The Schapendoes is a breed of dog originating in the Netherlands. Its name, literally meaning "sheep poodle" or "sheep dog" (from ''schaap'' meaning "sheep" and ''does'' being a diminutive or colloquial term for "dog"), reflects its primary historical role as a herding dog, particularly for sheep. It is also sometimes referred to as the Dutch Sheepdog. The breed is recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in Group 1, Section 1 (Sheepdogs).
History
The Schapendoes is a relatively old breed, though its formal recognition and standardization are more recent. It developed in the Netherlands as a general-purpose herding dog for working with flocks of sheep. These dogs were especially common in the heathlands and peat moors of the Netherlands, where they were valued for their agility, intelligence, and tireless work ethic in difficult terrains.During World War II, the breed faced near extinction due to food shortages, war-related disruptions, and the general decline in sheep farming. After the war, a dedicated effort led by Mr. P.M.C. Toepoel began to revive the breed. He sought out remaining examples of the old type of Dutch herding dog and worked to standardize and preserve them. The Dutch Kennel Club (Raad van Beheer op Kynologisch Gebied in Nederland) officially recognized the Schapendoes in 1952, and the first breed standard was established in 1954. The breed gained full recognition by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1971.
Appearance
The Schapendoes is a medium-sized, lightweight, long-haired dog with a shaggy, abundant coat.- Head: The head appears broad due to the dense hair. The skull is fairly flat, and the muzzle tapers slightly towards the nose. The eyes are round, set rather forward, and express an intelligent, lively, and friendly nature; they are typically dark brown. The ears are set high and hang freely, covered with long hair.
- Body: The body is slightly longer than it is tall, with a strong back and well-sprung ribs. The tail is long and well-feathered, carried in a graceful curve when standing, and often carried high with a lively curl when trotting or excited.
- Coat: The most distinctive feature is its long, abundant, shaggy coat, which has an undercoat. It should not be soft or silky, but rather coarse and dry, providing excellent protection from the elements. The hair grows particularly long on the head, forming a beard, mustache, and eyebrows that often obscure the eyes.
- Color: All colors are permitted according to the FCI standard. Common colors include black and white, grey and white, or tricolor combinations.
- Size:
- Males: 43–50 cm (17–20 in) at the withers.
- Females: 40–47 cm (16–19 in) at the withers.
- Weight: Typically ranges from 12–25 kg (26–55 lb), depending on sex and build.
Temperament
The Schapendoes is known for its intelligent, lively, brave, and cheerful temperament. They are highly adaptable and eager to please, making them generally easy to train, although they can be sensitive. They form strong bonds with their families and are typically good with children and other animals, provided they are properly socialized.As a herding breed, they possess a strong instinct to work and are naturally very active. They require significant mental and physical exercise to remain well-adjusted. Without adequate stimulation, they can become bored and potentially destructive. They excel in dog sports such as agility, obedience, flyball, and herding trials. Their natural alertness also makes them good watchdogs, though they are generally not aggressive.
Health
The Schapendoes is generally a healthy breed with a lifespan typically ranging from 12 to 15 years. Like many purebred dogs, they can be predisposed to certain genetic conditions, though breed clubs work to minimize these through responsible breeding practices and health screening. Potential health concerns include:- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: As with many medium to large breeds.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): An inherited eye disease that can lead to blindness.
- Other Eye Conditions: Such as cataracts.
- Von Willebrand's Disease (vWD): A bleeding disorder.
Responsible breeders screen their dogs for these conditions.