El Appenzeller or Appenzeller Mountain Dog It is a medium breed from the Swiss Alps, with short fur and great muscles. Of a protective and curious nature, it is widely used as a shepherd dog. He loves the outdoors, walks and is usually sociable with other people and animals. We tell you more about this impressive dog.
It owes its name to the Appenzell region, located in the northeast of Switzerland. It is one of the four breeds of Cattle Dog found in the Alps, along with the Entlebuch Cattle Dog, the Great Swiss Cattle Dog and the Bernese Mountain Dog. They all descend from an ancient race of Asian origin, the Tibetan Mastiff. Greek and Phoenician navigators are believed to have brought this breed to the Mediterranean, where it was used in warfare and as a sheepdog by the Romans. Through their travels they spread the breed through various countries, being crossed with other dogs and officially recognized in 1914.
It's about a dog active, curious and intelligent, although balanced and friendly. It is usually affectionate and protective of its own, which makes it an ideal pet for the whole family. He is sociable with other people and animals, although somewhat suspicious of strangers. However, to achieve this mental balance you need a good dose of physical exercise.
Needs to long daily walks, since the lack of activity can lead to obsessive and / or destructive behaviors. He loves to walk and run outdoors, due to his strong sheepdog instinct and rural background. However, this does not mean that it is not suitable for living in a flat, as it adapts easily to small spaces as long as it has its daily exercise ration.
As to its health and careIn addition to walks and games, it needs frequent brushing to remove dead hair and the basic care associated with any breed: cleaning of teeth and ears, veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, etc.