Schapendoes (Dutch Sheepdog)

Schapendoes

Group: Herding Group

Origin: Netherlands

Height:
– Males: 43 to 50cm
– Females: 40 to 47cm

Also Known As: Dutch Sheepdog, Dutch Schapendoes, Nederlandse Schapendoes

Schapendoes
Flairamy’s Kohinoor, Born: 12-03-2002
Nederlands Kampioen (Dutch Champion)
Photo: Flairamy’s,
e-mail: madelon.rietdijk@xs4all.nl

CLICK HERE to View Breeder Listings

Breed Profile

The Schapendoes was valued by the Shepherds in his native Netherlands as an intelligent and tireless worker. He is believed to be related to the Bearded Collie and the Briard, among others. Although the Dutch Sheepdog has existed for centuries, the breed is not common and prior to the second World War, the breed dwindled when the importation of Border Collies began in his native land. After the war, canine authority P.M.C. Toepoel — considered to be the founder of the breed — used the few remaining Schapendoes to resurrect the breed. The Breed Club for Nederlandse Schapendoes was founded in 1947 and, in 1952, the breed was provisionally recognized by the Raad van Beheer. In 1954, the standard was established and a stud book started. Full recognition followed in 1971. The breed was recognized by the F.C.I in 1989 and has since become increasingly popular in Europe. In North America, however, the breed is still considered a rare breed.

The Schapendoes is friendly, high-spirited, independent and alert. He is also very affectionate and loyal to his family. He has great endurance, mobility and speed as well as a tremendous ease of jumping. Like most herding breeds, the Schapendoes requires a fair amount of exercise and enjoys many dog sports and activities.

The Dutch Sheepdog is lightly built which makes him light-footed and springy. He gallops rather than trots and can jump and turn swiftly without much effort. He has a thick, long coat that is lightly wavy. The undercoat is soft. He also wears a topknot, moustache and beard. Preferred colours are shades of blue-grey to black but he can be seen in all colours.
 

Health Issues

If you are considering the adoption of a Dutch Sheepdog puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy’s parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the General Information page.)

Additional Health Resources:

 

Breed Standards

 

Grooming Information

  • Grooming — This section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.

 

Training Resources

  • Training — For training information, see this growing section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.

 

Additional Information

*NOTE 1: CHIC – The Canine Health Information Center “is a database of consolidated health screening results from multiple sources. Co-sponsored by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Health Foundation, CHIC works with parent clubs to identify health screening protocols appropriate for individual breeds. Dogs tested in accordance with the parent club established requirements, that have their results registered and made available in the public domain are issued CHIC numbers.” To learn more, visit: www.caninehealthinfo.org


*NOTE 2: The Fédération Cynologique International (FCI) is the World Canine Organization, which includes 91 members and contract partners (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 344 breeds, with each being the “property” of a specific country. The “owner” countries write the standards of these breeds in co-operation with the Standards and Scientific Commissions of the FCI, and the translation and updating are carried out by the FCI. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.

Breed Listing

Quick Links

Get In Touch

— CanadasGuideToDogs.com is an Amazon Associate as well as a participant in various affiliate programs, as such fees are earned from qualifying purchases.