Schapendoes

The Schapendoes lives 12 to 15 years. Hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy occur in the breed. Ask your breeder for hip and eye screening results. Overall this is a healthy herding breed with no widespread major issues when sourced carefully. Routine annual vet visits keep most Schapendoes in excellent condition throughout their life.

Your Schapendoes has a long, wavy coat that needs brushing two to three times a week to prevent mats. Pay extra attention to the hair around the ears and hindquarters where tangles form fastest. Bathe every four to six weeks. Trim hair around the eyes occasionally so your dog can see clearly. Check ears weekly.

Your Schapendoes needs 45 to 60 minutes of active exercise daily. Walks, agility, and herding games match their energetic, bouncy nature perfectly. They love to jump and run so a securely fenced yard benefits them greatly. Mental stimulation through training keeps them balanced alongside physical activity.

Schapendoes are smart, agile, and eager to please. They respond very well to positive reinforcement. Start socialization early since they can be somewhat reserved with strangers. This breed excels in agility and obedience when training stays fun and consistent. Avoid harsh methods since they shut down quickly under pressure.

Feed a quality medium breed formula twice daily with measured portions. Monitor body condition monthly since their thick coat makes visual weight assessment difficult. Two meals per day works better than one. Keep treats reasonable and use them primarily as training rewards.

The Schapendoes is a Dutch herding breed with roots stretching back centuries, used by farmers across the Netherlands to herd sheep across lowland plains. The breed nearly disappeared after World War II as traditional sheep herding declined. Dutch cynologist P.M.C. Toepoel dedicated years to reviving the breed from surviving farm dogs after the war. The Dutch Kennel Club recognized the Schapendoes in 1954. Today the breed remains rare outside the Netherlands but is growing internationally in dog sports.