Wire Fox Terrier vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison

Hailing 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.

The wire fox terrier was developed in England by fox hunting enthusiasts. They wanted a feisty dog that could chase foxes down their burrows.

It is thought that the dog descended from the rough-coated black and tan working terriers of Wales.

The dog wasn’t popular as a pet until the 1930s when its appearance in certain films gave it a popularity-boost.

The 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 Wire Fox Terrier is a sturdy, medium-sized dog that weighs between 7 and 9kg and stands between 35 and 39cm at the withers.

The dog’s double coat is essentially white with brown or tan markings and can be medium length and wiry, tending to be curly too.

He is a light shedder. The face is long, without much shape and eyes appear to be fairly close together. The ears are fairly small and they fold forward toward the cheeks. The tail is docked and is held high.

Temperament:

This really is an intelligent dog and can’t tolerate being bored. It’s essentially a companion dog too and doesn't want to be separated from his owners for too long.

As a companion dog he is going to want a lot of attention. They’re independent and strong-willed and will benefit from training and socialization.

They are great around children but they do need to be supervised as they are inclined to nip, especially when highly excited. They also bark quite a bit and the owner might have to do something to stop this yapping, especially when the dog is bored.

Herding 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.

The Wire Fox Terrier is such a canine friend, ready to be with you no matter what you’re doing. They are social dogs and love being involved with their human companions.

He is independent but still social and enthusiastic and you can describe him as the ideal family dog.

He is a bundle of energy, and when you bring him into your home, you’re going to get a family member who is playful, joyful, loving and loyal – your very best friend.

There 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.

These are healthy dogs, and if you get your dog from a responsible breeder, he will have been checked for health conditions such as cataracts, hip dysplasia, and luxating patellas.

Cataracts:

Cataracts are a problem with the lens of the eye. The lens focuses light and it should be crystal clear. A cataract obscures vision. Sometimes the cataract can be very small but other times it can grow to the size of the lens and then it can cause blindness.

Most times, dogs with cataracts can still see, and even though a dog may experience some confusion with a cataract, they don’t hurt the dog. They don’t go away on their own and will need to be removed surgically. If you see your dog has a cataract, consult your vet to get their opinion on the matter.

Allergies:

Your dog may be licking and scratching a lot and it may just be that your dog has a frustrating and irritating skin problem. This itching isn’t a disease but rather a cause of some disease.

There could be so many things that are causing your pet to scratch and it could be a skin disease, parasites or allergies. It can be terrible seeing the frustration it causes your pet and he will certainly need to see the vet.

Grooming:

You 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.

Grooming:

This dog will need to be brushed regularly. Some people hand-strip their dogs. Most people prefer just to take their pets to a professional groomer to have them professionally clipped. The groomers will simultaneously clip his nails, clean the inside of his ears and also clean his teeth.

Diet:

The Wire Fox Terrier will expect you to supply him with high-quality dog food if you opt to use commercially manufactured dog food. These foods can be wonderfully convenient but you want the food to be packed with natural ingredients and be high in vitamins and minerals.

Any diet should also be appropriate to the dog’s age, his size, and his activity levels. Some homemade foods can also be a treat but this needs to be simple with no heavy spicing. Things such as boiled chicken, brown rice and vegetables can be an excellent choice.

Cool, fresh water should be available at all times.