Schapendoes | Dog Breed

Last updated May 29, 2024

Size

Varies

Popularity

One of the Most Popular

Typical Lifespan

About 12 years

Exercise

Schapendoes thrives on daily long walks and regular engaging play sessions.

Grooming Needs

Schapendoes require regular brushing several times a week to prevent matting and tangles, especially due to their dense, long coat. Occasional trimming and regular checks for debris are also necessary to maintain their coat's health.

Country of Origin

Netherlands

Adaptability

Schapendoes are highly adaptable, thriving in both urban apartments and rural settings as long as they receive sufficient exercise and mental stimulation.

Shedding Level

Schapendoes shed a moderate amount year-round, requiring regular grooming to manage their coat.

Energiness

Schapendoes are very energetic and need plenty of physical activity to stay happy and healthy.

Vocality

Schapendoes are generally vocal and known to bark often, especially when they are excited or alert.

Trainability

Schapendoes are intelligent and eager to please, making them responsive to consistent, positive training methods.

Dietary Needs

Schapendoes require a balanced diet rich in protein and healthy fats to support their active lifestyle and maintain optimal health. Regular portions of high-quality dog food tailored to their size and activity level are essential.

Weight Range

26-55 lbs

Child Friendliness

Child-Friendly

Social Needs

For Whom?

The Schapendoes thrives in a home where it has plenty of company and activities. This breed loves being a part of the family's daily life and is well-suited to a home with space to move around both indoors and outdoors. An ideal home for a Schapendoes would have access to a safe yard where it can run and play freely. Owners of this breed should be active and ready to spend time with their dog outdoors, playing, and training.

Since the Schapendoes is very social and family-oriented, it is best suited to a home where it is not left alone for long periods. It enjoys human company and likes to participate in all family activities. In homes with children or other pets, it is important to ensure that the Schapendoes receives enough attention and individual companionship so that it does not feel neglected.

A Schapendoes also fits well in a home that values its intelligence and agility. Active people who engage in activities like agility or other dog sports will find an eager and capable companion in a Schapendoes. A culture where training and mental stimulation are priorities is also ideal for this breed.

A home that understands and appreciates the Schapendoes' need for close interaction with its family and provides a loving and safe environment is exactly where a Schapendoes can flourish and offer its best qualities to its family.

Character

Affectionate

Energetic

Intelligent

Playful

Schapendoes, this fluffy and unique furball, is known for its cheerful and playful nature. It's like a lively and curious adventurer who can't stay still, with so much to wonder and learn in the world. This energetic dog breed needs activities and tasks where it can use its natural intelligence and problem-solving skills.

Schapendoes is an excellent family dog that forms deep attachments to its family and is always ready to defend its "pack". It is loyal and loving, and although it may be reserved towards strangers, it is open and friendly with family and acquaintances. Representatives of this breed are known for forming strong bonds with their owners and wanting to be involved in the family's daily life.

In terms of trainability, Schapendoes is an eager learner. It is eager to please and enjoys learning new things, as long as the training is based on positive reinforcement and includes plenty of praise and rewards. Thanks to its intelligence and agility, Schapendoes is excellently suited for various dog sports such as agility or obedience, where it can excel and showcase its skills.

While Schapendoes is active and energetic, it also knows how to relax and enjoy lounging with its owners. It loves being part of the family's shared moments, whether it's long forest walks or spending an evening on the sofa corner. Schapendoes' ability to adapt to different situations and its balanced nature make it a versatile companion for different life situations.

In this dog breed, a joyful attitude to life, intelligence, and loyalty are combined. With Schapendoes, it's never boring, and its sincere enthusiasm and unconditional love make every day a bit brighter. It is a friend you can rely on through rain and shine, bringing joy and excitement to life. Schapendoes is more than just a pet; it is the heart and soul of the family, sharing all of life's twists and turns side by side with you.

History

The Schapendoes, a lively and charismatic Dutch sheepdog, is a breed name that has only been familiar since the 20th century, but its roots stretch much further back in history. Originally, the Schapendoes had the task of herding sheep on the lush pastures of the Netherlands, where its light and agile nature helped it effectively and energetically guide the flock.

This breed was originally a working dog, whose characteristics naturally evolved to meet the needs of the agricultural society of the time. The Schapendoes' long, shaggy coat protected it from weather conditions, and its expressive face was often hidden under a lush coat, which did not, however, slow down its quick and precise movements within the flock.

During World War II, the breed was in danger of extinction as agricultural practices changed and the role of dogs as herders diminished. Fortunately, breed enthusiasts in the Netherlands refused to let it disappear and took action to save the Schapendoes. They founded a breed club and began to systematically develop and register the Schapendoes to preserve its characteristics.

The Schapendoes was officially recognized in the Netherlands in 1952, and since then, it has gained popularity both domestically and internationally. Its cheerful and playful nature, combined with excellent intelligence and adaptability, has made it a valued companion and family dog. The Schapendoes has remained true to its original sheepdog nature, and it is still alert, independent, and highly functional, enjoying tasks that require intelligence and physical effort.

The history of the Schapendoes is a story of survival and adaptation. Although the modern world has changed its traditional role, it has found a new place alongside humans, while still retaining its unique character and sheepdog heritage, which makes it so beloved.