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BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY:
In 1853 an Appenzell Cattle Dog was first described
in the book “Tierleben der Alpenwelt” (Animal Life in the Alps) as a
“high-pitch barking, short-haired, medium size, multicolour cattle dog of a
quite even Spitz type, which can be found in certain regions and is used partly
to guard the homestead, partly to herd cattle.” In 1895, the great promotor of
the breed, head-forester Max Siber, asked the SKG (Schweizerische Kynologische
Gesellschaft, Swiss Cynological Society) to do something for the breed. 1898 the executive authorities of the Canton
St. Gallen put the sum of SFr. 400.- at disposal to support the breeding of the
Appenzell Cattle Dog. The SKG then
formed a special commission, the characteristic traits of the breed were fixed,
and at the fair at Altstätten 9 dogs and 7 bitches appeared; they received
prizes between SFr.5. to 10-. As a result, 8 Appenzell Cattle Dogs were shown
at the first international dog show in Winterthur and entered in the newly
introduced, separate class “Cattle Dogs”.
At the instigation of Prof. Dr. Albert Heim, who commited himself very
much to the Swiss Cattle Dogs and with them also to the Appenzell Cattle Dog,
the “Appenzeller Sennenhund Club” was founded in 1906. Its purpose was to preserve and promote the
breed in its natural state. With the
compulsory registration of puppies in the “Appenzeller Dog Stud Book” the aim
of selective pure-breeding was begun. In
1914 Prof.Heim set up the first valid breed standard. The original breeding territory was the
Appenzell region. Today the breed is
distributed all over Switzerland and beyond its borders and bred in many
European countries. The notion
“Appenzeller Sennenhund” is clearly defined nowadays and the breed, as such,
quite distinct from the other Swiss Cattle Dogs. Although the Appenzell Cattle Dog has found
many admirers, the breeding stock is still very small. It is only by responsible and careful breeding
that it will be possible to establish and consolidate its natural and outstanding
hereditary qualities.
PRESENT:
Luckily, right up to this day, the Appenzeller has not been influenced by any fashion trend, and he still has been able to win his place in kynology. This is the reason why buyers are also mainly experts of this race. These buyers are usually farmers or people of the higher social class, such as doctors, directors, employers, businessmen etc., who live in detached houses with large gardens. In such surroundings and if he is considered as a family member
the Appenzeller is happy his whole life long (10 to 15 years) and fulfils his duties reliably. Those who live in appartments, in towns or elsewhere in crowded or tight conditions, and are interested in Appenzeller-dogs, are not recommended to buy one.
In the name of the founding members of the Appenzeller dog-club it is our pleasant duty to continue in our work in order to keep this natural race from irrational breeding so that the coming generation is able to have their joy with this very original, loyal and faithful dog.
General aim and responsibilities of
the Appenzeller Cattle Dog club
- To encourage breeding of the Appenzeller Cattle Dog as well
as its use as a working dog and to enable contact between breeders and lovers
of this race.
- To pass on information and knowledge about breeding,aquiring, owning and caring for, as well as the upbringing and training of this
breed
- To increase awareness of the Appenzeller Cattle Dog and tomaintain contact with overseas clubs.
The
club has existed, in accordance with Swiss laws, since 1906 for the
aforementioned purposes. It is a section of the Swiss Kynologischen Association.
You must be over 18 years to be accepted as a voting member in the club.
You
will profit from reduced fees with the Breed register and your subscription supports
the club in its aim to preserve and assist a piece of Swiss culture. There is a
regular club information publication which informs members about club
activities. It contains breeding information and readers contributions.
Our website contains information about the club and the lastest news.
The breed register and young dogs list is presented and updated separately. |