[5]: 28 The Schweizerischer Ziegenzuchtverband, the Swiss federation of cantonal goat breeders' associations, runs a conservation and recovery project for the Appenzeller which includes financial support for breeders and a controlled breeding programme.
[6] In 2007 the conservation status of the breed was listed by the FAO as "endangered-maintained".
[1]: 112 In 2005, the Appenzell breed represented approximately 4.2% of the total registered Swiss goat population of about 70000 head.
[7] In the 1920s, the Appenzeller was cross-bred with the Saanen to create the composite Zürcher Ziege in the area of Zurich and Thurgau.
[8]: 358 The Appenzeller is completely white, with a medium-long to long hair coat.