Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison

Appenzell Mountain Dog is originated from Switzerland but Australian Cattle Dog is originated from Australia. Appenzell Mountain Dog may grow 6 cm / 3 inches higher than Australian Cattle Dog. Appenzell Mountain Dog may weigh 16 kg / 36 pounds more than Australian Cattle Dog. Both Appenzell Mountain Dog and Australian Cattle Dog has almost same life span. Both Appenzell Mountain Dog and Australian Cattle Dog has almost same litter size. Appenzell Mountain Dog requires Moderate maintenance. But Australian Cattle Dog requires Low maintenance

History

appenzell mountain dog - historyHailing 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.

During the 19th century, in the New South Wales, lived a cattle farmer Thomas Hall. He wanted to have a perfect cattle dog so he mixed two breeds: dogs used by stockman with the dingo. The new breed was given an interesting name - Halls Heelers. Heelers was a part of the dog breed because this new breed of the dog inherited the nipping instinct. As time passed, one breed was developing in two breeds: the Australian Cattle Dog and the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog.

The Australian Cattle dog can be found in two available colours: red and blue. This is how they got their nicknames: Red Heeler and Blue Heeler.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Herding dogs
Origin:
Switzerland
Australia
Height Male:
52 - 56 cm
20 - 23 inches
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
Height Female:
50 - 56 cm
19 - 23 inches
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
22 - 32 kg
48 - 71 pounds
14 - 16 kg
30 - 36 pounds
Weight Female:
22 - 32 kg
48 - 71 pounds
13 - 15 kg
28 - 34 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
1 - 7
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Appenzeller Mountain Dog, Appenzeller Sennenhunde
ACD, Cattle Dog, Blue Heeler, Red Heeler, Queensland Heeler
Colors Available:
Black, white, tan
blue (mottled or speckled), red (mottled or speckled)
Coat:
Shortish, straight hair, dense
short double coat
Shedding:
Moderate, Constant
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

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.

The Australian Cattle Dog originally mixed with Australian herding dog that was kept near the cattle to guide them. Medium-sized, with the short coat, this dog is generally easy to groom and maintain. It does require more brushing during the shedding period, but it is still not an everyday need. He is easy to train because he likes challenging games and activities which are. It gets very attached to its owner, and he is always protective of them and their possessions. The most common health problems happen with their ears and eyes, but they are usually very healthy and they have a long life – up to 15 years.

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.

Around children

Children and Australian Cattle Dogs can grow up together in harmony. They will have a loyal and protective companion. After you properly train your dog and teach your child how to play with the dog, you will bring the friendship on the safe side. Some of them will have the instinct to nip at heels, so you should pay attention to this while training your pet.

Special talents: cattle dog, service dog, therapy dog, police dogs, drug detection dogs.

Adaptability

Australian Cattle Dogs can survive cool, hot and temperate conditions. They can live in a shelter outdoors, and they do well living indoors. But, be aware – without enough physical activity, this dog will end up being frustrated and unhappy.

Learning ability

They will absorb every new trick so quick that you will be amazed. They love to learn, and if you start with some good trick you will raise a great friend and maybe a great competitor in fetch, swim, bring-a-stick, or run-the-show dog sports.

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.

Health Problems: are mostly inherited. You can avoid this by searching for a good breeder that can clear out the hereditary diseases.

Eyes

The Australian Cattle Dog is one of the breeds that can be born with progressive retinal atrophy. Progressive rod-cone degeneration is a disease that causes the rods and cones in the retina of the eye to degenerate. It might lead to blindness.

Ears

The Australian Cattle Dog is one of the rare breeds with recessive piebald alleles. This gene is the reason why they have white colour on their coat. But, unfortunately, this gene can be the reason why congenital hereditary deafness develops.

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 and adult

Herding dog have a history of the joint diseases. That’s why some of the pet suggest feeding a herding dog with meat like chicken, turkey, beef, lamb and fish. Dry dog food, even premium quality, may not be enough for this energetic dogs and their bone structure. But it depends on the dog. The best advice is to always take an advice from your breeder or your wet.

Grooming

You won’t be very busy with grooming your Australian cattle dog. You don’t have to take everyday care of it. Occasional brushing will be more than enough. Bath the dog only when you notice odour problem.

Points for Good Health

The Australian Cattle Dog needs a high level of activity. Like many other herding dog breeds, they love walks, spending time with people, running or doing any athletic sports with them, teaching them tricks since they have above average intelligence. Fetching will be super fun for everyone, agility, competitions or any other challenging activity. They love water and they swim very well so you can take the dog with you to the nearest pool and have a great time.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  2. Dutch Shepherd vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  3. English Shepherd vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  4. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  5. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  6. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  7. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  8. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  9. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Collie - Breed Comparison
  10. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  11. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  12. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  13. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Catahoula Cur - Breed Comparison
  14. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  15. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  16. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  17. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  18. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  19. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  20. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  21. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
  22. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  23. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  24. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  25. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Cao da Serra de Aires - Breed Comparison
  26. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  27. Australian Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  28. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  29. Australian Cattle Dog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  30. Australian Cattle Dog vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  31. Bearded Collie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  32. Collie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  33. Dutch Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  34. Blue Healer vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  35. English Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  36. Australian Collie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  37. Catahoula Cur vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  38. Catalan Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  39. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  40. Bergamasco vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  41. Berger Picard vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  42. Queensland Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  43. German Coolie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  44. Bohemian Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  45. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  46. Red Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  48. Blue Lacy vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  49. New Zealand Huntaway vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds