The Schapendoes is a medium-sized, lightly built dog with a distinctive, long, and shaggy coat that gives it a somewhat tousled appearance.

Medium-sized, with males typically 18.5-20 inches tall and females 17-19 inches.

Long, dense, and slightly wavy with a thick undercoat.

All colors are permissible, but the most common are black and white or blue-grey and white.

Broad skull with a well-defined stop and a profuse topknot.

Long and well-feathered, carried low when at rest and raised when in motion.

The Schapendoes is known for its lively, intelligent, and friendly nature, making it an excellent companion for active individuals or families.

Generally good-natured and sociable with people and other animals.

Highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them quick learners.

Energetic and playful, requiring regular mental and physical stimulation.

Naturally alert and watchful, making them good watchdogs.

Forms strong bonds with their family and are known for their loyalty.

The Schapendoes is best suited for active individuals or families who can provide ample exercise, consistent training, and plenty of interaction.

Adaptable to various activities and dog sports.

May become bored and destructive without sufficient mental stimulation.

The ideal owner for a Schapendoes is someone who enjoys an active lifestyle and is committed to providing consistent training, socialization, and grooming. In return, they will have a loving, energetic, and devoted companion.

Caring for a Schapendoes involves regular grooming to manage their long coat, a balanced diet, and a spacious living environment to accommodate their energetic nature.

Requires regular brushing (at least 2-3 times a week) to prevent matting and tangling. Occasional bathing is needed.

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. Monitor food intake to prevent overfeeding.

Best suited to homes with a securely fenced yard where they can run and play. They can adapt to apartment living if provided with sufficient daily exercise.

Moderate to heavy shedding, especially during seasonal changes.

Regular teeth brushing and dental chews to maintain oral hygiene.

Schapendoes are highly trainable due to their intelligence and eagerness to please, but they require plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Schapendoes respond well to positive reinforcement methods such as praise, treats, and play. Early socialization and consistent training are crucial to develop a well-behaved adult dog. Their intelligence means they can get bored quickly, so training sessions should be kept engaging and varied.

This breed requires a significant amount of daily exercise to burn off their energy. Long walks, runs, and play sessions are essential. They also excel in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding trials, which provide both physical and mental stimulation.

Maintain a consistent training routine to reinforce commands and behaviors.

Utilize rewards-based training to motivate and encourage learning.

Keep training sessions varied and fun to prevent boredom.

Early and frequent socialization is crucial to ensure a well-rounded temperament.

Provide puzzle toys and interactive games to keep their minds engaged.

The Schapendoes is generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain genetic health issues.

A degenerative eye disorder that can eventually lead to blindness.

A malformation of the hip joint that can cause pain and lameness.

Due to their long, floppy ears that can trap moisture.

The Schapendoes, pronounced [ˈsxapəndus], originates from the Drenthe province of the Netherlands, where it was a popular farm dog used for herding sheep in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The breed nearly went extinct during World War II, but dedicated breeders managed to revive it using the few remaining dogs. The Schapendoes was officially recognized by the Dutch Kennel Club (Raad van Beheer) in 1952, and the breed standard was finalized in 1954. While still relatively rare outside of the Netherlands, their engaging personality is slowly gaining them recognition worldwide.

A Schapendoes should be brushed at least 2-3 times a week to prevent matting and tangling. Occasional bathing is also necessary.

Yes, Schapendoes are generally good with children, especially when raised with them and properly socialized.

Yes, Schapendoes are an energetic breed and require significant daily exercise, including long walks, runs, and play sessions.

Yes, Schapendoes are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train with positive reinforcement methods.

Common health issues include Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Hip Dysplasia and ear infections.

While they are adaptable, Schapendoes thrive best in homes with a yard. They can live in apartments if provided with sufficient daily exercise.

Yes, Schapendoes have moderate to heavy shedding, especially during seasonal changes.

Yes, they are naturally alert and watchful, making them good watchdogs.

The average lifespan of a Schapendoes is 12-15 years.

Yes, the Schapendoes is relatively rare, especially outside of the Netherlands.