The appenzell mountain dog belongs to a group of dogs called (in german) 'sennenhunde', easily recognized as relatives because of their traditional tricolour coat. The breeds are still used to herd and drive sheep and cattle, as well as watch and pulling dogs. They are believed to originate from the heavy dogs brought my roman soldiers some 2000 years ago, which were used as cattle herders. These dogs were kept by the isolated farmers in the Swiss Alps, and were most likely crossed with local dogs.
Others mean that the was a so-called 'bronze age dog' in most of Europe, a large dog. There are also theories that the sennenhunde would originate from Alexander the Great's tibetan guard dogs.
Either way, these swiss dogs were long kept separated from other breeds. They became rarer and rarer as machines took over, and were saved by a few dedicated people who travelled to pick up the last remaining dogs. In north eastern Switzerland lies Appenzell, where in 1898 a large sum of money was offered to help save the local sennenhund. The first breed standard was written the same year, and about 30 dogs could be found. The breed club was formed in 1906 and soon a full standard was written.

The breed should appear powerful, compact, muscular and almost square in bodyshape. The ears are triangular and set quite high on the head, carried close to the cheeks. The eyes have a typical intensive, clever expression. The tail is set high and curled over the back or hip. This is the only swiss mountain dog that has a curled tail, as well as is able to come in liver. The breed has a strong instinct to herd and guard and is reserved towards strangers. It has a sharp and strong bark.