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History The Schapendoes is a medium size breed of dog. It is a very happy canine who likes to please. A bit of a clown at times, it likes to rummage through wastebaskets. When addressed, it responds quickly. It loves its masters and prefers to tag along closely. It is sporty, an agile jumper, quite smart and enjoys physical activity and toys. When in the home environment, the Schapendoes is very calm. Patient and tolerant, it likes kids and all humans. The Schapendoes comes from Holland. The Schapendoes has long hair and a lightweight skeleton permitting it to jump very high. Its hair can grow up to 7 cm or more in length. Its colour varies from black and white, grey-blue and white, grey and sometimes even maroon. Male: Height at the withers – 43 to 50 cm. Weight: 15 to 18 kg. Female: Height at the withers – 40 to 47 cm. Weight: 15 to 18 kg. The Schapendoes is not a guard dog, but is very courageous and can be territorial. It is a happy and attentive dog ideal for the family due to its sociability and positive response to training. It is a sheep dog, independent and intelligent. It gets along well with adults, children as well as other dogs. It can be very active and have a high level of endurance, without being turbulent, thanks to its athletic anatomy and modest size. In fact, it is quite calm as long as its surplus of energy is properly channelled. The Schapendoes is spirited, joyous, sometimes devilish, but never over zealous, or “chatty”. The Schapendoes is very sociable with other dogs that is, neither aggressive nor timid, which applies to people too: it welcomes friends and guests with the civility deserved. It is an excellent play companion for kids: always in a good mood and ready to play, as tireless as it is nice. All those who breed the Schapendoes agree that it is a very intelligent dog, intuitive, with a long memory, has astonishing adaptability and the ability to learn with boundless energy and incontrovertible physical capacities permitting it to participate successfully in Agility disciplines. In all circumstances, it becomes a natural harmonious companion, calm or energetic depending on the situation. The Schapendoes is not difficult to feed. It seems that greed eliminates this problem. As for all dogs, excess fat is dangerous. For it to keep its sheep gathering reflexes (you never know!) meal portions, whether minute or industrial, must be well adapted. The dogs' ribs should be ever so lightly detectable to the touch. A good weekly brushing suffices. The most crucial time becomes the passage from a baby coat to an adult one. It is important to make regular inspections so that knots do not form. An untangling aerosol product can facilitate brushing. Schapendoes do not like to be left alone in some situations, like if you are in the house while it is in the garage. When it comes to training, count on the fact that it is very intelligent and very sensitive: It quickly responds to orders, but may sometimes play dumb… A bit of authority is necessary. Greed is its greatest flaw. Are Schapendoes good with children? Schapendoes love kids and all humans. They are very affectionate. Are they intelligent? Schapendoes are more intelligent than the average dog. They love to learn and work like all sheep dogs. They learn very quickly. Do they bark a lot? Schapendoes are sheep dogs, so they will instinctively notify when someone is arriving, without excess. Is this breed of dog very active? Schapendoes need to run to spend bottled up energy, but they also love to play with toys and to rest near their handlers. Do Schapendoes require a special diet? Simply a well-balanced diet. When it comes to health, what are some things to watch for? The Schapendoes enjoys a very good health. The only thing to truly watch for is PRA (progressive retinal atrophy.) How much does a Schapendoes cost? Very difficult question to answer since it can vary by region, availability and breeder from who you buy the puppy. Are these dogs convenient for people with allergies? Schapendoes do not shed a lot (somewhat like the Bouvier des Flandres) but they aren't considered hypoallergenic. Do they bring back objects that are thrown for them? Schapendoes like retrieving objects and playing with their handlers. Do Schapendoes like water? Schapendoes generally like water and mud puddles. |
