Schapendoes Dog

Breed:  Herding

Height: 16-23 inches

Weight: 33 pounds

Coat Type: Dry-textured and slightly wavy, inner layer thick and soft

 

The Schapendoes, also known as the Dutch Sheepdog, originated in the Netherlands. Originally bred as herding dogs and general farm dogs, Schapendoes dogs, today, participate in dog sports like flyball, like other sporting dogs. This breed is friendly with a gentle nature and is extremely playful, especially with children. These large dogs have a thick fur, which is shaggy in appearance. A highly intelligent breed, this dog is extremely affectionate towards its owner and people it knows. The dog serves as a good watchdog, due to its sharp intelligence and strength. The average life expectancy of this breed of dog is 14 years. Read through the following lines to know more about the Schapendoes dog breed.

 

The Schapendoes dogs have descended from a general farm and herding group of dogs that were popular in the ‘Drenthe’ province of Netherlands and the ‘Veluwe’, an area of forest and swampland. These were the local working dogs that were adapted to people, environment and the type of work that was needed out of them. However, the dogs were on the verge of extinction during the 2^nd World War. Few survivors which were left led to the birth of the modern Schapendoes breed of dogs. The Dutch National Kennel Club was the first to recognize the breed in 1952. In 1971, the breed was recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale, as the number 313 breed in group 1, section1- Sheepdogs. The breed even got exported to North America and was recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club in their respective herding groups. The American Kennel Club has listed the Schapendoes as part of their Foundation Stock Service. The breed has also been recognized by several other minor kennel clubs.

 

Schapendoes breed of dog is a long dog with a long tail, medium length ears and long shaggy fur. They come with a short muzzle and a wide skull. They have large round eyes that are covered with fur most of the times. The canines have a thick, wavy and clumpy coat. Schapendoes dogs look quite similar to a number of breed such as the Old English Sheepdog, the Bearded Collie, the Pulie and others. Both the Old English Sheepdog and the Schapendoes look similar, the only difference being Schapendoes is a bit smaller than the Old English Sheepdog. The dog has double coat - while the outer layer that is long, dry-textured and wavy, the inner layer is thick and soft. The dog can be found in numerous colors, such as blue, grey and black, the latter being the most popular.

Schapendoes dogs are fun loving, active and lively canines. They are quite playful, especially with children. The Schapendoes is an intelligent breed of dog with lots of courage and fearlessness, but is friendly and gentle at the same time. These dogs tend to get attached to the family and people they know. They are not much aggressive and fulfill the quality of a great watchdog, though their guard dog skills are low. They are full with energy but can be stubborn, at times. Schapendoes dogs can be easily trained, as they enjoy learning and working and are of good nature. These are dogs with strong instincts. It is better to provide the dog with regular exercise routine, which includes running, jumping, herding and playing. Proper exercise sharpens the skills of this breed of dog.

 

No such health issue or exceptional genetic disease has been documented for this breed of dog. However, before acquiring a puppy, you should make sure that the sire and dam has had no records of any health problems.

 

The Schapendoes require regular brushing and combing, especially in their growing stages of life to get rid of tangles. The area around their eyes and ears should always be kept clean. The ears should be checked on a regular basis to remove debris and to prevent any kind of infections. Their teeth and nails should also be checked regularly and kept clean.