Tvaryny › Dogs › Schapendoes

Group 1 · sheepdogs and cattle dogs · Netherlands

Schapendoes

A shaggy Dutch fun-loving live wire — warm-hearted and tireless: friendly, agile, clever and boundlessly attached to its family. The Schapendoes is an ancient Dutch herding breed with a “shaggy” coat; a cheerful, playful companion and at the same time a good herder, sensitive guard, tracker and rescuer, it needs an active family, exercise and activity.

Height

40–50 cm

Weight

28.7–44.1 lbs

Lifespan

12–15 years

FCI group

1 · sheepdogs and cattle dogs

Photos: 9

Breed ratings

Exact ratings · 12

Family 5.0 Kids 4.5 Beginners 4.0 Training 4.5 Energy 4.5 Health 4.5 Shedding 3.0 Drooling 1.0 Barking 3.5 Apartment 2.5 Weather 4.5 Prey drive 2.5

Pros

Friendly, cheerful, good with children

Clever, agile, easy to train

Versatile: herder, guard, rescuer

Very robust health

Cons

A high need for exercise and activity

The shaggy coat needs regular brushing

Cannot bear being alone

Prone to barking

Size

Toy Small Medium Large Giant

Compatibility

Apartment · with caveats Kids Cats Other dogs Beginners

If you lead an active lifestyle and love the great outdoors, the Schapendoes will be your loyal friend, a soulful companion, and, when needed, a gentle herder and vigilant guardian. Members of this breed are often used as sniffers and rescue dogs. They possess a friendly disposition and form strong bonds with their owners, showing almost equal affection to all family members.

The Dutch name for the breed – Schapendus – subtly reveals the appearance of this cheerful, playful dog. An attentive gaze from intelligent eyes, a "shaggy" head that appears broad and large due to its prominent mustache, beard, and eyebrows, combined with light movements and exceptional endurance, are distinguishing traits of the breed. This rare blend of advanced intelligence and an agreeable nature makes the Schapendoes easy to train and care for. Your furry friend will readily get along with other pets, befriend and play for hours with children, and eagerly join you on a morning jog. And if there’s a herd to manage, they'll be an excellent sheepdog. Curious to learn more? Stay tuned to Tvaryny!

Schapendoes: A Quick Breed Overview

Origin: Netherlands
First Mention: 1953 (systematic breeding began 1940–1945)
Purpose: Herding dog, companion dog, sport dog
Lifespan: 12–15 years
Height at Withers: 16.5–19.7 inches (42–50 cm) for males, 15.7–18.5 inches (40–47 cm) for females
Weight: 28.7–44.1 lbs (13–20 kg) (proportional to height)
Color: Any, with a preference for blue-gray with a black tint

The Schapendoes as a Family Dog

The Schapendoes is not just a working dog; it's a wonderful family companion for active individuals. Thanks to its friendly disposition, playfulness, and exceptional devotion to its owners, it fits wonderfully into family life. As mentioned, they get along excellently with children, becoming patient and cheerful playmates. Their energy matches that of children, and they will gladly participate in any activity.

This breed is very people-oriented and craves constant interaction. A Schapendoes wants to be near its family, participate in household activities, and relax at its owner's feet in the evening. It forms strong bonds with all family members, not just one person, making it an ideal choice for a large family.

However, it's worth remembering that the Schapendoes is not a "couch potato" dog. It needs an active lifestyle and sufficient physical and mental stimulation. A family considering a Schapendoes must be prepared to dedicate significant time to walks, games, training, and shared activities. For less active individuals or those who spend a lot of time away from home, a Schapendoes might not be the right fit.

With proper socialization, the Schapendoes readily accepts guests and can coexist with other household pets. Its natural vigilance makes it a good "doorbell," announcing the arrival of strangers, but it is not prone to unprovoked aggression.

Working Abilities: Herder and Beyond

While most Schapendoes today live as companion dogs, their herding past has left a deep mark on their character and abilities. They were bred to work with large flocks of sheep in open spaces, which demanded independence, initiative, endurance, and the ability to react quickly to changing situations. Unlike some other herding breeds that primarily work with their gaze ("eye dogs"), the Schapendoes uses its movement and voice to control the flock.

Even in a home environment, herding instincts may manifest in a tendency to "gather" family members or other pets. These instincts can be successfully channeled into canine sports such as Herding. Engaging in herding activities allows the dog to fulfill its natural predispositions, get physical and mental exercise, and helps the owner better understand their beloved pet's behavior.

Beyond herding, Schapendoes have proven themselves as excellent dogs for agility. Their speed, agility, jumping ability, and desire to work as a team with their owner make them some of the best athletes in this sport. They also successfully participate in obedience competitions, flyball, and engage in search-and-rescue activities thanks to their well-developed sense of smell and endurance.

Providing a Schapendoes with opportunities to utilize its working abilities, even if it's not classic sheep herding, is an important condition for its happy and fulfilling life. This can include regular obedience training, sports, or simply intellectual games that mimic working tasks.

Interesting Facts About the Schapendoes

The name "Schapendoes" comes from the Dutch word "schapendoes," which literally means "sheepdog" or "shaggy sheepdog."
After World War II, the breed was so rare that its population had to be rebuilt almost from scratch. Mr. Pieter Toepoel played a key role in this process.
Schapendoes are known for their "jumping" abilities. They can jump quite high, especially when working with a flock or participating in agility.
The Schapendoes' gaze is considered one of the breed's hallmarks – large, round, dark brown eyes radiate intelligence, kindness, and sincerity.
Despite their long coat, its care is not overly complicated; regularity is key. The coat should remain natural.
The Schapendoes is one of the lesser-known Dutch herding breeds outside of the Netherlands, compared to the more popular Dutch Shepherds (Nederlandse Herdershond) of various coat types.
This breed is very popular in Scandinavian countries, where it is actively used in canine sports.

History of the Schapendoes Breed

The history of the Schapendoes, also known as the Dutch Sheepdog, is deeply intertwined with the agricultural traditions of the Netherlands, particularly the marshy and peatland areas of the Drenthe and Veluwe provinces. For centuries, this dog served as an indispensable helper for farmers and ranchers, primarily herding sheep and cattle. Its exact origins are somewhat mysterious, but the Schapendoes is believed to be a descendant of ancient European long-haired herding dogs. Its ancestors likely included various local sheepdogs that roamed the Netherlands and neighboring regions.

In the early 20th century, with changes in agriculture and a decline in sheep farming, the demand for herding dogs significantly decreased, pushing the Schapendoes breed to the brink of extinction. During World War II, its population plummeted to critically low levels. It was then that enthusiasts, notably the prominent Dutch cynologist Mr. Pieter Toepoel, committed to preserving this unique breed. Mr. Toepoel initiated systematic breeding of the Schapendoes between 1940 and 1945, gathering the few remaining purebred individuals he could find.

The dedicated effort to restore the population bore fruit. In 1952, the breed received preliminary recognition from the Dutch Kennel Club (Raad van Beheer op Kynologisch Gebied in Nederland). This marked an important step towards official recognition and standardization. The first official Schapendoes breed standard was approved in 1954, and simultaneously, a studbook was established to register purebred dogs. Since then, only officially registered individuals have been used for breeding, allowing for controlled restoration and development of the breed.

International recognition arrived for the Schapendoes in 1971 when it was officially registered by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) under number 313 (Group 1, Section 1: Sheepdogs without working trial). This recognition fueled the breed's popularity beyond the Netherlands and drew the attention of dog fanciers from other countries. Despite significant progress in its recovery, the Schapendoes is still considered a developing breed, and breeding is conducted with extreme responsibility to preserve its unique working qualities and appearance.

The Schapendoes shares roots with many other European herding breeds known for their long coats and endurance. These include the Bearded Collie, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog, and certain varieties of Belgian Shepherds, such as the Malinois (as a working branch with similar instincts) and the Tervuren (as a long-haired relative). Despite these shared characteristics, the Schapendoes has maintained its unique traits, making it truly special.

Official Schapendoes Breed Standard and Appearance Description

The Schapendoes is a medium-sized, long-haired dog with a light and agile build. According to the FCI standard, it is a dog that exudes alertness, joy, and energy. It doesn't appear heavy or bulky; its movements are light, springy, and swift. The dog's weight should be proportionate to its height, typically ranging between 28.7–44.1 lbs (13–20 kg). Males stand 16.5–19.7 inches (42–50 cm) at the withers, while females are 15.7–18.5 inches (40–47 cm). Deviations from these parameters are considered undesirable.

The head of a Schapendoes appears large due to the abundant hair on its muzzle. The skull is broad, and the forehead is slightly rounded. The stop (transition from forehead to muzzle) is pronounced but not abrupt. The muzzle tapers gradually towards the nose and should not be pointed. A distinctive feature is the thick mustache, beard, and eyebrows, which give the head its characteristic "shaggy" look. The nose is black, with well-developed nostrils.

The eyes of a Schapendoes are one of the breed's most expressive features. They are large, round, dark brown, set straight, and not deeply recessed. The gaze is lively, intelligent, open, and sincere, reflecting the dog's friendly nature. This gaze is considered one of the key characteristics of the breed.

The ears are medium-sized, hanging, triangular, and covered with long hair. When alert, the base of the ears may lift, giving the dog an attentive expression.

The neck is strong, muscular, of medium length, and well-set.

The body is sturdy but not heavy. The back is straight and strong. The loin is short and muscular. The croup is slightly sloped. The chest is deep but not too wide, with well-sprung ribs. The underline is moderately tucked up.

The limbs are strong, straight, and parallel. Shoulders are sloped, and elbows lie close to the body. Forearms are straight. The feet are oval-shaped, compact, with resilient pads. Toes are tightly knit. The movements of a Schapendoes are light, springy, and far-reaching, reflecting its herding abilities.

The tail is long, reaching the hock joint or below. When at rest, it is carried low or slightly raised. In motion or when excited, it is carried high over the back, forming an arch, but should not curl into a ring. The tail is well-covered with hair.

The coat is the primary distinguishing feature of the Schapendoes. It is long, dense, slightly wavy, but neither curly nor silky. On the head, muzzle, and limbs, the hair is particularly long, forming a mustache, beard, eyebrows, and "breeches" on the hind legs. The undercoat is well-developed. The coat should appear natural, without excessive trimming. Matting is permissible in adult dogs but should not impede movement. The coat provides protection against the elements.

The color of a Schapendoes can be any, but blue-gray with a black tint is preferred. Patches of any color are allowed.

Parameter · 7

Parameter	Standard
Height (males)	16.5–19.7 inches (42–50 cm)
Height (females)	15.7–18.5 inches (40–47 cm)
Weight	28.7–44.1 lbs (13–20 kg) (proportional to height)
Eyes	Large, round, dark brown, direct gaze
Coat	Long, dense, slightly wavy, with an undercoat
Color	Any (blue-gray preferred)
Tail	Long, carried high in motion

Schapendoes Character: Temperament and Behavior

One of the main reasons for the growing popularity of the Schapendoes is its wonderful temperament and perpetually cheerful, friendly disposition. This is a highly active, joyful, and playful dog that retains its "puppy-like" traits throughout its life. The Schapendoes is incredibly devoted to its family and eager to participate in all family activities. It readily obeys commands if it understands the purpose and receives positive reinforcement, yet it also maintains a certain independence and initiative – traits inherited from its herding past.

The Schapendoes is renowned for its friendliness towards children. It's patient, playful, and can entertain little ones for hours, acting as their "shaggy nanny." It's important that children understand how to interact with a dog, and all interactions should always be supervised by adults. Additionally, the Schapendoes typically gets along well with other household pets, especially if raised with them. Early socialization plays a crucial role in shaping its attitude towards strangers and other animals.

While a Schapendoes can make an excellent watchdog, alerting to the approach of strangers with a clear bark, it is not prone to excessive barking without reason. Its guarding qualities manifest more in vigilance and notification than in aggression. It generally greets family friends and acquaintances warmly once the owner signals that everything is fine.

It's crucial to understand that, while the Schapendoes is very people-oriented, it is also a working dog with high energy and intelligence. Dogs actively involved in herding or canine sports may exhibit greater independence in decision-making compared to those living solely as companions. However, even "pet" Schapendoes require significant physical and mental stimulation; otherwise, they may find "work" for themselves, which owners might not always appreciate (e.g., digging or chewing).

The Schapendoes is a dog that despises solitude. It craves constant contact with its owner and family. Left alone for extended periods, it can suffer from separation anxiety and develop destructive behaviors. This is not a dog suited for people who are away from home all day. The ideal owner for a Schapendoes is an active individual or family prepared to dedicate ample time, attention, and sufficient exercise to their dog.

Ideal Living Environment and Physical Exercise

Due to its herding background and high energy level, the Schapendoes thrives best in a private home with a well-fenced yard where it has the freedom to move around and expend some of its energy. Even with a yard, it still requires regular and lengthy walks outside its boundaries. If you keep a Schapendoes in an apartment, be prepared to provide it with several hours of active exercise daily. A simple 15–20 minute "potty break" is absolutely insufficient for this breed.

Physical activity for the Schapendoes should be varied and intense. This can include:

Long walks or hikes: A Schapendoes will gladly accompany you on a run or bike ride (once fully physically mature).
Outdoor games: Fetch, frisbee, active ball games. They adore running and jumping.
Canine sports: The Schapendoes excels at agility, flyball, herding, obedience, and search-and-rescue work. These activities satisfy both the dog's physical and mental needs.
Swimming: Many Schapendoes enjoy swimming, which is an excellent low-impact way to expend energy.

A lack of physical and mental stimulation can lead to problem behaviors such as hyperactivity indoors, destruction of objects, or excessive barking. Remember, a tired Schapendoes is a happy Schapendoes and a happy owner.

Schapendoes Training and Socialization

Schapendoes are exceptionally intelligent and quick-witted dogs, which makes them easy to train, especially for experienced owners. They quickly grasp new commands and are eager to please their master. However, due to their independence, inherited from their herding work, they can also display stubbornness if they don't see the point in a task or if training becomes monotonous. Therefore, the key to success is consistency, patience, and the use of positive methods.

Positive Reinforcement: Schapendoes are very sensitive and respond wonderfully to praise, treats, games, and other forms of positive reinforcement. Harsh compulsion, yelling, or physical punishment are strictly unacceptable, as they can destroy the dog's trust in its owner and negatively impact its psyche. They might become fearful or, conversely, more stubborn.

Early Socialization: As with any breed, early and comprehensive socialization is critically important for a Schapendoes. From an early age, a puppy should be introduced to various people (of different ages, genders, appearances), places, sounds, other dogs, and animals. This helps to develop a well-balanced and confident dog that won't be timid or overly wary in new situations.

Variety in Training: To keep a Schapendoes interested, make training varied and engaging. Incorporate games, problem-solving tasks, and trick training. Their high energy and jumping ability make them ideal candidates for canine sports like agility, flyball, and obedience. These activities not only strengthen the bond between dog and owner but also provide the necessary physical and mental stimulation.

Herding Instincts: Although many Schapendoes now live as companions, their herding instincts remain strong. They might try to "herd" children, other pets, or even you. It's important to teach the dog to redirect these instincts to permissible objects or activities if you don't plan to engage in herding sports with them.

Pros and Cons of the Schapendoes Breed

Like any breed, the Schapendoes has its advantages and disadvantages that a potential owner should consider before deciding to bring one home.

Pros and Cons of the Schapendoes Breed · 8

Pros of the Schapendoes	Cons of the Schapendoes
Extremely friendly and family-oriented	High energy level, requires a lot of activity
Excellent with children	Does not tolerate solitude, can suffer from separation anxiety
Intelligent, easily trained with positive methods	Needs early and comprehensive socialization
Generally healthy breed with a good lifespan	Long coat care requires regularity
Joyful and playful, retains "puppy-like" nature	May exhibit herding instincts ("herding" family members)
Great partner for active sports and recreation	Not suitable for inactive people or life exclusively in a kennel/on a tie-out
Good watchdog (alerts)	Can be stubborn if training is monotonous
Gets along well with other animals with early socialization	Minor predisposition to some genetic diseases (eyes, joints)

Schapendoes Coat Care

The long, dense coat is one of the most prominent features of the Schapendoes, and it requires regular care, although not as complex as it might initially seem. It's important to remember that the Schapendoes' coat should look natural, without excessive trimming or elaborate styles. Its primary function is to protect the dog from cold, heat, and moisture.

Brushing: The main care involves regular brushing to prevent matting and remove dead hair. Use a metal brush with long, blunt teeth or a wide-toothed comb. Brush gently, penetrating the brush to the base of the coat without scratching the skin. Special attention should be paid to areas where hair tends to mat: behind the ears, under the armpits, on the inner thighs, on the "breeches," and on the tail. Brushing frequency depends on the individual dog's coat, but on average, 1–2 times a week is sufficient. During shedding seasons (usually twice a year), more frequent brushing will be necessary.

Bathing: The Schapendoes does not require frequent bathing. Bathe your dog only when necessary, when it is truly dirty. Excessive bathing can dry out the skin and coat and disrupt the natural protective layer. Use specialized shampoos for long-haired dogs. After bathing, the coat should be thoroughly dried, preferably with a hairdryer on cool air, while brushing simultaneously.

Eye and Ear Care: Regularly check the eyes for discharge and the ears for cleanliness. Long hair around the eyes and on the ears can contribute to dirt accumulation and the development of infections. If necessary, gently remove dirt with a damp cotton pad or a specialized eye/ear cleaning solution.

Nail Trimming: Like any dog, a Schapendoes' nails require regular trimming if they don't wear down naturally during walks. Overly long nails can cause discomfort and paw problems.

Brush the coat 1–2 times a week with a metal brush.
Pay special attention to areas prone to matting (behind the ears, under the armpits, etc.).
Bathe the dog only when necessary.
Regularly check and clean eyes and ears.
Trim nails as they grow.

Nutrition

Schapendoes Nutrition: Key Recommendations

Health and risks

Schapendoes Health: Typical Ailments and Prevention

Frequently Asked Questions About the Schapendoes Breed

Do Schapendoes shed? Yes, Schapendoes shed seasonally, usually twice a year. During shedding season, you'll need to brush your dog more frequently to remove dead undercoat.
Is the Schapendoes suitable for apartment living? A Schapendoes can live in an apartment, provided it receives sufficient physical exercise and lengthy daily walks. This is not a dog for a "couch potato" lifestyle.
Is the Schapendoes difficult to train? Schapendoes are intelligent and learn easily with positive methods. They are eager to please their owner. However, their independence requires consistency and patience in training.
Do Schapendoes get along well with children? Yes, Schapendoes generally get along very well with children; they are patient and playful. It's important to teach children how to interact with dogs and supervise their interactions.
How much does a Schapendoes puppy cost? The cost of a Schapendoes puppy can vary depending on pedigree, breeder's reputation, region, and other factors.
How long do Schapendoes live? The average lifespan of a Schapendoes is 12–15 years, which is considered a good lifespan for a medium-sized dog.
Does a Schapendoes need professional grooming? Professional grooming is not mandatory for a Schapendoes if the owner is willing to dedicate enough time to regular at-home coat care (brushing, bathing when necessary).

Video About the Breed

FAQ

Is the Schapendoes good for a family?

Very — a friendly, cheerful and clever dog, good with children and animals, that bonds almost equally with everyone in the family; ideal for active families and even a novice.

What can the Schapendoes do?

An all-rounder: a good herder and sensitive guard, and thanks to its agility and nose it is used as a tracker and rescuer; it shines in dog sport.

Does the coat need much care?

Yes — the long shaggy coat must be brushed regularly to avoid matting; shedding is moderate but care is constant.

Similar breeds

Bearded Collie

Height 51–56 cm · Energy 4 · Beginners 3

Polish Lowland Sheepdog

Height 42–50 cm · Energy 4 · Beginners 3

Puli

Height 36–45 cm · Energy 4 · Beginners 2.5

Sources

FCI Standard No. 313 · Raad van Beheer