Spanish Mastiff vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison

Spanish Mastiff vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed ComparisonSpanish Mastiff is originated from Spain but Appenzell Mountain Dog is originated from Switzerland. Spanish Mastiff may grow 32 cm / 13 inches higher than Appenzell Mountain Dog. Spanish Mastiff may weigh 68 kg / 150 pounds more than Appenzell Mountain Dog. Both Spanish Mastiff and Appenzell Mountain Dog has almost same life span. Spanish Mastiff may have more litter size than Appenzell Mountain Dog. Spanish Mastiff requires Low maintenance. But Appenzell Mountain Dog requires Moderate maintenance

History

spanish mastiff - historyThe Spanish Mastiff is a giant breed that comes from Spain. He has always been a guardian dog.

He is an ancient dog breed, in fact dating back to medieval times. He has always been a guardian of livestock, protecting them from attacks from wolves and other predators.

The first breed standard of this pure breed dog was made by the FCI in 1946. A breeding program was also formed for this dog In 1981.

The dog was recognized by the United Kennel Club in July 2006.

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.

Description

spanish mastiff puppy - descriptionThe Spanish Mastiff weighs between 52 and 100kg and the dog’s height is between 72 and 88cm. He has a thick, heavy coat with rustic colors of fawn, black, grey, reddish and yellow as well as brindle.

He is powerful and muscular with a huge head. The ears are medium length and floppy and the tail is long. If you were looking for a puppy, the American Kennel Club is the only site which has 100% puppies from AKC-Registered litters.

Temperament:

Large, kind, gentle and intelligent, the Spanish Mastiff is well balanced. When you see him you won’t find a dog that is light on his feet and who jumps around excitedly. He is a dignified, intelligent dog, quiet and calm.

Even though he is so calm, it is still a good idea to have him trained and socialized as his very size could be a problem. When you tell him to lie down, you want him to listen to you. This big, gentle giant is devoted to his human family ad takes the role of guardian and protector seriously.

He isn’t suited to life in the city but is better suited to a large property, also because he has a loud bark.

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.

Characteristics

spanish mastiff dog - characteristicsKind, gentle, quietly confident and intelligent are just some of the wonderful characteristics of the Spanish Mastiff.

You can add loyalty and devotion to these characteristics too and the fact that he wants to protect you.

Your gentle giant is guaranteed to make you the most wonderful companion and he deserves the very best treatment there is.

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.

Health Problems

spanish mastiff puppies - health problemsIt is good to be wise about some of the common dog problems there are that could plague your Spanish Mastiff. Vets are very familiar with these dog illnesses and they tailor their treatment to suit the needs of your dog.

Remember to get your pet vaccinated against the terrible diseases you get that can kill a dog – rabies, parvo and distemper.

Obesity:

People often think that obesity is something that isn’t dangerous, when in fact it is a serious disease that can cause joint problems, digestive disorders, heart disease, back pain and hip dysplasia.

Dehydration:

Dogs rely on water just like what humans do to keep them healthy and functioning properly.

Water is critically important to every organ and also assists with digestion. Your dog is panting and urinating throughout the day and needs to replace the liquid he loses.

Dehydration in dogs results in loss of electrolytes, such as sodium, chloride, and potassium.This is bad as these minerals have important functions.

A dog that is dehydrated has loss of appetite, loss of skin elasticity, is lethargic, has sunken eyes, wants to vomit, has a dry nose and thick saliva. No dog should ever be left without a constant supply of fresh, cool water day and night.

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.

Caring The Pet

Diet:

spanish mastiff dogs - caringThese are giant breed dogs, so you have to be careful with the way you feed them. Large dogs like these are prone to hip dysplasia so you need to choose a food which has ingredients that work to prevent this disease.

You have to be very careful that you don’t overfeed your dog so that the extra weight puts strain on the joints.

This dog will do well with some raw meat added into his diet. Also, include home-made food too. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach chopped up and added to his dry kibble for giant breeds. Added in twice a week can do him the world of good.

Remember to never leave your dog without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Grooming:

A good bush of the thick coat twice a week will keep the Spanish Mastiff looking his best.

The nails will also need to be trimmed regularly to avoid overgrowth and to avoid the nails catching onto things. The ears too should be checked regularly to avoid dampness inside the ear which can cause bacteria.

Exercise:

As a fully grown adult, the Spanish Mastiff isn’t a frisky, frolicking dog but he will still require daily exercise. Options for exercise include long walks, hikes, swimming and ball games.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
Spain
Switzerland
Height Male:
72 - 88 cm
28 - 35 inches
52 - 56 cm
20 - 23 inches
Height Female:
72 - 88 cm
28 - 35 inches
50 - 56 cm
19 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
52 - 100 kg
114 - 221 pounds
22 - 32 kg
48 - 71 pounds
Weight Female:
52 - 100 kg
114 - 221 pounds
22 - 32 kg
48 - 71 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 10
4 - 6
Size:
Giant dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Mastín Español
Appenzeller Mountain Dog, Appenzeller Sennenhunde
Colors Available:
brindle., Fawn, grey, reddish and yellow, black
Black, white, tan
Coat:
Shortish and dense
Shortish, straight hair, dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate, Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Spanish Mastiff vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  2. Spanish Mastiff vs Newfoundland Dog - Breed Comparison
  3. Spanish Mastiff vs Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  4. Spanish Mastiff vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison
  5. Spanish Mastiff vs Alaunt - Breed Comparison
  6. Spanish Mastiff vs Alangu Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  7. Spanish Mastiff vs Pyrenean Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  8. Spanish Mastiff vs Bisben - Breed Comparison
  9. Spanish Mastiff vs Moscow Watchdog - Breed Comparison
  10. Spanish Mastiff vs Kars Dog - Breed Comparison
  11. Spanish Mastiff vs Moscow Water Dog - Breed Comparison
  12. Spanish Mastiff vs Ciobanesc de Bucovina - Breed Comparison
  13. St. Bernard vs Spanish Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  14. Spanish Mastiff vs Great Dane - Breed Comparison
  15. Spanish Mastiff vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  16. Spanish Mastiff vs Neapolitan Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  17. Spanish Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  18. Spanish Mastiff vs Bully Kutta - Breed Comparison
  19. Spanish Mastiff vs Irish Wolfhound - Breed Comparison
  20. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  21. Dutch Shepherd vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. English Shepherd vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  23. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  24. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  25. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  26. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  27. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  28. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Collie - Breed Comparison
  29. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  30. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  31. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  32. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Catahoula Cur - Breed Comparison
  33. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  34. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  35. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  36. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  37. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  38. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  39. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  40. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
  41. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  42. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  43. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  44. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Cao da Serra de Aires - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds