Schapendoes Breed Information

Schapendoes profile


Other names     Dutch Sheepdog

                Dutch Sheep Poodle

                Dutch Schapendoes

                Nederlandse Schapendoes

Country         Netherlands


Breed Group:     Not Akc Recognized

Weight:     Male: 33; Female: 33 lbs

Height:     Male: 17-19.5; Female: 16-18 inches

Color(s):     Blue gray to black is preferred; variety of other colors and patterns

Life expectancy 14 years


Litter size     5 avg

Schapendoes History

The Schapendoes was valued through the Shepherds in his native Netherlands being an intelligent and tireless worker. He is thought to be related to the Bearded Collie and also the Briard, among others. Although the Dutch Sheepdog has existed for hundreds of years, the breed is not common and before the second World War, the breed dwindled once the importation of Border Collies started in his native land. Following the war, canine authority P. Michael. C. Toepoel — considered to become the founder of the type — used the few leftover Schapendoes to resurrect the type. The Breed Club for Nederlandse Schapendoes had been founded in 1947 and, within 1952, the breed was provisionally identified by the Raad van Beheer. Within 1954, the standard was established along with a stud book started. Full acknowledgement followed in 1971. The breed was identified by the F. C. I in 1989 and it has since become increasingly popular within Europe. In North America, nevertheless, the breed is still regarded as a rare breed.




Schapendoes Description

The Schapendoes, is a pleasant, high-strung breed native to holland. They are large sized dogs with lots of shaggy fur, but a demeanor that's quite welcoming. Schapendoes are smart, lively and courageous, and was previously known as a dog associated with commoners. For this reason, the actual Schapendoes was never over-bred, and retains very little health problems. A Schapendoes is longer than it's tall, with medium length decrease ears, a long tail, as well as long shaggy fur. They possess a wide skull and short snout. They have large round eyes which are often covered in a brow associated with fur. The coat is somewhat clumpy, thick and wavy. They've long feathering on the ears and tail too. Schapendoes are brave, independent and can often be stubborn. They make a fun and affectionate companion, however, and also have been adored for their ruffled, unkempt appear. They have served well like a sheepdog, and have been known as the Dutch Sheepdog, distinguished in the Dutch Shepherd. Schapendoes are cheerful in addition to hardy, and make a great contribution to some rough-and-tumble type of family.



Schapendoes Temperament

The breed standard describes the actual Schapendoes as friendly, high spirited, as well as affectionate. He is not the guard dog or aggressively protecting, and if properly socialised whilst young, would most likely create a good family dog, as well like a good dog for active sports activities. Lively and intelligent dogs should receive regular training and excursions. Temperament of individual dogs can vary.



Schapendoes Care

The Schapendoes requires brushing and combing every day. Especially when they are young puppies, their fur has a tendency to obtain matted. Brushing is needed to get rid of the tangles in their layer. They also will benefit through daily exercise.




It is important to keep your area around the eyes as well as the ears clean. Their ears should be checked regularly to remove debris and and to prevent infection. Their shaggy ears often attract sticks and other particles. The teeth and nails of the breed should also be checked on the periodic basis. The Schapendoes is really a fairly energetic dog but they are able to usually get most of their own exercise requirements from running, herding, leaping, and playing. The learning rate of the breed is high. They thrive when they have an area where they are able to run and play. They must have an outlet for their power. They will usually do better inside a rural or suburban area by having an experienced and active owner.



Schapendoes Grooming

The actual Schapendoes require regular brushing as well as combing, especially in their growing stages of life to eliminate tangles. The area around their eyes and ears must always be kept clean. The ears should be checked regularly to remove debris and to prevent any type of infections. Their teeth and nails also needs to be checked regularly and held clean.



Schapendoes Training

Obedience as well as socialization are absolutely crucial. Schapendoes don't respond to harsh or heavy-handed techniques. Training must be done along with respect, praise, firmness, and regularity.



Schapendoes Pictures