Estonian Hound vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison

Estonian Hound vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed ComparisonAppenzell Mountain Dog is originated from Switzerland but Estonian Hound is originated from Estonia. Both Appenzell Mountain Dog and Estonian Hound are having almost same height. Appenzell Mountain Dog may weigh 12 kg / 27 pounds more than Estonian Hound. Both Appenzell Mountain Dog and Estonian Hound has almost same life span. Both Appenzell Mountain Dog and Estonian Hound has almost same litter size. Both Appenzell Mountain Dog and Estonian Hound requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Hound dog
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Switzerland
Estonia
Height Male:
52 - 56 cm
20 - 23 inches
42 - 52 cm
16 - 21 inches
Height Female:
50 - 56 cm
19 - 23 inches
40 - 50 cm
15 - 20 inches
Weight Male:
22 - 32 kg
48 - 71 pounds
15 - 20 kg
33 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
22 - 32 kg
48 - 71 pounds
13 - 19 kg
28 - 42 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
4 - 8
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Appenzeller Mountain Dog, Appenzeller Sennenhunde
Estonian Scenthound, Gontchaja Estonskaja
Colors Available:
Black, white, tan
tan with black patches or blackish brown with red patches
Coat:
Shortish, straight hair, dense
short, rough coat
Shedding:
Moderate, Constant
Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Cheerful, Energetic, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

appenzell mountain dogHailing from the Appenzell region of Switzerland and known as the Appenzeller Mountain Dog or the Appenzeller Sennenhunde, this athletic breed of dog has a history which is debatable and which has several theories.

It is believed the dog is descended from Molossus.The Appenzeller Mountain Dog is one of the 4 recognized Swiss Sennenhunds, appearing to have descended from cattle dogs. The first breed club was founded in 1906 by Albert Heim. However, an early reference to the breed's predecessors was made in a book of 1853, where it refers to dogs in the Appenzell region.

In 1898 the Appenzeller Mountain Dog was shown at the first international dog show and was recognized internationally as a separate breed in 1989.

estonian houndIn 1947, the Estonian Hound was developed and remains today the only pure breed ever developed in Estonia. At that time the national economic minister of the Soviet Union declared that every country in the USSR must have a national dog breed. Thus, the Estonian Hound and the Estonian Kennel Union were born. The Kennel Union is currently seeking breed recognition from the Federation Cynoloqique Internationale.

The Estonian Hound came from breeding local Estonian hunting dogs with several different breeds of foreign dogs. The Soviet decree also established that hunting dogs had to be no more than 17 inches high. This result in a hunting dog with great agility and drive that is extremely popular in now inependent Estonia. It is the national dog.

Description

appenzell mountain dog puppy - descriptionThe Appenzell Mountain Dog is a medium-sized dog standing at between 47–58cm at the withers and weighing in at 22–32kg.

He is a heavy-built dog and sports a tri-color coat – black, tan and white. He has a double coat with the topcoat being shortish, thick and straight. He sheds throughout the year and isn’t hypoallergenic. He has small ears which are high set and which are floppy. The tail is long and curls when held high.

Temperament:

The Appenzell is an active breed who has been used to herding, fetching and working. Because of his energy levels, he won’t fit in well in a small home where his energy needs can’t be met. However wherever he is, he bonds closely with his human family and thrives on attention from them.

He isn’t known as an aggressive dog, but if as a working breed, he felt that the livestock he was guarding was under threat, he could exhibit some aggressiveness.

He gets on well with children in the home and other pets but is inclined to be wary of strangers. Just as with any other dog, training and socialization does wonders for him, making him relaxed and obedient around people and dogs.

estonian hound puppy - descriptionThe Estonian Hound is a strong, muscular body of medium size, with well-developed muscles and strong bones. It has a straight muzzle and skull with defined eyebrows and long drop ears. They have black noses and dark eyes. Their back is wide and straight, and their chest is deep and wide. They have skin that is tight with no wrinkles or folds anywhere.

The Estonian Hound is double coated, but the undercoat is not well developed. The top coat is rough, short and shiny. The tail has a thick covering of hair. The color is usually white with red patches, black or brown patches or yellow patches.

Characteristics

appenzell mountain dog dog - characteristicsHerding dogs tend to be independent and somewhat reserved but the Appenzell Mountain Dog is social, outgoing and loving with his human family. When trained and socialized he gets on well with other pets as well as children in the home.

He is a working dog, and thrives on being active, so a good amount of exercise will be necessary. He is a courageous, affectionate dog and when you give him the right upbringing and treat him as he deserves to be treated, he becomes a splendid pet.

Children friendliness

estonian hound dog - characteristicsThe Estonian Hound is a happy dog and loves to play with children. He was bred to hunt though and he can get fixated on a scent and knock over a small child.

Special talents

He is a hunting dog with great agility and drive.

Adaptability

He has had to be adaptable through his short history and is now more a companion than a hunting dog. He can live in the city or country.

Learning ability

He is intelligent and trainable. He is lively and energetic and the challenge might be keeping his attention long enough to train.

Health Problems

appenzell mountain dog puppies - health problemsThere are some health problems with dogs which are inherited. It is why some people insist on getting certificates from breeders to show that the parents were cleared of certain diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia.

Certainly, it’s a known fact that many health problems can be prevented by the way you feed your dog and the way you raise him.

If you suspect your pet is suffering with an ailment that is making him lethargic and run-down, get him to the vet immediately.

estonian hound puppies - health problemsWith such a young breed there have not been any studies done on their health or genetic issues. It seems the breed is fairly healthy but there is too little information to really say. Being confined to Estonia there has been little commercial or backyard breeding. He is less likely than most pure breeds to have genetic issues.

It is likely that dogs of his type are at risk for:

Bloat – distended or twisted stomach

Caused by excessive exercise before or after having eaten a large meal. It is suggested that you feed your English Setter twice a day, smaller meals and not right before or after strenuous exercise.

  1. Luxating Patella
  2. Leads to lameness and arthritis
  3. Allergies skin/food
  4. See vet if issues arise
  5. Respiratory allergies - It would be very important to see vet if any breathing issues arise
  6. Joint dysplasia - This could be elbow or hip and can lead to lameness or arthritis

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

appenzell mountain dog dogs - caringYou want your Appenzell Mountain Dog to maintain his thick shiny coat, and because he sheds throughout the year, a good brushing twice a week will benefit him.

Dogs with hanging ears, such as this dog, are always more prone to ear infections, requiring more attention to the inside of the ears. Clean, dry ears resist ear infections.

The nails of the dog should also be trimmed when they become too long.

Exercise:

The Appenzeller is a working dog, used to being active all day, so he will require a lot of exercise. He just loves being outdoors, and while he adapts to city- and country life, he will prefer living in the country. Take him for walks, play ball with him and allow him to run with you when you go jogging or cycling.

Diet:

A young adult Appenzeller Sennenhunde will require a different calorie intake compared to a dog that has been spayed or neutered or a puppy that is still growing. You need to watch your dog’s age, his size and the particular season of his life he is in and adjust his food intake.

Kibble is good and well, and there are excellent brands packed with nutrients, but your furry friend will require brown rice, vegetables and cooked chicken mixed into his kibble from time to time as well as raw meat added in when possible.

An excellent diet is important for the wellbeing of your pet, and always ensure that fresh, cool water is available.

Feeding the puppy

estonian hound dogs - caringFeed a high quality dry food made for puppies. Feed ¼ to ½ cup per day in 2-3 meals for the first six months.

Feed 1 to 2 cups in two meals from 6 months to a year or so.

Feeding the adult.

Feed about 2 to 3 cups in two meals.

Points for Good Health

As previously mentioned this seems to be a fairly healthy breed.

Be careful not to feed a large meal before or after exercise due to possibility of bloat.

Check their ears and clean them periodically.

Games and Exercises

The Estonian Hound is a hunting dog and needs a good deal of exercise – at least an hour and a half every day or a long walk if not used for hunting. He is a working dog with a lot of energy and stamina. Don’t let him off leash though or he will follow his nose and take off. He is usually calm and quiet indoors if he gets enough physical and mental stimulation outdoors. He can be destructive and loud, nervous and hyper if he doesn’t. They enjoy Frisbee, agility, tracking and of course hunting.

Comparison with other breeds

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  26. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  28. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison