History

of the AMDCA

AMDCA is the official national registry for Appenzellers in the United States. AMDCA is dedicated to preserving the original working instincts of the Appenzeller breed and ensuring that Appenzellers of the future are sound in body, mind and temperament. AMDCA has a Code of Ethics and accepts Swiss club oversight over its breeding policies.

The exercise and training needs for the energetic and intelligent Appenzeller may be too high for some pet homes. The AMDCA encourages potential owners to ask plenty of questions before obtaining an Appenzeller. Once an Appenzeller is in the household, the AMDCA facilitates communication with other owners about health, training and other topics.

AMDCA was founded in 1990. The founder, former breeder Bill Coleman, established the AMDCA registry to keep accurate records of Appenzeller dogs born in the U.S. In spring 1996, Audrey Lyke and Angela Coleman published the first AMDCA Newsletter. The newsletter's purpose is to foster communication among U.S. owners of Appenzellers. The club has published one to three newsletters a year since 1996.

In August 1996, the club was re-organized. Sarah Todd became president, Joe Tolliver became registrar and Audrey Lyke became secretary. The Colemans discontinued involvement in the breed and transferred the club funds to Sarah Todd and the registration records to Joe Tolliver. The present constitution and Code of Ethics went into place in 1999.

The AMDCA constitution was published in the January 1999 Newsletter. Officers provided a comment period until March 1999, with an adoption date of April 15, 1999 unless AMDCA members suggested significant changes. No comments were received and the constitution took effect April 15, 1999.

Officers (2005): Audrey Lyke, President. Bonnie Huett, membership chair.

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