Schapendoes
- Medium
- Foundation Stock Service
The shaggy sheepdog of Holland, the Schapendoes is a friendly, lively herding dog built for speed and spring. Medium in size with a long coat, it makes a spirited, loyal companion for active families.
- Height
- 16 to 20
- inches at the shoulder
- Weight
- 26 to 55
- pounds, adult
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 15
- years, median 13.5
- Senior from
- 10.1
- years, about
Senior starts in the last quarter of a breed's expected lifespan, following the 2019 AAHA canine life stage guidelines. Individual dogs vary.
About the breed
- Temperament
- Friendly, watchful, lively
- Coat
- Double, long
- Origin
- Netherlands
The Schapendoes, also known as the Nederlandse Schapendoes, is the shaggy sheepdog of Holland. It is a lightly built, medium-sized dog with a long coat, an open expression, and effortless, springy movement. Standing 16 to 20 inches tall and weighing 26 to 55 pounds, it belongs to the longhaired herding family related to the Polish Lowland Sheepdog, Bergamasco, Old German Sheepdog, and Bearded Collie.
The breed earned its keep moving flocks between pastures, a job that prized speed, endurance, attentiveness, and courage. Those traits remain hallmarks today and also make the Schapendoes a strong watchdog. With family, the Schapendoes is outgoing, high-spirited, friendly, loyal, and active outdoors.
Once common across the Netherlands, the breed was a dog of the common people, little known abroad and often overshadowed at home by the imported Border Collie. Numbers fell sharply, and like other European herding dogs it nearly disappeared during World War II. A national breed club formed in 1947 and another in 1954 created a standard, reviving the population. Registered numbers have grown since but remain small.
Temperament and needs
Scored 1 to 5 for the breed overall. Individual dogs vary.
- Affectionate with family5 out of 5
- Good with young children3 out of 5
- Good with other dogs5 out of 5
- Openness to strangers3 out of 5
- Playfulness4 out of 5
- Watchdog and protective nature5 out of 5
- Adaptability4 out of 5
- Trainability5 out of 5
- Energy level4 out of 5
- Mental stimulation needs4 out of 5
- Barking level3 out of 5
- Shedding2 out of 5
- Grooming frequency3 out of 5
- Drooling2 out of 5
Care
The routines that matter most for this breed. Open one at a time.
Nutrition
The Schapendoes does well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian's supervision and approval. Match the diet to your dog's life stage, whether puppy, adult, or senior, and keep clean, fresh water available at all times.
Some dogs are prone to gaining weight, so watch calorie intake. Portion food with a measuring cup and limit treats to no more than 10 percent of daily calories. Treats help with training, but too many can lead to extra weight.
Learn which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not, and check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog's weight or diet.
Grooming
The Schapendoes has long hair, but grooming needs are minimal. Weekly brushing plus an occasional bath keeps the coat clean and free of mats, tangles, and debris.
Trim the strong, fast-growing nails regularly with a clipper or grinder to avoid overgrowth, splitting, and cracking. Check the ears often to clear any buildup of wax and debris.
Keep up a regular dental routine with at-home teeth brushing and professional cleanings.
Exercise
The Schapendoes is an active breed that relied on speed and endurance to herd flocks, so it needs plenty of daily exercise to stay fit and settled. About an hour of running, several walks a day, or play time in a fenced yard all work well.
These dogs also do well in dog sports such as agility, obedience, and rally, and enjoy swimming, hiking, fetch, and flying discs. Their striking ability to jump suits agility in particular. Indoor games like hide-and-seek, chasing a rolled ball, or learning new tricks help on bad-weather days, and even short walks in apartment hallways add some activity.
Schapendoes are jumpers and could easily clear a fence, so supervise them during outdoor activities.
Training
Schapendoes are intelligent and like to learn, but they also carry an independent streak that can mean they need a little incentive to stick with a session. Keep training short and upbeat, and use motivational tools like treats and favorite toys to teach basic commands and new tricks.
Begin Schapendoes socialization early. Start early, exposing your Schapendoes to new people, pets, and places so it matures into a well-adjusted companion.
Schapendoes may try to herd children or other pets. Schapendoes are generally friendly with other dogs; use gradual early introductions.
Health conditions
4 conditions are documented for the Schapendoes.
A predisposition is not a diagnosis. Ask your vet which screenings make sense for your dog's age.
- Patent Ductus ArteriosusHeart
- Progressive Retinal AtrophyEye
- Schapendoes Hereditary MyopathyMuscle
- Urate Kidney & Bladder StonesUrinary & Reproductive
Sources
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