THE VERSATILE APPENZELLER SENNENHUND
Highleigh Vinca (Owner/Handler Keith Hermiz)
Baden of Trout Creek (Owner/Handler Deb Schneider, DVM)
HERDING – BRED FOR THE JOB In their native Switzerland, Appenzellers are used as cattle drovers, going in to nip at heels to move the animals. As a farm dog, the Appenzeller gets along with other animals (such as cats). If possible, they should be introduced to and learn to work around other animals while still puppies, but it is in their nature to co-exist with other animals. In training, the exuberance must be channeled. Thus, in herding, the Appenzeller may be much faster and more aggressive (although not to the point of injuring any sheep) than other herding dogs, such as Aussies. Initially, he may need to be trained on a line and to use a "no pull" harness to keep him from working up too much speed. The dogs are vocal herders, controlling stock with their sharp, clear bark, though sometimes to the point of excess. The dogs very much enjoy working livestock, but the handler must bear in mind that these are dogs bred to control cattle. Merely in response to the posture and “eye,” sheep would just about climb on top of each other to demonstrate they are falling in line The curious and persistent Appenzeller dog enjoys “find-it” games and scent detection work. Over- seas, some Appenzellers work in earthquake and avalanche rescue, but not yet in North America. However, some owners here are competing and acquiring scent work points and titles in Canadian Kennel Club and AKC sanctioned events. Some dog/handler teams may progress to building searches, vehicle searches, or in rare instances, search and rescue. For others, it is a wonderful way for the dog to succeed and develop confidence. SUMMARY – SO MUCH MORE THAN A PRETTY FACE The Appenzeller’s heritage includes both herding and guardian work. All of its traditional work has been in close cooperation with the farmer, and this dog will truly become part of the family. Its versatility as a working dog makes it well-adapted to numerous dog sports. In his breed portrait, Gerd Ludwig says, “The Appenzeller is incredibly quick and almost unrestrainable in its eagerness to work. It is very keen, has an inherited urge to act independently, and possesses amazing perceptive faculties.” 1 Owners will tell you this description rings true. While not a dog for everyone, people looking for a fun and active canine partner may find the Appenzeller Sennenhund to be a good match. with where an Appenzeller asks them to go. SCENT WORK, SEARCH & RESCUE
1. Gerd Ludwig. The Bernese and Other Mountain Dogs. Barron’s (1995).
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Audrey and Steve Lyke have had Appenzeller dogs in their household since 1995. Curious about these amazing dogs, they began showing them through the American Rare Breed Association and United Kennel Club in the hope of meeting more experienced owners. At the time, no one else was showing Appenzellers on this side of the pond and they ended up being the ones with breed experience. Audrey retired this summer from a career in data analytics and environmental and energy policy analysis. On a loosely related note, Audrey and Steve brought a 10-week-old puppy home two weeks later. Audrey is a past president of the Appenzell Mountain Dog Club of America and continues to be involved with the breed.
296 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, NOVEMBER 2021
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