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Schapendoes Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Schapendoes so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Working Dogs
Popularity Rank336
Reviews1
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Schapendoes dog profile picture
OriginNetherlands flagNetherlands
Other Names
What other names does the Schapendoes have?
Nederlandse SchapendoesDutch Schapendoes
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Schapendoes Size and Weight

Size
Is a Schapendoes small, medium or large dog?

How big do Schapendoes get?

What is the average size of a Schapendoes?

Medium
Weight
How much does the Schapendoes weigh? How much should a Schapendoes weight? What is the normal weight of a Schapendoes? How much does a full-grown Schapendoes weight?
26-55 pounds (12-25 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Schapendoes?
40.5 pounds (18.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Schapendoes? Schapendoes height:
15-19 inches (40-50 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Schapendoes?
17 inches (45 cm)

Schapendoes Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Schapendoes puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Schapendoes in the United States? How much money is a Schapendoes?

Where to buy a Schapendoes with a good pedigree?

$500-$700
If you choose to purchase the Schapendoes, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Schapendoes for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Schapendoes gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Schapendoes? How many Schapendoes are there in the world?
Average: The Schapendoes is a commonly available dog breed. There is less risk of overbreeding compared to the very popular dogs.

Of course, they may be more popular in some countries, and inbreeding may occur, so be careful.

Schapendoes Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Schapendoes? Is the Schapendoes breed dumb or smart?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The Schapendoes ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are Schapendoes dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Schapendoes?
Schapendoes dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Ability
Is Schapendoes good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Schapendoes dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Schapendoes dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Schapendoes dogs strongly protect their territory. This breed is a complete security guard, so you don't have to be afraid in case of danger.

Schapendoes Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Schapendoes have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
CourageousIntelligentFriendlyLivelyAttentiveWatchful
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Schapendoes sensitivity:
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Soft punishment affects them emotionally. Schapendoes dogs don't tolerate irregular daily routines, noisy households, and frequent guest visits really well.

They are receptive to their owner's emotions and make wonderful family companions.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Schapendoes a good family dog?
High: Schapendoes dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Nederlandse Schapendoes need? Schapendoes social needs:
Schapendoes dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Schapendoes to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Schapendoes roam?
Schapendoes dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. They have low to average wanderlust potential. Exploring the world is not the best activity they can imagine.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Schapendoes have high prey drive?
Schapendoes dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.

Schapendoes Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The Schapendoes is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do Schapendoes dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Nederlandse Schapendoes bark?
Low to Average: The Schapendoes rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Schapendoes good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Schapendoes in an apartment?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Schapendoes indoors.

Schapendoes Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Schapendoes dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Schapendoes be left alone? How long can you leave a Schapendoes alone?
Schapendoes dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Schapendoes Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Schapendoes has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Schapendoes? How much bite force does a Schapendoes have? How strong is a Schapendoes bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Schapendoes bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Schapendoes measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Schapendoes is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Schapendoes bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Schapendoes bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Schapendoes puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Schapendoes, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Schapendoes bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Schapendoes can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do Schapendoes bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Nederlandse Schapendoes? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Schapendoes? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Schapendoes has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Schapendoes do?
Schapendoes dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Schapendoes dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Schapendoes Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Schapendoes dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Schapendoess tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. Regular vet check-ups are needed.
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Schapendoes breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Schapendoes see the vet?
Frequent
The Schapendoes should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Schapendoes dogs live? How old can a Schapendoes be? What is the age limit of the Schapendoes? How many years can the oldest Schapendoes live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Schapendoes?

How long is the lifespan of a Schapendoes?

12-14 years
The average lifespan of Schapendoes: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.

Schapendoes Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Schapendoes have? What is the activity level of the Schapendoes?
Schapendoes dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Schapendoes need? How much exercise do Schapendoes dogs require per day?

Do Schapendoes dogs need a lot of exercises?

Schapendoes dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Schapendoes breed need?
Schapendoes dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Schapendoes Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Schapendoes need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Schapendoes breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Schapendoes? How much food should I feed my Schapendoes?
1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Schapendoes risk for obesity:
High: The Schapendoes breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding. If you want to keep balance, increase the amount and frequency of your daily dog walk and play with the Schapendoes more often.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Schapendoes weight regularly.

Schapendoes Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Schapendoes have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
Thick
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Schapendoes coats?
BlackGray Blue White Brown Tricolor
Grooming
How to groom the Schapendoes and how often? How often should I take my Schapendoes to the groomer?
Easy to groom: The Schapendoes doesn't require a lot of grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Schapendoes is a good choice if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Recommended for beginners.
Shedding Level
How much do Schapendoes dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Nederlandse Schapendoes? Do Schapendoes dogs shed a lot?
Schapendoes dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Schapendoes need a bath? How often should you give a Schapendoes a bath? Can I bathe my Schapendoes every day?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

For example, short-haired dog breeds can go a very long time in between baths. These short-haired breeds shed regularly and that shedding works to naturally remove excess dirt and oil. So unless your weenie dog got into the garbage can, you can probably hold off on a bath for a while.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Schapendoes breed hypoallergenic?
No
Schapendoes dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Schapendoes has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Schapendoes drool?
The Schapendoes is an average drooler. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Schapendoes Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Schapendoes dogs get along with other pets? Are Schapendoes dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Schapendoes dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Schapendoes temperament with other people:
Schapendoes dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Schapendoes dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Schapendoes temperament with children:
Schapendoes dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Schapendoes dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Schapendoes breed live with a cat?
Schapendoes dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Schapendoes good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Schapendoes dogs get along with other dogs?
Schapendoes dogs are dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Schapendoes can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Schapendoes breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Schapendoes breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Schapendoes dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Schapendoes dogs good office canines? Do Schapendoes dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Schapendoes is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Schapendoes dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Nederlandse Schapendoes temperament with senior people? Are Schapendoes dogs good for elderly owners?
Schapendoess are usually recommended for elderly people.

Schapendoes As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Schapendoes be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Schapendoes is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Schapendoes be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Schapendoes be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Schapendoes is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Schapendoes be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Schapendoes is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Schapendoes be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Schapendoes is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Schapendoes be a boat dog?

Not really

Schapendoes breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Schapendoes be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Schapendoes is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Schapendoes dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Schapendoes Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Schapendoes pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Schapendoes breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Schapendoes: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Schapendoes have in a litter? How many puppies can the Schapendoes breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Schapendoes have? How many puppies can a Schapendoes give birth to?
4-6 puppies

Schapendoes Recognition

AKC Group
Is Schapendoes recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Schapendoes recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.

Schapendoes Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Grooming: Easy to groom: The Schapendoes doesn't require a lot of grooming.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Schapendoes dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
  • Adaptability: Schapendoes dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Schapendoes dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: Schapendoes dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Schapendoes dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Schapendoess are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Schapendoes dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Health Issues: Schapendoess tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
  • Hypoallergenic: Schapendoes dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: High: The Schapendoes breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Schapendoes dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Office Friendly: Schapendoes is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Schapendoes History

The Schapendoes, also known as “Nederlandse Schapendoes”, is the sheepdog of Holland. With the rough, dense, long coat and drop ears, the breed is physically similar to the Beardie, Puli, and other European varieties. Very little is known with certainty about the breed but according to experts the rootstock is believed to be the same as that of Briard, Bearded Colie, and Bergamasco. Although the Dutch Sheepdog has been in existence for many centuries, they are not well known by many people. They did not attract the attention of the royalty back in the time but remained a dog of common people, therefore they were rarely found in art or literature.

Although the origins of the Schapendoes will probably never be fully known, a few stories and hypotheses developed over the years. Some have theorized that the Romans brought their sheep herding dogs to Belgium, from where they spread to the Netherlands. On the other hand, others believe that the Germanic tribes possessed a long-coated sheepdog very similar to the Sheep Poodle, which would explain the distribution of such dogs across lands that were settled at one time or another by German speakers. Still, others think that these dogs might have been introduced much more recently by Dutch wool traders who may have acquired English dogs while doing business in London. However, until more evidence is discovered we cannot actually know the truth.

Moreover, what we know for sure is that the Schapendoes was an all-around farm dog and sheepherder in the 19th and early 20th centuries, most commonly found in the province of Drenthe, in the northeast part of the country. The shepherds valued the breed for the tireless pleasure they took in their work and also for their intelligence. However, eventually, the flocks of Dutch sheep were taken care of by two sorts of shepherd dogs. The larger of the two, the Dutch Shepherd and the smaller hairier now known as the Schapendoes. These two land breeds had complementary tasks with the herd. The Dutch Shepherd was the herder, who kept the herd together once they reached their destination, and the Shapendoes was the drover, whose job was to bring the flock to the destination. However, the native sheep dog’s popularity in its home country declined and one of the reasons behind this was the importation of the English Border Collies. Being imported from the United Kingdom, the Border Collie proved to be so successful at herding sheep in the Netherlands that it largely replaced the Schapendoes and other native breeds. However, the breed remained relatively popular among the Dutch farmers who preferred to use their traditional breed right up until World War II. World War II generally impacted the future of the breed, as, despite the country’s attempt to remain neutral, the Netherlands was occupied by Nazi forces. The German occupation placed a substantial hardship on the Dutch people and their dogs. Some Schapendoes dies in the blitzkrieg or in the resistance movement. Also, many farmers were forced to abandon their dogs when they could no longer afford to care for them. Breeding almost fully ceased.

However, there was a Dutch inspector and publicist, P.M.C. Toepoel, who discussed the breed’s characteristics with others who were also interested in the breed. He became the driving force behind preserving the Schapendoes. Furthermore, he gathered a group of experts and dedicated breeders that gave the breed a solid foundation, and in the 1940s the first specimens were shown. Their cheerful and playful temperaments, with their rough and tumble appeal, increased the Schapendoes’s popularity. The growth in numbers has been tempered with caution by wise breeders and eventually, the breed became known in several European countries as well. In 1947 the breed club was founded, and 5 years later the Schapendoes was recognized by the Kennel Club in Holland. In 1954 the standard was set up and a studbook started. At the beginning of the 70’s the closure of the breed registry started which meant that the dogs of unknown heritage could no longer be involved in the breed registry. However, it had progressed far enough to be able to carry on using only dogs with certain ancestry. Thanks to the people who dedicated themselves to reconstruct the breed, the sheepdogs are still working in their native land, firmly nudging the animals with their noses and shoulders. Their weather-resistant coats serve them well in the harsh weather as well. In 1989, the breed was also recognized internationally by the Federation Cynologique International (FCI). The first Shcapendoes arrived in Canada in 1998 and in 2005 the Canadian kennel Club also fully recognized the breed in the ‘herding group’ under the name of ‘Dutch Sheepdog’. A year later, in 2006, the United Kennel Club granted full recognition to the Schapendoes as a member of the herding dog group as well.

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Schapendoes Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Karen

    Jun 14, 2022, 12:23:35 PM:

    Question: Why do you say that the Schapendoes is not the best breed for a therapy dog?