Schapendoes

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Breed Details

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Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Schapendoes is also known as Dutch Sheepdog, Dutch Schapendoes and Nederlandse Schapendoes. It is a medium sized herding and general farm dog that originated in Netherlands. This breed descends from general type of farm dogs that were not a specific breed and were present in large numbers in Drenthe province and Valuwe forest areas in Netherlands. During WW II, these dogs almost became extinct but a few surviving dogs became the progenitors of today's Schapendoes. The dog is related to Bearded Collie, the Puli, the Owczarek Nizinny, the Old English Sheepdog, the Briard, the Bergamasco Shepherd Dog (Cane da pastore Bergamasco) and the Old German Sheepdog (Schafspudel).

This is a medium size dog that stands between 17-20 inches and weighs 26-44 lbs. Referred to as Shaggy Sheepdog of Holland, this is a lightly built, tireless and intelligent dog, most prized for its herding skills and cheerful, friendly disposition.

The head appears larger due to abundant hair than its actual size, skull is flat and muzzle is deep and wide. It has large, round and brown eyes and high-set, moderately long, mobile and hanging ears. Neck is strong and clean. The slightly longer than tall body has deep chest with well sprung ribs, slightly curved topline and muscular loin. Long and well feathered tail is carried hanging down in repose, high and swinging when the dog is trotting, when galloping, tail is stretched out straight and serves as rudder when the dog is jumping. Double coat is long, dense and wavy and can come in all colours.

This breed is NOT recognized by AKC however it is recognized by FCI, CKC and UKC.

Color

This breed can come in all colors and patterns but most preferred color for this dog is blue-grey to black.

Coat

The Schapendoes dog has a double coat that is long, thick, dense and slightly wavy but never curly or frizzy. The dry and fine hair can sometimes stand off in tufts. Characteristic topknot, beard and mustache is present.

Personality

Lively, friendly and intelligent are the words the most suitably describe Schapendoes dog. This lightly built dog is nimble-footed and springy. A gallop instead of trot and incredible swift movements while running as well as a tremendous ease of jumping makes this dog an excellent herder and drover of the flock. The dog has great endurance, mobility and very fast speed. As a family pet, the Schapendoes has a very loving, affectionate and sweet nature. This fun loving dog is very playful. With its gentle and kind attitude towards children, it makes an excellent playmate of children and can play for hours with them. The dog is alert, brave and courageous and makes for a very good watch dog but its friendly nature with all makes it unsuitable as guard dog. This breed can be stubborn and independent in nature and does need a stable and confident owner. With very high energy levels, the dog can sometimes be high strung. The Schapendoes will make a very loving and dependable family pet and watch dog when properly trained and socialized.

Care

Long and thick coat of this breed has a tendency to get tangled. Daily brushing is required to remove dead hair and tangles. Ears and eyes of this dog should be regularly checked for infection.

Training

The Schapendoes has high learning rate and it can be easily trained with positive training sessions. It does need a strong and confident trainer.

Activity

This breed has high energy levels and needs outlet for their energy. With playing, running, herding and jumping, this dog will fulfill most of its exercise requirements but for these activities, large open space is required. This dog is not for apartment living and is best suited to rural or suburban setting. The Schapendoes is originally a herding dog and general farm dog, but today also participates in dog sports such as agility and flyball.