Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison

Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed ComparisonBoth Appenzell Mountain Dog and Schweizer Niederlaufhund are originated from Switzerland. Appenzell Mountain Dog may grow 13 cm / 6 inches higher than Schweizer Niederlaufhund. Appenzell Mountain Dog may weigh 17 kg / 38 pounds more than Schweizer Niederlaufhund. Both Appenzell Mountain Dog and Schweizer Niederlaufhund has almost same life span. Both Appenzell Mountain Dog and Schweizer Niederlaufhund has almost same litter size. Appenzell Mountain Dog requires Moderate Maintenance. But Schweizer Niederlaufhund requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Hound dog
undefined
Switzerland
Switzerland
Height Male:
52 - 56 cm
20 - 23 inches
35 - 43 cm
13 - 17 inches
Height Female:
50 - 56 cm
19 - 23 inches
33 - 40 cm
12 - 16 inches
Weight Male:
22 - 32 kg
48 - 71 pounds
8 - 15 kg
17 - 34 pounds
Weight Female:
22 - 32 kg
48 - 71 pounds
6 - 18 kg
13 - 40 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
12 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
5 - 7
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Appenzeller Mountain Dog, Appenzeller Sennenhunde
Small Swiss Hound.
Colors Available:
Black, white, tan
mostly white with orange, tri color, mostly white with black, black with tan
Coat:
Shortish, straight hair, dense
smooth or coarse
Shedding:
Moderate, Constant
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Courageous, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
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.

schweizer niederlaufhundOriginating in Switzerland, the Schweizer Niederlaufhund was established around 1900, when hunting became restricted to districts. The Swiss hunter needed a slower dog for the limited territory they could hunt in. Crossing selected Schweizer Laufhunds with Basset Hounds and other selected smaller, short legged hounds developed the Schweizer Niederlaufhund. By 1905 there was already a Schweizer Niederlaufhund Club.

The Niederlaufhund became one of the best hunting dogs in the world, with its powerful body and ability to outhunt the Laufhund in tracking big game. Slower of course than the Laufhund it has a great sense of smell and an ability to easily find wounded animals. There are a few varieties, just like with the Swiss Hound again mostly because of their coloring. The Luzerner Niederlaufhund, the Jura Neiderlaufhund, and the Schwyzerlaufhund. They have musical voices that they use to communicate with the hunters and each other as well as that amazing sense of smell. They can hunt for hours without tiring and without much information from the hunter.

They are a cross breed not recognized by the larger kennel club such as the AKC and the UKC. They are recognized by the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), the American Canine Association Inc. (ACA) and most importantly by the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI). This last one is important because it could lead to recognition as a new breed by the UKC and the AKC.

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.

schweizer niederlaufhund puppy - descriptionThe Schweizer Niederlaufhund is a medium size, short dog. They look like their cousins, the Schweizer Laufhund but smaller. Their body is just slightly longer than it is tall, so you are left with the impression of a mostly square dog. The Niederlaufhund is well put together, with strong legs, a noble head, long droopy ears, broad chest, and a low held tail.

The Small Lucerne Hound has a white cote with smooth speckles of black or gray making them appear to be blue.

The Small Bernese Hound has a tricolor coat of white, tan and black. There are tan marks on the eyebrows. There is a wire haired Small Bernese as well. He has a short beard.

The Small Schwyz Hound is smooth coated in white with orange or yellow-red patches. The wired haired version is extinct.

The Small Jura Hound is a single coated dog with a black coat and tan marking above his eyes as eyebrows as well. He might have some white as well.

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.

schweizer niederlaufhund dog - characteristicsChildren friendliness – yes, they are but use caution around small children and small prey.

2. Special talents – the breed exhibits and amazing sense of smell.

3. Adaptability - needs room to run and explore – is very frustrated when confined.

4. Learning ability – highly intelligent and eager to learn.

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.

schweizer niederlaufhund puppies - health problemsThe Niederlaufhund Is prone to a very medical issues to keep an eye on. They include:

• Hip Dysplasia – This comes from hip joints that are not well formed and cause reduced mobility and pain. Parents can be tested before the dogs are bred to make sure their hips are good, and that dysplasia will not be passed to puppies. This dysplasia can cause arthritis and even lameness.

• Ear Infections – With long drooping ears it is easy for the dog to acquire ear infections. This is even more so for a hunting dog like the Niederlafhund. It is important to clean the dog’s ears on a regular basis.

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.

schweizer niederlaufhund dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy - give 1 cup per day of high quality dog food divided into 3 meals.

2.Feeding the adult – give one and one half cups of high quality dog food divided into 2 meals.

3.Points for Good Health - Stamina

4. Games and Exercises – needs a lot of daily exercise and loves field trials, running and activities like barn hunt.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  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