Lakeland 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 Lakeland Terrier hails from the lake district of England. They were bred to hunt foxes that were coming after the lambs during lambing season.

These dogs are connected to a number of terrier breeds such as the Bedlington-, Border-, Old English Black and Tan- as well as the Dandie Dinmont Terriers.

In 1921 the Lakeland Terrier Association was formed and the American Kennel Club registered a Lakeland in 1934.

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 Lakeland Terrier is a small to medium-sized dog which stands at between 33 – 38cm at the withers and weighs between 7 – 8kg.

The head is rectangular and he has semi-erect, semi-floppy ears and a docked tail which is held up. These days you’ll find the Lakeland being left with a long tail, taking away that attractive, square, compact look. The crisp double coat can come in a number of colors such as tan, grizzle, black and tan together, a wheatish color with some red and white. The coat is regarded as being hypoallergenic.

Temperament:

Possessing a number of positive attributes, Lakies, a nickname of these jaunty little dogs, is a friendly, loving, bold, self-confident dog. You’ll find that he is also determined and strong-willed but training and socialization turns him into a more obedient dog. He then gets on well with everyone in the household as well as with other pets.

They are intelligent dogs, so it won’t be difficult training him when proper training methods are used.

He is adaptable too and will adapt to life in the city or in the countryside, so long as he is exercised regularly as they are excitable, energetic dogs.

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.

It doesn’t matter that the Lakeland Terrier was bred to hunt and kill foxes in the Lake District of England because he is more than willing to settle down and become a loving and devoted pet too.

He is a robust dog, known for his determination and courage. He is an energetic dog too so when you bring him into your home, be prepared to up your activity levels to cater for your energetic friend.

You can add good health to his list of positive attributes. He is a healthy dog breed with few health complaints to write about. Treat him well as every dog deserves and you can have him around for about 15, 16 or 17 years.

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.

The truth about any dog is that good nutrition, exercise and lots of love can contribute to ensuring a long, healthy life for your pet.

Some health problems are inherited while others can be prevented simply by the kind of home you provide your pet with. Once you decide to bring a dog into your home, you need to do everything you can to ensure his wellbeing.

Luxating Patella:

This is a joint problem which can see your pet limping or moving along in a skipping manner. You will need to see the vet because sometimes friction can lead to osteoarthritis, pain and lameness.

Eye diseases:

Eye problems such as cataracts and glaucoma can lead to blindness.

Allergies:

Terrier dogs are prone to allergies and dry, itchy skin can lead to other problems such as bacterial infections and be frustrating and stressful for your pet.

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:

Grooming doesn’t only keep your 4-legged friend in tip top shape in terms of looking well cared for, it makes him feel good too and it contributes to his wellbeing.

Regular grooming also decreases the chance of health problems because you can simultaneously check him for lumps, scratches, parasites and allergies.

Stripping is a technique where you pull the dead hair out of the coat by either using your fingers or a stripping knife. This stripping makes makes room for a new coat to grow.

It is a good and effective grooming method for Terrier type dogs, and the best part about it is that if it is done correctly, the process is painless.

Other Terrier owners have a professional groomer clip the coat. In between these grooming procedures, brush your Lakie twice a week to keep the coat soft, springy and shiny.

General Grooming:

Other grooming needs for your Lakeland include trimming his nails as needed, checking the inside of his ears for dirt and too much wax and brushing his teeth twice a week to keep tartar and bacteria at bay.

If you’re a responsible dog owner and you are unsure how to do these grooming procedures, there is no need to fret as there are always professional groomers and dental cleaning procedures that your vet will recommend. These experts can do the job professionally and painlessly for your pet.

Diet:

Nothing is set in stone about what your Lakeland Terrier should eat, but it is a known fact that high quality, nutritious food wards off illness and increases longevity.

How much your adult dog eats will depend on his age and his activity levels. You want to ensure he gets the right proportions to avoid obesity too. The female Lakeland will give you 3 – 4 puppies and during this time you want to ensure she’s getting the very best, nutritious food there is – after all it’s for the sake of her puppies.

The truth about any dog is that good nutrition, exercise and lots of love can contribute to ensuring a long, healthy life for your pet. Some health problems are inherited while others can be prevented simply by the kind of home you provide your pet with.

Once you decide to bring a dog into your home, you need to do everything you can to ensure his well-being.