American Staffordshire Terrier versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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American Staffordshire Terrier Versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the American Staffordshire Terrier and for the Appenzeller Sennenhunde. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the American Staffordshire Terrier or the Appenzeller Sennenhunde.

American Staffordshire Terrier versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde: Overview

Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde are similar in size. The American Staffordshire Terrier and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the American Staffordshire Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

On the other hand, the Appenzeller Sennenhunde belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

American Staffordshire Terrier versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Staffordshire Terrier to the Appenzeller Sennenhunde based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde

Factor American Staffordshire Terrier Appenzeller Sennenhunde
Life Span 10 to 15 years 9 to 12 years
Height 16 to 19 inches 19 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Weight 40 to 60 pounds 48 to 55 pounds
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 10.5 years
Average Price $1340 No Data
Price Range $575 – $2000 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • NCL-A (Cerebellar Ataxia)
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the American Staffordshire Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Appenzeller Sennenhunde. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the American Staffordshire Terrier is 74 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Appenzeller Sennenhunde is 77 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Appenzeller Sennenhunde is a better pet than the American Staffordshire Terrier. So, you should get the Appenzeller Sennenhunde!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde

    Below is a list of where the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde are most different:

    • American Staffordshire Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Appenzeller Sennenhundes can tolerate cold weather.

    The Similarities Between the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde

    The American Staffordshire Terrier and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde are most similar:

    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde do not get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde are very easy to groom.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde are very easy to train.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde are highly intelligent.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde are very playful.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde are prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.

    Size Comparison of American Staffordshire Terrier versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde.

    American Staffordshire Terriers weigh 40 to 60 pounds when fully grown. American Staffordshire Terriers are 16 to 19 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Appenzeller Sennenhundes weigh 48 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Appenzeller Sennenhundes are 19 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of American Staffordshire Terrier versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde

    The lifespan of American Staffordshire Terriers is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of American Staffordshire Terriers is 12.5 years.

    The lifespan of Appenzeller Sennenhundes is between 9 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Appenzeller Sennenhundes is 10.5 years.

    American Staffordshire Terriers live longer than Appenzeller Sennenhundes.

    Tolerates Being Alone: American Staffordshire Terrier versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde

    American Staffordshire Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes do not like to be left alone.

    Do American Staffordshire Terriers shed more than Appenzeller Sennenhundes?

    American Staffordshire Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the American Staffordshire Terrier or the Appenzeller Sennenhunde

    American Staffordshire Terriers drool moderately.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the American Staffordshire Terrier or the Appenzeller Sennenhunde?

    American Staffordshire Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes are very easy to groom.

    Does the American Staffordshire Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Appenzeller Sennenhunde?

    American Staffordshire Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do American Staffordshire Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Appenzeller Sennenhundes?

    American Staffordshire Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can American Staffordshire Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Appenzeller Sennenhundes Tolerate Cold Weather?

    American Staffordshire Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Staffordshire Terrier vs. Appenzeller Sennenhunde

    American Staffordshire Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can American Staffordshire Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Appenzeller Sennenhundes Tolerate Hot Weather?

    American Staffordshire Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Staffordshire Terrier or the Appenzeller Sennenhunde?

    American Staffordshire Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are American Staffordshire Terriers good family dogs? What about Appenzeller Sennenhundes?

    American Staffordshire Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are American Staffordshire Terriers and Appenzeller Sennenhundes?

    American Staffordshire Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the American Staffordshire Terrier Easier to Train than the Appenzeller Sennenhunde?

    American Staffordshire Terriers are very easy to train.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes are very easy to train.

    Is the American Staffordshire Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Appenzeller Sennenhunde?

    American Staffordshire Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Staffordshire Terrier or the Appenzeller Sennenhunde?

    American Staffordshire Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes are OK for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: American Staffordshire Terrier versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Appenzeller Sennenhunde better suits you and your family.