The Schapendoes, or Dutch Sheepdog, is a breed of herding dogs whose native country is the Netherlands. The events during World War II almost saw the breed being wiped off the face of the earth completely. The present breed is a descendant of the few animals that survived the effects of war. The Schapendoes originated from a breed of dogs whose main purpose was to assist in the herding of large flocks of sheep. During and after the war, one Dutch dog enthusiast named P.M.C Toepoel took it upon himself to find surviving Schapendoes. Through his breeding efforts, this amazing dog was able to make it through to the canine we know today. In 1947, a breed club was formed to pursue and protect the Schapendoes.
At maturity, a Schapendoes weighs between 30-50 pounds. Their height is between 15-22 inches. Female Schapendoes are slightly smaller than males. On average, the Dutch Sheepdog can live for between 12-16 years.
Personality
Schapendoes are courageous and highly attentive. They are intelligent, lively, jolly and friendly. Once they become attached to its owners, the dog becomes loyal and affectionate towards familiar people. This is a cooperative breed that loved to play. If you have children, this is a wonderful breed as they are not aggressive. Young socialization for the dog with children is the best way to train them properly. They do need regular exercise to stay healthy and out of trouble. They are wonderful family dogs that are always seeking to please their owners. They are loving and enjoy snuggling on the couch with their owners as you relax. They can live in an apartment as long as you are able to take them out for daily walks. To keep your Schapendoes active and happy, you should walk them for at least an hour daily.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 12 - 16 years |
| Nicknames: | Dutch Sheepdog |
Schapendoes Build Information
At maturity, a Schapendoes weighs between 30-50 pounds. Their height is between 15-22 inches. Female Schapendoes are slightly smaller than males. On average, the Dutch Sheepdog can live for between 12-16 years.
| Size: | Medium |
Behaviour and Personality
Schapendoes are courageous and highly attentive. They are intelligent, lively, jolly and friendly. Once they become attached to its owners, the dog becomes loyal and affectionate towards familiar people. This is a cooperative breed that loved to play. If you have children, this is a wonderful breed as they are not aggressive. Young socialization for the dog with children is the best way to train them properly. They do need regular exercise to stay healthy and out of trouble. They are wonderful family dogs that are always seeking to please their owners. They are loving and enjoy snuggling on the couch with their owners as you relax. They can live in an apartment as long as you are able to take them out for daily walks. To keep your Schapendoes active and happy, you should walk them for at least an hour daily.
| Activity Level: | Moderately active |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Kid friendly |
Appearance
The dog's double coat calls for regular brushing to prevent matting. You should adopt a weekly brushing regimen especially when the dog is still at puppy stage from the age of 6-18 months. By brushing their coat, you will prevent tangling between the dog’s topcoat and undercoat.
| Shedding: | Little |
| Grooming: | Medium maintenance |
Schapendoes Common Health Conditions
The dog's main health issues include hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. Like other breeds, the dog is at-risk for problems related to obesity if they fail to get regular exercise. It is important to feed them a balanced diet to manage their weight correctly.
Schapendoes Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
The Schapendoes have been recorded in the Foundation Stock Service since 2005. They are a shaggy sheep dog that people often call a Dutch Sheep Dog. This breed is not well-known despite being known for centuries. The Dutch Sheepdog are a wonderful family pet for their cheerful temperament. They make a great companion because they are clever, funny, smart, and brave. They have a strong desire to please their owners. They are quite agile and can jump high and perform well at many dog sports.
| Training: | Easy |