Character & Temperament

The Schapendoes is a strong-character and lively dog ​​that is characterized by its intelligence and spirited nature. His herding dog heritage makes him an active and alert companion who is enthusiastic about various tasks and activities. Although he can certainly be independent, he is first and foremost a human-dog who bonds closely with his family and wants to spend most of his time in their company. Schapendoes are usually very people-oriented and enjoy the company of adults and children alike. They are also playful and often remain young at heart well into old age. This, along with their adaptability and energy, makes them great companions for active families who enjoy spending time outdoors. Although the Schapendoes is an active dog, he can learn to stay alone as long as he gets enough exercise and mental stimulation when his people are home. His alertness and herding dog instincts can cause him to be a little territorial at times, but he is generally friendly and outgoing towards strangers. Schapendoes have distinctive prey-catching and hunting behavior that comes from their herding dog past. It is important to recognize and manage this instinct, especially when living with the Schapendoes in an area where there is a lot of wildlife. It is also advisable to start recall training when it is a puppy and practice it consistently to ensure that the dog is under control, even if he wants to follow his hunting instincts. When it comes to living with the Schapendoes, it is important to note that he is an active and intelligent dog that needs physical and mental challenges. If he is not sufficiently occupied and stimulated, he can easily become bored and destructive. At the same time, he can also relax well and enjoys just being with his people. Overall, the Schapendoes is a charming, energetic and adaptable dog that fits in well with active families. His intelligence, his playfulness and his strong connection to people make him a great companion who is always ready to accompany his people on all their adventures.

What Awaits You

This shaggy German Shepherd from Holland is also known as the Dutch Shepherd. Schapendoes are cheerful, funny, smart and courageous and make very good family dogs. They also have a strong desire to please.

Housing & Care

The Schapendoes is an adaptable dog that can thrive in both urban and rural environments provided it receives adequate exercise and activity. He is generally child-friendly and gets along well with other pets, including cats, as long as he is properly socialized.

Training & Education

Schapendoes are intelligent dogs that learn quickly and enjoy working. They respond best to positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods. Due to their history as herding dogs, they have a natural inclination to accomplish tasks and can perform well in various dog sports such as agility, obedience or flyball. However, it is important to note that Schapendoes can have a certain stubbornness. They need a patient and consistent trainer who is able to hold their attention and stimulate them mentally. It is important not to overwhelm the dog. A balanced mix of exercise, training and rest is essential to have a happy and balanced Schapendoes. Since Schapendoes tend to exhibit strong prey-catching behavior, it can be helpful to offer them alternatives such as search games or retrieval exercises. Training impulse control and frustration tolerance can also be beneficial, especially in situations where the dog's natural hunting instincts are awakened.

Nutrition & Care

Your Schapendoe's diet should be tailored to his age, weight, health and activity level. A balanced, high-quality diet helps keep your dog healthy and active. However, it is advisable to seek advice from a veterinarian regarding feeding. Grooming the Schapendoe is relatively straightforward, despite its long and wavy coat. He has a thick undercoat and requires regular brushing to prevent matting and to keep his skin and coat healthy. The Schapendoes copes well with the climate in Germany, with its thick fur protecting it from both cold and heat. As with most dogs with an undercoat, the Schapendoes also sheds - especially during the coat change phases in spring and autumn.