Is the Appenzeller Sennenhunde Better than the Rottweiler as a Pet? Our Answer.

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Appenzeller Sennenhunde Versus Rottweiler: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Rottweiler? 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Rottweiler 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Rottweiler.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Rottweiler 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde and for the Rottweiler. 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Rottweiler.

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

Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus Rottweiler: Overview

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

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Rottweiler belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus Rottweiler: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Appenzeller Sennenhunde to the Rottweiler 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Rottweiler

Factor Appenzeller Sennenhunde Rottweiler
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 2/5
Height 19 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Weight 48 to 55 pounds 85 to 130 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Life Span 9 to 12 years 8 to 11 years
Average Lifespan 10.5 years 9.5 years
Price Range No Data $1300 – $2000
Average Price No Data $1740
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation (note minimum age of 24 months as requested by ARC effective 8/1/16)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination (note minimum age of 24 months as requested by ARC effective 8/1/16)
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis & Polyneuropathy (JLPP)
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Appenzeller Sennenhunde 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 Rottweiler. 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde is 77 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Rottweiler is 69 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Appenzeller Sennenhunde is a better pet than the Rottweiler. 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Rottweiler so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Rottweiler

    Below is a list of where the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Rottweiler are most different:

    • Appenzeller Sennenhundes do not have the tendency to drool. However, Rottweilers have a very high tendency to drool.
    • Appenzeller Sennenhundes can tolerate cold weather. However, Rottweilers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    The Similarities Between the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Rottweiler

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

    • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Rottweiler do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Rottweiler do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Rottweiler can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Rottweiler are very easy to train.
    • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Rottweiler are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Rottweiler have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Rottweiler do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Rottweiler are very playful.
    • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Rottweiler are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Rottweiler get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Rottweiler are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Rottweiler are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Rottweiler require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    Size Comparison of Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus Rottweiler

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Rottweiler.

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

    On the other hand, Rottweilers weigh 85 to 130 pounds when fully grown. Rottweilers are 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus Rottweiler

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

    The lifespan of Rottweilers is between 8 to 11 years. The average lifespan of Rottweilers is 9.5 years.

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes live longer than Rottweilers.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus Rottweiler

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes do not like to be left alone.

    Rottweilers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Appenzeller Sennenhundes shed more than Rottweilers?

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes shed moderately.

    Rottweilers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Appenzeller Sennenhunde or the Rottweiler

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Rottweilers have a very high tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Appenzeller Sennenhunde or the Rottweiler?

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes are very easy to groom.

    Rottweilers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Appenzeller Sennenhunde Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Rottweiler?

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

    Rottweilers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Appenzeller Sennenhundes Bark and Howl? What about Rottweilers?

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

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

    Can Appenzeller Sennenhundes Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Rottweilers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Rottweilers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Appenzeller Sennenhunde vs. Rottweiler

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

    Rottweilers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Appenzeller Sennenhundes Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Rottweilers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes can tolerate hot weather.

    Rottweilers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Appenzeller Sennenhunde or the Rottweiler?

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Rottweilers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Appenzeller Sennenhundes good family dogs? What about Rottweilers?

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

    Rottweilers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Appenzeller Sennenhundes and Rottweilers?

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

    Rottweilers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Appenzeller Sennenhunde Easier to Train than the Rottweiler?

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes are very easy to train.

    Rottweilers are very easy to train.

    Is the Appenzeller Sennenhunde Better for Apartment Owners than the Rottweiler?

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Rottweilers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Appenzeller Sennenhunde or the Rottweiler?

    Appenzeller Sennenhundes are OK for new dog owners.

    Rottweilers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Appenzeller Sennenhunde versus Rottweiler. 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 Appenzeller Sennenhunde and the Rottweiler better suits you and your family.