Schapendoes

Breed Origin

The Schapendoes is a multifaceted sheepdog with origins dating back to the 19th century, predominantly found in the northeastern region of the Netherlands, especially in Drenthe. This breed was closely linked to the working class and never received royal endorsement, which has led to a lack of comprehensive historical records. Information about the Schapendoes remained limited until the formation of the Nederlandse Schapendoes breed club in 1947. In 1952, the breed achieved provisional recognition from the Kennel Club of Holland. Although relatively obscure outside the Netherlands, the Schapendoes was quite popular domestically until the 1940s, when the rise of Border Collies, which performed similar roles, posed a threat to its survival. The Border Collie quickly became the preferred option, prompting a group of passionate advocates to take action to preserve the Schapendoes from extinction. Official acknowledgment of the breed came only after World War I, with the breed standard being established in 1954 and the creation of an official studbook. It wasn't until 1971 that the Schapendoes was fully recognized as a Dutch breed. The Federation Cynologique Internationale granted recognition in 1989, and in 2005, the American Kennel Club included the Schapendoes in its Foundation Stock Service. However, due to the breed's limited numbers in the United States and Canada, it has not yet achieved full registration status. In 2006, the United Kennel Club recognized the breed, allowing it to compete in all UKC events.

Care Routine

The Schapendoes, known for his charming appearance featuring a topknot, beard, and moustache, is quite easy to care for. Although he is not hypoallergenic and doesn’t drool, he does undergo considerable seasonal shedding, losing a significant amount of hair once or twice a year, which requires more frequent grooming during those times. Outside of these shedding periods, a weekly brushing is adequate to keep his coat from matting. For grooming, a pin brush and a metal comb are recommended, paying special attention to his topknot and facial hair, particularly his beard and moustache. These areas should be washed weekly, but he generally doesn’t need frequent baths—usually only during heavy shedding. Additionally, his ears should be cleaned weekly, and his nails should be trimmed every few weeks. Establishing a dental care routine is also essential for maintaining the health of his teeth and gums.

Play & Exercise