Schapendoes Breed Information: Everything You Need to Know

The Schapendoes is a rare and ancient dog breed that originated in the Netherlands. They are known for their distinctive appearance and friendly temperament.

One of the unique characteristics of the Schapendoes is their shaggy coat, which requires regular grooming to prevent matting. They come in a variety of colors, including fawn, wheaten, and black.

Schapendoes are highly energetic dogs that require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They are well-suited to active families who enjoy outdoor activities.

With proper care and attention, Schapendoes can live up to 12 years or more.

The Schapendoes has a rich history that dates back centuries in the Netherlands. The breed originated from a general type of farm and herding dog popular in the Drenthe province and the Veluwe area, where they were known for their adaptability to the people, environment, and types of work needed.

They were exhibited in early dog shows as Domestic herding dog in the 1870s. However, the breed nearly disappeared during World War II, and it wasn't until the 1940s that efforts began to preserve and rebuild the breed.

The Dutch Raad van Beheer, or national kennel club, first recognized the breed in 1952, and the first standard was written in 1954. This marked a significant turning point for the breed, and it has since been recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1971, as breed number 313 in Group 1, Section 1: Sheepdogs.

The breed was valued for its strong work ethic, high intelligence, and friendly nature, making it a valuable companion for shepherds in the Netherlands. They were also known for their long coats, which helped keep them warm in cold, wet weather.

In the early 20th century, the dogs fell out of favor as farmers shifted towards imported English Border Collies. However, the interest in the breed re-emerged after World War II, thanks in part to P.M.C. Toepoel, a Dutch publicist who rallied enthusiasts to preserve and rebuild the breed.

The breed club was founded in 1947, and a standard was established in 1954. Today, the Schapendoes remains a rare breed, but its unique characteristics and charming personality have made it a favorite among some dog owners.

The Schapendoes is among the longhaired herding breeds related to the Polish Lowland Sheepdog, Bergamasco, Old German Sheepdog, and Bearded Collie. They are known for their speed, endurance, and agility, making them well-suited for herding and other physically demanding activities.

Despite their small numbers, the Schapendoes has made significant strides in recent years, with the American Kennel Club admitting the breed to its Foundation Stock Service in 2005. This recognition has helped to document breeding and increase awareness of the breed among dog enthusiasts.

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The Schapendoes is a medium-sized dog with a distinctive physical appearance. They have fine-boned bodies that are slightly more long than tall, with deep chests, muscular hocks, and strong necks.

Their large, broad feet with tightly bunched toes and thick, springy pads allow them to move with a light-footed gallop. Schapendoes also have high-set ears that hang free and large, round eyes with a lively, honest expression.

Here are some key physical characteristics of the Schapendoes breed:

Their coats are weather-resistant and meant to look shaggy, with a moustache and beard on the face.

The Schapendoes is a unique breed with some amazing physical characteristics. They have fine-boned bodies that are slightly more long than tall.

One of the most distinctive features of the Schapendoes is their large, broad feet with tightly bunched toes and thick, springy pads. This allows them to move with a light-footed gallop.

Their high-set ears hang free, and their large, round eyes have a lively, honest expression. It's no wonder they're often described as having a friendly and affectionate temperament.

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The Schapendoes has a medium-sized build, with a height of up to 50 cm (19.7 in) at the withers and a weight of 12-20 kg (26-44 lb). Males can weigh up to 25 kg (55 lb).

Their coats are a key part of their appearance, with long, thick fur covering their body, legs, tail, and face. They come in many colors, including white, black, gray, silver, brown, red, apricot, and tan, or any combination of those colors.

Here's a breakdown of their coat colors and lengths:

Their coats are double-coated, with a thick undercoat and a long, slightly wavy outer coat. They don't shed much, but they do require regular brushing and occasional baths to keep them clean and healthy.

Schapendoes dogs can weigh between 26 to 55 pounds, with males typically being larger than females.

Their weight range is due to their medium-to-large size, which can sometimes be deceiving because of their long, shaggy coats that make them look larger than they actually are.

Here's a breakdown of the Schapendoes weight range:

Schapendoes dogs need regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight, so daily walks, runs, and playtime are essential for their overall well-being.

The Schapendoes is a medium-sized breed, typically standing between 16-19 inches tall and weighing between 30-55 pounds. This size makes them a great companion for many families.

Their coat is one of their most distinctive features, consisting of a long, fine, slightly wavy outer coat with a dense undercoat. This double coat is weather-resistant and meant to look shaggy.

The Schapendoes comes in a variety of colors, including blue-grey to black, but other colors are also allowed. Their coat requires moderate grooming, with weekly brushing and more frequent brushing during shedding seasons.

Here are some key physical characteristics of the Schapendoes:

Their size and coat make them a great breed for many families, but it's essential to consider their high energy needs and exercise requirements. With proper care and attention, the Schapendoes can thrive in a variety of living situations.

The Schapendoes is a friendly, high-spirited, and affectionate breed that makes a great family dog and active sports companion. They're not guard dogs, but with proper socialization, they'll welcome newcomers with immediate warmth and attention.

Schapendoes are intelligent, biddable, and sometimes stubborn, so they need regular training and outings to keep them engaged. Harnessing their active minds requires a devoted, patient, and firm leader.

As herding dogs, Schapendoes have a strong instinct to corral children or other pets, so it's essential to supervise interactions between them. They're not overly bark-y, but they do prefer to have a job or task to do.

These dogs are loyal, playful, affectionate, and friendly companions who thrive with a loving family who can provide ongoing entertainment. They love to play and are generally wise enough to be gentle when needed.

Schapendoes are independent thinkers who will cooperate with their trainer, rather than simply obeying orders. This means they need a patient and firm leader who can provide clear guidance and direction.

With proper socialization and training, Schapendoes can make excellent watchdogs, alerting their owners to people coming to the house. They're not prone to aggression, but they will defend their family and territory if necessary.

Overall, the Schapendoes is a wonderful breed for active families who can provide the necessary exercise, mental stimulation, and love. They're a great choice for those who want a loyal and affectionate companion that will be by their side.

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The Schapendoes is a relatively healthy breed with few documented health issues. However, like all dogs, they can be prone to certain conditions as they age.

Arthritis is a common issue in dogs, especially in large breeds and senior dogs. It's characterized by inflammation and degeneration of the joints, affecting their mobility and quality of life.

Regular vet visits are crucial to catch any illnesses early. Your Schapendoes will need regular check-ups to stay healthy.

To keep your Schapendoes healthy, provide them with at least two half-hour to hour-long walks per day. They'll also benefit from engaging in dog sports to burn off energy.

Check their ears daily for debris and pests, and clean them as recommended by your vet. Trim their nails before they get too long, usually once or twice a month, to prevent them from clicking against the floor.

Brush your Schapendoes' teeth daily to maintain their oral health. If they're not fond of brushing, ask your vet for tips on how to do it properly.

Here are some potential health issues to be aware of:

To prevent unnecessary weight gain, monitor your dog's daily intake and exercise habits, and discuss their nutrition with your vet. Stick to a high-quality canine diet with balanced nutrition, and feed them two measured meals per day.