# Schapendoes

Also known as: Dutch Sheepdog, Dutch Schapendoes
- **Group:** Herding (FCI group 1)
- **Size:** Medium
- **Origin:** Netherlands
- **Height:** 40–50 cm
- **Weight:** 12–20 kg
- **Life expectancy:** 12–14 years
- **Temperament:** Cheerful, Lively, Friendly, Intelligent, Agile

A shaggy, medium-sized Dutch herding dog with a long, thick coat, moustache and beard. Bright, agile and cheerful, it is a lively companion that loves company and activity.

## Overview

The Schapendoes is a medium-sized Dutch sheepdog covered in long, thick fur, with a moustache and beard and small drop ears hidden under the fur. It was once the everyday farm and herding dog of the Dutch countryside.

Today it is a bright, athletic and sociable family dog that does well in dog sports and thrives on being part of the household.

## History

The Schapendoes descends from the general type of farm and herding dogs found in the Dutch provinces of Drenthe and the Veluwe. These dogs were local workers rather than a defined breed, and appeared in early dog shows in the 1870s.

The dogs almost vanished during World War II, and the modern breed comes from a few survivors. The Dutch kennel club recognised it in 1952, wrote a standard in 1954, and the FCI accepted it in 1971.

## Appearance

A medium-sized, lightly built dog standing up to about 50 cm, weighing roughly 12 to 20 kg. The long, thick coat covers the body, legs, tail and face, with a moustache and beard.

Small ears hang down, covered with long hair. The coat may be of any colour.

## Temperament

The Schapendoes is cheerful, alert and eager to be involved in everything the family does. It is intelligent and agile, and usually friendly with children and other dogs.

It can be a little independent and enthusiastic, so early training and socialisation help channel its energy.

## Care and exercise

This active dog needs daily exercise and mental stimulation, and enjoys agility and similar activities. It is not happy left alone for long periods.

The long coat needs regular brushing, several times a week, to avoid tangles and mats.

## Ratings (1 to 5)

- Energy: 4
- Exercise needs: 4
- Grooming: 4
- Shedding: 3
- Trainability: 4
- Barking: 3
- Good with children: 4
- Good with other dogs: 4

Page: https://techtools.cz/tools/dog-atlas/schapendoes
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schapendoes · https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q39157
Photo: Jennifernl123 Angela van Lieshout (Public domain), https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nederlandse-schapendoes-02.jpg
Profile written by an AI model from the sources above.