Schapendoes
SKAH-pen-doos
Netherlands· Rural Netherlands
The Schapendoes is a medium-sized, shaggy-coated Dutch herding breed closely related to other European sheepdogs of the bobtail type.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Medium
Exercise needs
1-2 hours per day
Home size suited to
Medium or larger
Grooming frequency
Several times weekly, prone to matting
Coat length
Long, shaggy
Sheds
Low
Lifespan
13-15 years
Town or country
Adapts well with enough exercise
Garden size needed
Medium or larger
Where it comes from
Origins of the Schapendoes
Dutch polder farmers needed an agile, weatherproof dog able to work sheep on flat, wet ground without close supervision. The Schapendoes developed as a shaggy-coated regional type distinct from the era's showier herding breeds, valued purely for working ability. Its long, flexible coat protected it from the damp climate while allowing quick, low movement around livestock.
- Region
- Rural Netherlands
- Climate it was bred for
- Temperate, damp lowland farmland
- Original job
- Herding sheep and driving cattle on Dutch farms
The long read
About the breed
Generations working Dutch polder farms shaped a nimble, biddable dog that reads livestock well and works with minimal direction.
As a companion the Schapendoes is cheerful, affectionate and eager to please, making it a popular family dog and successful competitor in agility and obedience.
Once reduced to very low numbers in the mid-20th century, the breed has recovered through dedicated Dutch breeding and now has a modest but stable international following.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Friendliness
3/5
How openly the Schapendoes greets people it does not know.
Trainability
3/5
How readily the breed takes to training in an ordinary home.
Energy
3/5
How much daily exercise and stimulation the breed expects.
Barking
3/5
How vocal the breed tends to be day to day.
Grooming
3/5
How much coat work the breed needs to stay comfortable.
Suits a first-time owner
3/5
How forgiving the Schapendoes is for someone taking on their first dog.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Skull
The Schapendoes's skull is judged on balance rather than size — proportionate to the body, with a clean cheek and a stop typical of the breed. Coarseness or an over-refined head are both faulted.
Timeline
History & development
1600s
Working farm dog of the polders
Believed to have worked Dutch sheep farms for centuries alongside other regional herders.
1947
Breed club founded
The Nederlandse Schapendoes Club was established to preserve the type.
1952
Official breed standard
A formal standard was drawn up, distinguishing it from related bobtail breeds.
1971
FCI recognition
The Schapendoes gained full international recognition.
1990s-present
Popularity as a companion breed
The breed became better known outside the Netherlands mainly as a family and sport dog.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Slightly longer than tall, with a level back and deep chest.
- coat
- Long, thick and slightly wavy over the whole body, weatherproof.
- ears
- Medium, set fairly high, well-feathered and hanging close to the head.
- eyes
- Large, dark, lively and expressive.
- head
- Moderately broad, with a well-defined stop and abundant facial hair.
- size
- Dogs 43-50cm, bitches 40-47cm
- colour
- Any colour, most commonly grey, blue-grey, black or brown, sometimes with white.
- temperament
- Cheerful, lively and biddable, sensitive and eager to please.
- general appearance
- A medium-sized, agile sheepdog with a long, shaggy, weatherproof coat.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
Dogs like this
Schapendoess added by PawPoint members through their pet passports. Share yours to appear here.
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Made for the Schapendoes
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Schapendoes illustration — and one everyday accessory that suits any dog.
The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
Every officially recognised breed plus the unofficial ones nobody else documents. 400+ pages, hardback, printed and shipped from the UK.
Own stock — shipped by us
Framed poster
Schapendoes Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Schapendoes illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
Schapendoes Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Schapendoes illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
Schapendoes Mug
Ceramic mug with the Schapendoes illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
Treat Pouch
Magnetic-close belt pouch for training sessions.
Fits any dog
Pawpoint on YouTube
Watch the full Schapendoes video
Breed deep-dives, history and honest ownership talk. New film every week.
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