Schapendoes is a Clever, Funny Dog, and Good Family Pet

Schapendoes

Schapendoes is a hairy sheepdog; originated in the Netherlands. The dog is also known as Dutch Sheepdog. Initially, Schapendoes was a herding and general farm dog, but now the dog also participates in dog sports like agility and fly-ball.

Weight and Height

The Schapendoes is usually weighing about 12 to 25 kg (26 to 55 lb) in weight and 16 to 20 inches (up to 50 cm) standing at the withers.

Life Expectancy

The normal lifespan of Schapendoes is expected to be 12 to 15 years.

Schapendoes Appearance

Schapendoes is a medium-sized, lightly-built, and long-coated dog breed with long and thick hair on the body, face, legs, and tail. Small ears with long fur hang down and the face has a mustache and beard. The coat of Schapendoes may be of any color.

Schapendoes Temperament

According to the breed standard, Schapendoes is a friendly, alert, affectionate, and very energetic dog. It cannot be a defensive or guard dog but if socialized properly while young, it would be good with the family as well as in active sports. The temperament of individual dogs may differ. Other characteristics include cheerful, funny, clever, and brave. They are excellent family pets with a strong desire to delight. Their movements are graceful and bouncy and their astonishing ability to jump makes them good at the agility and other sports.

Grooming, Exercise, and Training

Regular weekly grooming is very important for the Schapendoes. Occasional bath also keeps the dog clean and good-looking. Additionally, fast-growing nails must be trimmed regularly to avoid overgrowth or cracking. The teeth should be brushed and the ears must be checked frequently to evade any infection caused by a buildup of wax and debris.

Such energetic and intelligent dogs need a lot of daily exercises and excursions. One hour daily running and outside walks keep the dog fit and smart. Some indoor exercises (such as hide-and-seek, learning new tricks, and chasing the ball rolled along the floor) and outdoor exercises (such as swimming, mountaineering, and retrieving a ball or flying discs) can provide the dog a good outlet for expending energy.

Schapendoes is very independent and cooperative with its trainer rather than obey orders. It likes to learn but do so willingly.

History

Schapendoes was very common in the Netherlands during the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries. But they were extremely declined after import of ‘Border Collies’. When the breed club ‘Nederlandse Schapendoes’ was established in 1947, the breed production was resumed. Schapendoes is a descendant of general-type farm and herding dog which was common in the ‘Drenthe’ (province of Netherlands), and the Veluwe. The dogs there had various names and were not a particular breed like as today. They were local working-dogs, adjusted with the people, environment, and the work assigned. They were presented as ‘Domestic Herding Dog’ in early dog shows, in the 1870s.

Schapendoes dogs became nearly extinct during World War II. The current breed is descendant from few survivors. The ‘Dutch Raad Van Beheer’ (National Kennel Club) first registered the breed in 1952 and wrote the first standard in 1954. The related breeds of Schapendoes are small versions of ‘Mountain-type’ herding and livestock guard-dogs which include:-

• Bearded Collie
• Puli
• Polish Lowland Sheepdog
• Old English Sheepdog
• Briard
• Bergamasco Shepherd
• Old German Sheepdog

The breed was accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1971, as #313 in Group-I, Section-I of Sheepdogs. After exporting to North America, the breed was documented by Canadian Kennel Club as ‘Dutch Sheepdog’, and by United Kennel Club of USA in their respective ‘Herding Groups’. The American Kennel Club (AKC) accepted the breed as part of its Foundation Stock Service as the first step in breed recognition. Furthermore, the dog is also recognized by various minor kennel clubs and online dog registry businesses.

Club Contact Details:

Club: Schapendoes Club of America

Name: Geri Cooperman

Email: Schapendoesclub@gmail.com

Address: 15001 Redgate Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20905

Club: Schapendoes USA Club

Email: schapendoes@comcast.net

Address: 236 Chandler Ave, Elmhurst, IL 60126

Want to find a Schapendoes Puppy?

AKC Marketplace is the only website that has completely enlisted 100% AKC puppies from their registered litters. To find your puppy, please visit the AKC site (marketplace.akc.org) for details.

Also see: Cute Pictures of Schapendoes Puppies