ was described as a high pitched barking, multi-coloured alpine herding-dog to be found in many regions. Used in some cases for gathering the herd, in others for guarding the huts. Towards the end of the last century there was a movement to protect the continuation and purity of the „Appenzeller Sennenhund“. Dogs possessing the typical characteristics were sought at cattle markets and shows. At the yearly market in Altstätten SG in 1898 30 alpine herding dogs of both sexes possessing the characteristics that were described as being typically Appenzeller were found. The interest of the farmers was surprisingly enthusiastic and they were happy to provide their dogs for the purpose of breeding. In 1906 the „Appenzeller Sennenhund Club was founded, and in the same year an Appenzeller bloodline registry was founded. In 1914 the breed standard as it is recognized today, was defined. From then on the definition „Appenzeller Sennenhund” was clearly divided from those of the other Swiss mountain dog breeds.

The character of the Appenzeller is the product of hundreds of years of use in the mountains. He is a very high-spirited, tenacious dog with amazing determination and stamina. His versatility and adaptability along with his ability to understand the facial expressions and body language of his master are characteristic of the breed.

The harsh conditions in the mountains and, sometimes fairly brutal, natural selection has developed this breed into an animal that is tough, hardy, uncomplicated to feed and not particularly prone to illness.

The Appenzell Cattle Dog is somewhat suspicious of strangers. Due to his inherited watch and protective instincts and along with minimal hunting instincts he makes a reliable watchdog for a family.

He learns easily but is only content when he is given enough to do.

Through his excellent qualities for droving and protecting cattle herds he is today still well suited to his original purpose. This function has, however been superseded by other dogs or machines and is therefore more or less obsolete.

The “Appenzeller Sennenhund“ bonds closely with his master, family home and territory. He accepts the dominance of the “Alpha” (the leader of the pack) but needs a firm hand. He has a very lively and often temperamental nature. If the „Appenzeller Sennenhund“ is handled roughly and unlovingly and or is excluded from the family circle, he will become shy and may begin to bite. The herding instinct of the „Appenzeller Sennenhund“  is very pronounced. To him every cow is a member of the pack, and he needs to assert his authority in order to maintain his social position. This behaviour is inherited.

Nowadays the cattle herd is effectively replaced by the family. The head of the family must now be the “Alpha”, and must ensure that the dog occupies the lowest social position in the family.