Dog breed profile
Schapendoes
A detailed profile covering characteristics, everyday care and linked health conditions.
Quick facts
Typical guide only; individual needs vary.
Profile description
The Schapendoes, also known as the Dutch Sheepdog, is a medium-sized herding breed developed in the Netherlands to move and manage sheep. Most adults stand around 40 to 50 centimetres tall and weigh approximately 12 to 25 kilograms. The breed has a lightly built, agile body, long tail and a thick, shaggy coat with hair covering much of the face. Modern representatives of the Schapendoes type may live primarily as companions, but inherited body shape and behavioural motivations remain relevant to exercise, training and home selection.
It occurs in many colours, although blue-grey and black are commonly seen. Schapendoes are intelligent, energetic, cheerful and strongly people-oriented. Their herding background gives them quick reactions, agility and a natural tendency to chase, circle or control moving animals and people. They often enjoy children, other dogs and active family life when properly socialised. The breed is generally cooperative and responsive but may become vocal, restless or destructive without sufficient exercise and mental stimulation.
Schapendoes commonly excel in agility, obedience, herding and other dog sports. Their abundant coat requires regular maintenance and can conceal skin irritation, parasites or changes in body condition. This breed generally suits active owners who can provide daily exercise, positive training, companionship and consistent grooming. Individual Schapendoess still vary with breeding, early experience, health and training, so these breed tendencies should guide preparation rather than predetermine the personality of every dog.
A household should evaluate a Schapendoes by the demands of adult life, not solely by colour, size or puppy behaviour. A well-matched Schapendoes is normally included in everyday family life and given clear outlets for the same instincts that shaped the breed's original work or companionship role.
First-time dog owner tips
Practical preparation for welcoming this breed into your home.
Care requirements
Daily Schapendoes care requires at least one hour of daily exercise, with active individuals often benefiting from more. Suitable activities include walking, hiking, herding, agility, obedience, scent work and structured play. Training should begin early and focus on recall, lead manners, quiet behaviour and redirecting herding or chasing instincts. Positive reinforcement and varied exercises work well. Mental work for a Schapendoes can come from scent searches, food puzzles, cooperative handling and short training problems matched to the dog's confidence and physical ability. Increase duration and impact gradually in a young or previously unfit Schapendoes; fatigue, altered gait or reluctance should prompt rest and assessment instead of forced completion. Give the Schapendoes structured outlets for controlling movement while separately rewarding calm responses to runners, bicycles, children and other fast-moving triggers. Reward quiet alternative behaviour before the Schapendoes' alert barking becomes habitual, and reduce repeated exposure to triggers that cannot yet be handled calmly. For the Schapendoes, fencing and lead equipment are part of welfare: gates should close reliably, boundary gaps should be checked and identification details kept current.
The long coat should be brushed and combed thoroughly several times a week to prevent tangles and mats. Particular attention is needed behind the ears, beneath the legs, around the feet and under collars or harnesses.
The coat should be checked after outdoor activity for grass seeds, burrs, ticks and trapped moisture. Excessive trimming is generally unnecessary, although professional grooming may help maintain cleanliness. Routine hygiene for the Schapendoes includes regular tooth brushing, short nails and checking the ears for wax or irritation.
Food portions should maintain a lean, athletic body condition. Regular veterinary examinations should monitor hips, eyes, ears and general mobility. Exercise should be adjusted during hot weather because the heavy coat may reduce heat tolerance. Daily companionship and mental challenges help prevent barking and destructive behaviour.
Conditions linked to this breed
General dog health conditions
These conditions can affect dogs generally and are not presented as conditions specifically associated with this breed.
Cataract [Cloudiness of the Lens of the Eye]
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Diabetes Mellitus
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Hypothyroidism
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Otitis Externa (Ear Infections)
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Pancreatitis
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