Dog Breeds - Schapendoes

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The propensity for a breed to demonstrate affection towards its family or familiar individuals may vary. There are breeds that exhibit a distinct reserve reserving their warmth exclusively for their owner. In contrast, other breeds are known for their indiscriminate friendliness approaching anyone they're acquainted with as if they were a cherished companion.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
The degree to which a breed can patiently handle the antics of children and exhibit a family-oriented disposition varies. It remains essential to watch over any interactions between dogs and children regardless of age or experience with dogs ensuring a safe and positive environment for both.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The innate sociability of a breed when it comes to other dogs can differ greatly. While it's always important to carefully oversee any meetings or interactions between dogs, certain breeds naturally tend toward being more amiable with their canine counterparts, whether it's within the home environment or out in communal settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The amount of fur a breed sheds can greatly influence your household. High-shedding breeds will demand regular grooming pose a higher risk for triggering allergies, and necessitate more frequent vacuuming and use of lint rollers to manage the loose hair around your living space.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
The grooming needs of a breed including the frequency of baths, brushing, trimming, and other coat upkeep, should align with your available time, patience and budget for such care. Contemplate the level of grooming commitment you're ready to undertake before choosing a breed. Keep in mind, regardless of the breed routine nail trimming is a must for all dogs.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
The tendency of a breed to drool can be an important consideration especially for those who prioritize tidiness. If the thought of slobber trails on your arm or large damp patches on your clothing doesn't appeal to you, opting for a less drool-prone breed might be preferable to match your clean living preferences.
COAT TYPE +
Double
COAT LENGTH +
Long

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
The natural disposition of a breed to receive strangers can vary significantly. Certain breeds may consistently display a guarded or wary demeanor around unfamiliar people, irrespective of the setting. On the other hand, you'll find breeds that revel in the chance to greet a new face exuding enthusiasm for human interaction at every opportunity.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
The eagerness for play in a breed can persist long after their puppy days have passed. Some breeds maintain their zest for energetic games like tug-of-war or fetch throughout their grown-up years. Meanwhile, other breeds tend to favor a more laid-back lifestyle, content with simply lounging on the sofa alongside you for the majority of the time.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
A breed's instinct to notify you of unfamiliar presences can be a marked trait. Such breeds are more inclined to respond to perceived threats from the mail carrier to a squirrel in the garden. However, these same breeds often adapt quickly to new people entering the home, especially when they observe that their family welcomes the newcomers.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
The adaptability of a breed to change varies. Certain breeds are more flexible and can smoothly adjust to shifts in living conditions, noise levels, climate, daily routines and other daily life fluctuations. These dogs can seamlessly transition with changes in their environment, while others might require a more stable and consistent setting to remain content and stress-free.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
The ease of training a breed and its openness to learning can differ substantially. Some breeds seem eager to please striving to satisfy their owner's wishes and taking to training with enthusiasm. Conversely, there are breeds with a more independent streak, preferring to follow their own whims on their timetable and location, which can present more of a challenge during training sessions.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
The exercise and mental stimulation requirements vary dramatically between breeds. High-energy breeds often need extensive physical activity and engaging tasks to keep them content; they thrive on being active with running, jumping and playing throughout the day. On the flip side, low-energy breeds have more sedentary preferences content to lounge and nap for most of the day with less need for constant activity. Choosing a breed that aligns with your own lifestyle and ability to provide the necessary level of engagement is crucial for the well-being of both the dog and the owner.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
The frequency at which this particular breed expresses itself be it through barking or howling, varies considerably. Certain breeds might alert you to every stranger or bird they see, while others reserve their barks for more specific scenarios. Meanwhile, even breeds that don't bark often find other ways to communicate employing a variety of sounds.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
The level of mental engagement necessary for a breed to maintain its wellbeing varies greatly. Dogs bred with specific roles often need tasks that involve critical thinking, resolving issues and maintaining focus. Without suitable challenges to exercise their intellect, these dogs are prone to inventing their own tasks and they may not align with your preferences.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The propensity for a breed to demonstrate affection towards its family or familiar individuals may vary. There are breeds that exhibit a distinct reserve reserving their warmth exclusively for their owner. In contrast, other breeds are known for their indiscriminate friendliness approaching anyone they're acquainted with as if they were a cherished companion.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

The degree to which a breed can patiently handle the antics of children and exhibit a family-oriented disposition varies. It remains essential to watch over any interactions between dogs and children regardless of age or experience with dogs ensuring a safe and positive environment for both.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

The innate sociability of a breed when it comes to other dogs can differ greatly. While it's always important to carefully oversee any meetings or interactions between dogs, certain breeds naturally tend toward being more amiable with their canine counterparts, whether it's within the home environment or out in communal settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

The amount of fur a breed sheds can greatly influence your household. High-shedding breeds will demand regular grooming pose a higher risk for triggering allergies, and necessitate more frequent vacuuming and use of lint rollers to manage the loose hair around your living space.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

The grooming needs of a breed including the frequency of baths, brushing, trimming, and other coat upkeep, should align with your available time, patience and budget for such care. Contemplate the level of grooming commitment you're ready to undertake before choosing a breed. Keep in mind, regardless of the breed routine nail trimming is a must for all dogs.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

The tendency of a breed to drool can be an important consideration especially for those who prioritize tidiness. If the thought of slobber trails on your arm or large damp patches on your clothing doesn't appeal to you, opting for a less drool-prone breed might be preferable to match your clean living preferences.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Double

COAT SPECTRUM

Long

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

The natural disposition of a breed to receive strangers can vary significantly. Certain breeds may consistently display a guarded or wary demeanor around unfamiliar people, irrespective of the setting. On the other hand, you'll find breeds that revel in the chance to greet a new face exuding enthusiasm for human interaction at every opportunity.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

The eagerness for play in a breed can persist long after their puppy days have passed. Some breeds maintain their zest for energetic games like tug-of-war or fetch throughout their grown-up years. Meanwhile, other breeds tend to favor a more laid-back lifestyle, content with simply lounging on the sofa alongside you for the majority of the time.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

A breed's instinct to notify you of unfamiliar presences can be a marked trait. Such breeds are more inclined to respond to perceived threats from the mail carrier to a squirrel in the garden. However, these same breeds often adapt quickly to new people entering the home, especially when they observe that their family welcomes the newcomers.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

The adaptability of a breed to change varies. Certain breeds are more flexible and can smoothly adjust to shifts in living conditions, noise levels, climate, daily routines and other daily life fluctuations. These dogs can seamlessly transition with changes in their environment, while others might require a more stable and consistent setting to remain content and stress-free.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

The ease of training a breed and its openness to learning can differ substantially. Some breeds seem eager to please striving to satisfy their owner's wishes and taking to training with enthusiasm. Conversely, there are breeds with a more independent streak, preferring to follow their own whims on their timetable and location, which can present more of a challenge during training sessions.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

The exercise and mental stimulation requirements vary dramatically between breeds. High-energy breeds often need extensive physical activity and engaging tasks to keep them content; they thrive on being active with running, jumping and playing throughout the day. On the flip side, low-energy breeds have more sedentary preferences content to lounge and nap for most of the day with less need for constant activity. Choosing a breed that aligns with your own lifestyle and ability to provide the necessary level of engagement is crucial for the well-being of both the dog and the owner.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Medium

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

The level of mental engagement necessary for a breed to maintain its wellbeing varies greatly. Dogs bred with specific roles often need tasks that involve critical thinking, resolving issues and maintaining focus. Without suitable challenges to exercise their intellect, these dogs are prone to inventing their own tasks and they may not align with your preferences.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
Beige	004
Black	007
Black & White	019
Brown	061
Chocolate & White	271
Gray	100
Gray & White	105
Tri-Colored	380
White	199
Beige & Brown	385
Beige & White	387
Black & Beige	383
Black & Gray	012
Black & Silver	016
Black Gray & Beige	384
Black Gray & White	024
Black White & Silver	033
Gray Tan & Beige	386
Red Black & White	147
White & Apricot	200
White & Brown	204
White & Gold	208
White & Liver	212
White & Silver	216
White Gray & Tan	382

PATTERNS

Description	Registration Code
Black Patches	088
Gray Patches	089
Gray Tips	091
Tan Patches	090

About The Breed

The native sheepdog of The Netherlands often referred to as the Dutch Sheep Dog is a delightful companion with its scruffy coat and beaming personality. The Schapendoes is known for its joyous disposition, humorous antics, sharp intelligence and valiant heart, making it an excellent addition to any family unit. These dogs are especially eager to please their human companions.

One could find the Schapendoes throughout Holland in the waning years of the 19th century and the burgeoning years of the 20th century. Regrettably, their population saw a significant decline when Border Collies began to be imported into the region. The breed experienced a rebirth, however with the establishment of the breed club for the Nederlandse Schapendoes in 1947. Physically, the Schapendoes sports a light and lean frame covered with a luxuriant, lengthy fur. This dog is defined by its effortless, buoyant movements and its remarkable jumping ability makes it a star in agility and many other canine sports. The Schapendoes is an alert and bold soul, embodying intelligence, vigilance, liveliness, conviviality and exuberance. It is also noted for the deep bonds of affection and dedication it forms with those it knows well.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A SCHAPENDOES

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Schapendoes: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	While certain dogs might encounter health challenges, the majority of Schapendoes typically enjoy robust health. Prospective Schapendoes owners can arm themselves with crucial knowledge about the breed's health by engaging with reputable breeders. These conscientious breeders employ genetic screening on their breeding dogs as a proactive measure to minimize the chances of hereditary conditions in their litters. Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association:

Grooming

	Routine grooming on a weekly basis coupled with the infrequent bath, ensures that the Schapendoes stays neat and at its most handsome. Such grooming sessions can also serve as a delightful bonding activity between you and your pet. It's important to regularly trim their rapidly growing nails using clippers or a grinder to prevent them from becoming too long, which could lead to splitting or cracking. Keep an eye on their ears as well checking them often to prevent the accumulation of wax and debris that could lead to infections. Don't forget to brush their teeth regularly to maintain oral health.

Exercise

	The vivacious Schapendoes thrives on plentiful exercise. Devoting at least an hour a day to running can keep this breed in top shape and stave off restlessness. Engaging in backyard play within a secure fence, as well as multiple daily walks are also excellent ways to meet their exercise needs. For days spent indoors, games such as hide-and-seek, rolling a ball for a chase or teaching new tricks can keep a Schapendoes mentally and physically stimulated. Enjoyment and energy release can also be found in outdoor pursuits like swimming, hiking, and playing fetch with balls or Frisbees. Apartment dwellers need not worry even brief corridor walks can offer some exercise, which is particularly useful when the weather is uncooperative. Additionally, training for dog sports such as agility, obedience and rally offers a rewarding way to both exercise and bond with your Schapendoes.

Training

	Schapendoes are eager learners approaching new challenges with enthusiasm, yet they sometimes exhibit a streak of independence.

Nutrition

	A nutritious diet appropriate for their life stage, a puppy, adult or senior is vital for Schapendoes. Opt for premium dog food, whether it's commercially produced or homemade under a vet's guidance. Keep an eye on their caloric intake and weight, as these dogs can be predisposed to obesity. Moderate the use of treats during training to avoid weight issues. Be aware of what human foods could be harmful to them and always make sure they have access to clean drinking water.

Historiography

Toward the close of the 19th century and as the 20th century dawned, the Dutch Schapendoes was a common sight across the Netherlands mainly serving as adept herders of sheep. These dogs earned the admiration of shepherds for their boundless enthusiasm on the job coupled with their quick-witted nature. The Dutch Schapendoes is part of a broad category of shaggy herding dogs characterized by heavily-furred heads. This breed shares lineage with the likes of the Bearded Collie, Puli, Polish Lowland Sheepdog, Bobtail, Briard, Bergamasco and the Old German Sheepdog found principally in areas like Hessen, Odenwald and the Niederrhein district, all of them representing smaller variants of the mountain dog types.

The person credited with establishing the Schapendoes breed is canine expert P.M.C. Toepoel. The turmoil of the Second World War nearly wiped out these diligent dogs but Toepoel sparked a renewed interest in this sheep herding dog. Efforts to revive the breed involved sourcing any Schapendoes that could be found for subsequent breeding.

The year 1947 marked the inception of the Breed Club for the Nederlandse Schapendoes and by 1952, the breed enjoyed preliminary recognition from the Raad van Beheer (Dutch Kennel Club). The breed standard was adopted in 1954 accompanied by the initiation of a dedicated Stud Book. Full-fledged recognition of the breed was accorded in 1971. From that point onwards, the breeding of Schapendoes has been strictly limited to those dogs that are officially registered.