Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Working Group

Height: 29 / 27 in

Weight: 110-150 / 80-120 lbs

Life Span: 11-13 years

SteadyBoldIndependentConfident

Appenzeller Sennenhund

Working Group

Height: 20-22 in

Weight: 48-70 lbs

Life Span: 13-15 years

ReliableFearlessEnergeticLively
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Appenzeller Sennenhund
Best

Physical Traits

60% similar
Breed Group
Working
Working
Size Category
Giant
Large
Height (in)
2927
20-22
Weight (lbs)
110-15080-120
48-70
Life Span
11-13
13-15

Personality & Temperament

Anatolian Shepherd Dog

SteadyBoldIndependentConfidentIntelligentProud

"The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a reserved, independent, and fiercely loyal breed with a strong protective nature. They are naturally aloof with strangers and exhibit a calm yet vigilant demeanor, making them excellent guardians but requiring a confident and experienced handler for training and socialization."

⚠️

Owners may face challenges with stubbornness during training and the need for early socialization to ensure the dog is comfortable with strangers and other animals.

💡

This breed is best suited for experienced owners or families living on a farm or ranch who can provide space, structure, and a firm hand in training.

Appenzeller Sennenhund

ReliableFearlessEnergeticLivelySelf-assured

"The Appenzeller Sennenhund is a versatile, agile, and lively breed with a strong protective instinct and high energy. Highly intelligent and watchful, they form deep bonds with their family but can be reserved or wary of strangers, requiring early socialization to ensure balanced behavior."

⚠️

Owners may face challenges with early socialization needs and the breed's strong herding instincts, which can lead to territorial or protective behaviors if not properly managed.

💡

This breed is best suited for an experienced, active owner who can provide firm but fair leadership, ample outdoor exercise, and mental challenges in a rural or spacious setting.

Purpose & Suitability

Purpose
Livestock guardian
Herding and guarding
Best Suited For
Rural or ranch living with ample outdoor space
Active families or individuals with outdoor space, experienced dog owners, and those who can provide mental and physical stimulation
Training Difficulty
Hard
Moderate
Care Difficulty
Moderate
High

Coat & Appearance

🧵 Coat Type
Smooth
📏 Coat Length
Short
Short
🎨 Colors
FawnBlue FawnGray FawnRed FawnLiverWhiteBiscuit & WhiteBrindle
Black Brown & White
✨ Markings
Black MaskBrown MaskDutch MarkingsPintoPinto, Black MaskSilver Mask

Care & Health

Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Care

Grooming
Exercise
Training
Nutrition

Health

Recommended Tests:

Hip EvaluationElbow Evaluation

Appenzeller Sennenhund

Care

Grooming
  • Appenzeller Sennenhund grooming essentials: maintain their firm double coat with a thick, shiny topcoat and dense undercoat (black, brown, or gray)
  • brush weekly with a firm brush to remove loose and dead hair
  • inspect ears regularly for dirt and foreign bodies
  • if in tick-prone areas, check ears and coat after walks for ticks or debris buildup
Exercise
  • Appenzeller Sennenhund exercise needs: a high-energy herding/working breed requiring plenty of room to run
  • thrives best outdoors with space to utilize speed and instincts
  • unsuitable for urban/suburban living without ample activity
  • needs a job or purpose to channel boundless energy and intelligence
  • early training is crucial to manage strong herding/guarding instincts
  • not suited for kenneling, prefers active outdoor lifestyle with territory bond
Training
  • Appenzeller Sennenhund training requires early socialization and obedience
  • Highly intelligent but needs a **fair, firm, and consistent** leader—not harsh or overly strict
  • Early exposure to people, dogs, animals, and varied environments is **essential**
  • Thrives with a job and strong leadership to remain loyal and content
  • Not ideal for first-time or inexperienced owners due to protective, watchful nature
  • Responds best to **respectful, consistent training** while maintaining a confident demeanor.
Nutrition
  • Appenzeller Sennenhund nutrition: feed high-quality dog food (commercial or vet-approved homemade) suited to age (puppy, adult, senior)
  • monitor calorie intake and weight to prevent obesity, limit treats
  • avoid unsafe human foods, consult vet for dietary concerns
  • ensure constant access to clean, fresh water
  • watch for weight gain, adjust diet as needed with vet guidance

Health

The Appenzeller Sennenhund is known for its robust health, typically free from major genetic issues. With an average lifespan of 13 to 15 years, some individuals even exceed this range, reflecting the breed's overall vitality and longevity.

Trait Comparison

39% similar
💡 Appenzeller Sennenhund is more energetic
Affectionate With Family
Affectionate With Family for Anatolian Shepherd Dog: 1 out of 5 (Reserved)
Affectionate With Family for Appenzeller Sennenhund: 5 out of 5 (Very Affectionate)
Appenzeller Sennenhund
Good With Young Children
Good With Young Children for Anatolian Shepherd Dog: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Good With Young Children for Appenzeller Sennenhund: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
🐾 Balanced
Good With Other Dogs
Good With Other Dogs for Anatolian Shepherd Dog: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Good With Other Dogs for Appenzeller Sennenhund: 5 out of 5 (Very Dog-Friendly)
Appenzeller Sennenhund
Shedding Level
Shedding Level for Anatolian Shepherd Dog: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Shedding Level for Appenzeller Sennenhund: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
🐾 Balanced
Coat Grooming Frequency
Coat Grooming Frequency for Anatolian Shepherd Dog: 2 out of 5 (Moderate)
Coat Grooming Frequency for Appenzeller Sennenhund: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Appenzeller Sennenhund
Drooling Level
Drooling Level for Anatolian Shepherd Dog: 1 out of 5 (Rarely Drools)
Drooling Level for Appenzeller Sennenhund: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Appenzeller Sennenhund
Openness To Strangers
Openness To Strangers for Anatolian Shepherd Dog: 1 out of 5 (Cautious)
Openness To Strangers for Appenzeller Sennenhund: 1 out of 5 (Cautious)
🐾 Balanced
Playfulness Level
Playfulness Level for Anatolian Shepherd Dog: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Playfulness Level for Appenzeller Sennenhund: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
🐾 Balanced
Watchdog/Protective Nature
Watchdog/Protective Nature for Anatolian Shepherd Dog: 5 out of 5 (Highly Protective)
Watchdog/Protective Nature for Appenzeller Sennenhund: 5 out of 5 (Highly Protective)
🐾 Balanced
Adaptability Level
Adaptability Level for Anatolian Shepherd Dog: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Adaptability Level for Appenzeller Sennenhund: 5 out of 5 (Highly Adaptable)
Appenzeller Sennenhund
Trainability Level
Trainability Level for Anatolian Shepherd Dog: 2 out of 5 (Moderate)
Trainability Level for Appenzeller Sennenhund: 5 out of 5 (Very Eager to Learn)
Appenzeller Sennenhund
Energy Level
Energy Level for Anatolian Shepherd Dog: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Energy Level for Appenzeller Sennenhund: 5 out of 5 (Very High Energy)
Appenzeller Sennenhund
Barking Level
Barking Level for Anatolian Shepherd Dog: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Barking Level for Appenzeller Sennenhund: 5 out of 5 (Very Vocal)
Appenzeller Sennenhund
Mental Stimulation Needs
Mental Stimulation Needs for Anatolian Shepherd Dog: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
Mental Stimulation Needs for Appenzeller Sennenhund: 5 out of 5 (Needs Daily Challenges)
Appenzeller Sennenhund

Note: Scores reflect typical breed tendencies. Individual dogs may vary based on training, environment, and genetics.

Note: Some traits may be unavailable for certain breeds due to limited or inconsistent data from recognized sources.

Common Questions

Answers to popular questions about Anatolian Shepherd Dog and Appenzeller Sennenhund.

Both breeds can be good family pets with proper socialization, though they may not be as naturally patient as some other breeds.
Appenzeller Sennenhund is generally easier to train than Anatolian Shepherd Dog. Appenzeller Sennenhunds are often more eager to please, while Anatolian Shepherd Dogs may be more independent or stubborn.
Yes, both breeds have a similar shedding level (3/5).
Both breeds can be suitable for first-time owners, depending on your lifestyle and dedication to training and care.

Related Comparisons

Explore similar breed comparisons

Based on breed similarities between Anatolian Shepherd Dog and Appenzeller Sennenhund

Trust & Transparency

About Our Data

At BreedsFinder, every breed profile and comparison is created using reliable, publicly available data from recognized canine organizations and trusted breed resources.

Accuracy Assured

Our breed data is standardized using a consistent scoring system across temperament, trainability, and care needs to ensure fair comparisons based on the same criteria.

Experience & Care

BreedsFinder focuses on practical, real-world guidance. While well-researched, our content is educational and should not replace advice from certified professionals.

Transparency

We regularly update information as new data becomes available. Our goal is to provide an honest, helpful resource for researching dog breeds and adoption decisions.

Anatolian Shepherd Dog vs Appenzeller Sennenhund: Size, Temperament & Care Comparison