Schapendoes

Quick Take

• A painless condition in Schapendoes can quietly steal their eyesight before any obvious symptoms appear, but there is only one way to stop it before it starts. See the eye condition →
• This breed nearly vanished from the earth entirely, and the reason has nothing to do with the dogs themselves. Explore the breed's rarity →
• Schapendoes are praised as ideal family dogs, yet their instincts could make life unexpectedly complicated for your youngest kids. Check the herding instincts →
• Their ears need a very specific care routine. Skip one step after bathtime and you're inviting a recurring problem. Get the ear care steps →

Schapendoes originate from the Netherlands, where they were bred to herd sheep. However, they are not a popular breed outside of the Netherlands. In fact, their numbers decreased significantly during the Second World War, along with many other European Sheepdog breeds.

While the Schapendoes is still considered a rare breed outside the Netherlands, it is possible to find reputable breeders in North America and Europe through organizations like the AKC and Good Dog. If you can find a Schapendoes, they make excellent family pets, especially for active households who enjoy the outdoors. In addition, they are obedient and agile, making them easy to train.

Three Pros and Cons of Owning a Schapendoes

Before running out and buying one of these adorable pups, there are a few things you should know first.

Size and Weight

Male Schapendoes are bigger than females and can grow between 16 and 19 inches tall and weigh 30 to 55 pounds, while females are 15 to 18 inches tall and weigh 26 to 45 pounds.

Common Health Issues

Unfortunately, the Schapendoes is susceptible to an array of health issues. If you own one of these lovable furballs, be on the lookout for the following.

Patent Ductus Arteriosus

This terrible disease causes improper blood flow and frequently presents itself as a heart murmur in puppies. However, veterinarians can repair this issue through surgery, with great results. Sadly, if it is not found in time, it can cause congestive heart failure, which is fatal and will cut their life short. This is why regular vet checkups are so important.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

There is a proven connection between Schapendoes and Progressive Retinal Atrophy, which is a painless eye condition that will eventually cause destruction of the ocular cells, causing blindness.

It generally starts with night blindness, which can quickly transform into complete loss of eyesight within a few months. Unfortunately, there is no way to cure PRA, but breeders can weed it out with genetic tests.

Ear Infections

Because the Schapendoes have particularly hairy ears, they are prone to ear infections. This is because their ear canals tend to become warm and moist, which easily traps debris and other gunk.

It is essential that you clean your Schapendoes’ ears regularly. In addition, you need to ensure their ears are dry after a swim or bath, as wet ears can increase the chances of them developing an ear infection.

Temperament

While these dogs are incredibly independent, they are easily trainable. In addition, these dogs are loyal, affectionate, playful, and friendly, and make great companions.

Luckily, they do not bark a lot but like to stay busy as they are working dogs and need to keep active. Therefore, Schapendoes need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.

Keeping them active doesn’t mean you need to go running for hours on end; they also respond well to games like puzzle toys and training. They are goofballs at heart and will enjoy playing with you and your children. However, Schapendoes are vigilant and make good watchdogs, even if they aren’t aggressive.

How to Take Care of a Schapendoes

Schapendoes need a lot of care to keep them healthy and happy. This includes:

The Best Dog Food

Because the Schapendoes are a medium-to-large breed, they need food specifically formulated for their size and activity level. However, they are prone to significant weight gain, so their food intake must be carefully monitored and controlled.

In addition, Schapendoes need to eat dog food formulated for the different stages of their lives. For example, puppies, adults, and seniors need different food.

Grooming

Because these dogs have such thick coats and long fur, they are prone to tangles and matting. So, Schapendoes need to be brushed two to three times a week. This will also help with shedding. In addition, they tend to shed more when the weather changes, so they will require more brushing during this period.

To keep their fur clean and healthy, bathe them once a month, depending on how dirty they are. In addition, check their ears weekly for debris as they are prone to ear infections. They also need their nails trimmed every 3 months or when their claws start touching the ground.

Schapendoes need their teeth brushed every day to maintain strong teeth and healthy gums, but ensure you only use toothpaste specially formulated for dogs.

Training

Schapendoes love to please their owners, making training easy for this breed. But, to prevent any bad behavior from developing, they need to start training and socialization from a young age.

Puppy classes are always beneficial as they teach puppies obedience and manners through positive reinforcement, which they respond to well.

These dogs may be wary of strangers and reserved, so when they are puppies, start to introduce your Schapendoes to different people and places to help with their social skills.

Exercise

These active dogs need at least two hours of exercise daily to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. Ideal activities include walking, hiking, running, and games like fetch.

Schapendoes are active participants in dog sports, particularly agility and herding, for which their athleticism and intelligence make them well-suited. However, if they are deprived of stimulation, they can act out by barking or being destructive.

Puppies

Female Schapendoes have an average litter size of 2 to 5 puppies. Because this breed is relatively rare, their cost can vary depending on availability, location, and pedigree, but on average, their price ranges from $2,000 to $2,500 per pup.

Schapendoes and Children

This breed is good-natured and friendly, and Schapendoes generally get along well with children and other pets in the household. But, because they are herding dogs, their instincts might make them try to herd smaller children and other animals on the property.

And, no matter how calm and gentle these dogs might be, children should never be left unsupervised in their company, as with any other dog breed.