Bearded Collie vs Appenzeller Sennenhund
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Bearded Collie
Herding Group
Appenzeller Sennenhund
Foundation Stock Service
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Bearded Collie Overview
Bearded Collies captivate with their shaggy, flowing coats and bright, inquisitive expressions. Their medium-sized, lean bodies carry them with agile grace, while their distinctive beard and long eyebrows frame expressive eyes. Known for their bouncy, charismatic personalities, these herding dogs combine intelligence with a playful spirit, making them both capable workers and affectionate companions.
Appenzeller Sennenhund Overview
Appenzeller Sennenhunds are medium-sized, tricolored Swiss mountain dogs with distinctive black coat, rust-colored markings, and white chest. Their muscular build and agile movement reflect their heritage as versatile farm dogs. Alert ears, keen expression, and well-proportioned body showcase their working breed characteristics. Confident and spirited, they display remarkable agility and stamina combined with a watchful, protective nature.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Bearded Collies are less energetic than Appenzeller Sennenhunds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Bearded Collies require more grooming attention compared to Appenzeller Sennenhunds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Bearded Collies tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Appenzeller Sennenhunds.
- Trainability: Appenzeller Sennenhunds may be slightly easier to train due to their Appenzeller Sennenhund's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Appenzeller Sennenhunds adapt better to apartment living, while Bearded Collies typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Bearded Collie and Appenzeller Sennenhund, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Bearded Collie | Appenzeller Sennenhund |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Bearded Collie | Appenzeller Sennenhund |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 20-22 inches 51-56 cm | 19-22 inches 48-56 cm |
| Weight | 45-55 lbs 20-25 kg | 48-70 lbs 22-32 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Regularly |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Bearded Collie | Appenzeller Sennenhund |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Smart, Bouncy, Charismatic | Agile, Versatile, Lively |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Bearded Collie | Appenzeller Sennenhund |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Bearded Collie Temperament
The Bearded Collie is known for being smart, bouncy, charismatic, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Appenzeller Sennenhund Temperament
The Appenzeller Sennenhund is characterized by being agile, versatile, lively, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Bearded Collie and Appenzeller Sennenhund, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Bearded Collie
Rating: 5/5
Appenzeller Sennenhund
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Bearded Collie
Rating: 5/5
Appenzeller Sennenhund
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Bearded Collie
Rating: 3/5
Appenzeller Sennenhund
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Bearded Collie
Rating: 2/5
Appenzeller Sennenhund
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Bearded Collie
Rating: 5/5
Appenzeller Sennenhund
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Bearded Collie Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Bearded Collies require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Bearded Collies require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Appenzeller Sennenhund Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Appenzeller Sennenhunds need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Appenzeller Sennenhunds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Bearded Collie Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Collie Eye Anomaly
- Hypothyroidism
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Allergies
Appenzeller Sennenhund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Epilepsy
- Heart Issues
Pros & Cons
Bearded Collie
Pros
- Intelligent and trainable
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Weather-resistant coat
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Requires extensive exercise
- Can be stubborn
- Frequent barking
Appenzeller Sennenhund
Pros
- Excellent working ability
- Loyal and protective
- Highly intelligent
- Good with family
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Strong herding instinct
- Can be stubborn
- Requires firm training
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Bearded Collie and Appenzeller Sennenhund, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.