Even if many does not regard the Apenzeller Sennenhund as a "full blooded Molosser", it is most likely that the breed is a combination of the Roman Wardogs and the native swiss spitz. The curled tail of the Appenzeller suggest the latter, while the relationship with the other swiss Sennenhund suggest the former.
The Appenzeller should be muscular but now massive. Surprisingly the females has a shorter body than the males.
The energic Appenzeller has a strong watching instinct, and it is normally suspicious to strangers. Usually it does not have any instincts for hunting and to stray, but is rather attached to the home. It shows a great deal of independence in its work with the herd.

The short, smooth coat is black or havana brown with symmetrical rust-red (tan) and white markings.
The height of the Appenzeller Sennenhund male is is between 52 and 56 cm. (20,4-22 in), 50-58 cm. (19,6-22,7 in) is tolerated.
The height of the females is 50-54 cm. (19,6-21,2 in.), 48-56 cm. (18,8-22 in.) is tolerated.