Appenzeller Sennenhund Chihuahua Mix

The Appenzeller Sennenhund Chihuahua Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Appenzeller Sennenhund and the Chihuahua. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Appenzeller Sennenhund also known as the blass is known for being self-assured, energetic, and lively. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Appenzeller Sennenhund or the Chihuahua? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Appenzeller Sennenhund Chihuahua Mix.

While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Appenzeller Sennenhund Chihuahua Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Appenzeller Sennenhund Chihuahua Mix puppies for sale.

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Appenzeller Sennenhund Chihuahua Mix History

All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.

Appenzeller Sennenhund History

They originated in the Appenzell region of Switzerland and are the rarest of four rare breeds of ancient Swiss Mountain dogs. Like most breeds of dog, the Appenzeller Sennenhund was bred to have a purpose. In their case it was as a cattle-herding dog and to guard the flock. This of course changed over time and it was used as a draft dog and a good ol farm dog. They were also a good protector for the family as well as good companions. Today, they are primarily kept as companions, although working versions of them still exist. They are highly intelligent and learn quickly

Chihuahua History

The Chihuahua's history is kind of confusing and there are many theories about where these guys came from. The one cool thing is that there are archaeological finds in Mexico that proves that’s where they originated.
One of the most prevailing theories is that they came from the Techichi. The Techichi was a companion dog who lived with the Toltec civilization in Mexico. This is a very old breed with records starting around the 9th century. It is thought to be even older though with dog pots from Colima, Mexico, depicting them dating back to 300 BC. Even older than that has the Mayans showing evidence of dogs similar to the Chihuahua in materials from the Great Pyramid of Cholula, predating 1530 and in the ruins of Chichen Itza on the Yucatán Peninsula.
There is actually lots of archaeological evidence showing the chihuahua and similar size dogs dating to 100 AD, indirect evidence that the breed was in Mexico over 1400 years before the first Europeans arrived.
So this dog was around for literally thousands of years. In 1520, Hernan Cortés wrote a 1520 letter stating that the Aztecs raised and sold the little dogs as food. The Mayans weren’t exactly the most friendly and humane culture, small dogs such as Chihuahuas were also used as living hot-water bottles during illness or injury. This is thought to start the practice of burning the deceased with live dogs, thought to exonerate the deceased human's sins. Some historians believe this practice is where the idea of pain being transferred from animals to humans originated. Colonial records refer to small, nearly hairless dogs at the beginning of the 19th century, one of which claims 16th-century Conquistadores found them plentiful in the region later known as Chihuahua, hence the name.

Appenzeller Sennenhund Chihuahua Mix Size and Weight

Appenzeller Sennenhund
Height: 20-22 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 49 - 71 lb.
Lifespan: 12 - 14 years

Chihuahua
Height: 6 - 9 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 3 - 6 lb.
Lifespan: 12 - 20 years

Appenzeller Sennenhund Chihuahua Mix Personality

The Appenzeller Sennenhund and the Chihuahua are known for being courageous and protective. They are also very loving dogs. The Appenzeller is known for being lively, reliable, and fearless.This dog will require a very strong and firm owner who makes sure to assert that they are the alpha and not the dog. They are cautious, yet non-threatening with strangers, and are affectionate towards family and children. Early socialization helps take care of any bad habits that could develop. She responds well to positive reinforcement, like all dogs. She should be rather affectionate and enjoy spending lots of time with you. Don’t plan on leaving her alone for long periods as he won’t do well alone. She wants to be with the “pack.”

Appenzeller Sennenhund Chihuahua Mix Health

All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. We obviously recommend that you look for a reputable animal rescue in your area to find your new mixed breed. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.

The Appenzeller Sennenhund mixed with the Chihuahua might be prone to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, gastric torsion, epilepsy, among others.

Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.

Appenzeller Sennenhund Chihuahua Mix Care

What are the grooming requirements?

Even if you know the breed, sometimes it is hard to tell if it will be a heavy shedder or a light shedder. Either way, Get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.

What are the exercise requirements?

Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This mix will more than likely have a high energy level. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is a good dog though. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.

What are the training requirements?

This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.

Appenzeller Sennenhund Chihuahua Mix Feeding

"A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.

Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.

I good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background."

Appenzeller Sennenhund Links

Links to other breeds you might be interested in