Discover Everything About Schapendoes
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
At a glance
Schapendoes overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
The Schapendoes carries a significant genetic burden, with 20 mandatory health tests primarily focused on the eyes. Conditions such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) require strict screening to prevent blindness. Hip Dysplasia (HD) is also a concern, which is why prospective puppy buyers should insist on seeing complete and verified health test results for both parents.
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
Height
40–50 cm
Weight
12–25 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,200 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Long, wavy, dense undercoat
- Origin: Netherlands
Typical coat colors
- All colors
- mixed colors are allowed
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Schapendoes, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Schapendoes right for you?
The Schapendoes is a cheerful, extremely agile Hütehund (herding dog) — bred to independently guide sheep flocks in the Netherlands, tirelessly leaping over heather. Beneath that shaggy coat lies a highly intelligent athlete who wants to think along and work with you.
Perfect for you if:
- You are looking for an agile partner for dog sports like Agility or Hoopers, where he can live out his genetically anchored jumping ability and agility.
- You appreciate a dog that cooperates closely with you, but as a true Hütehund, also makes his own decisions rather than obeying blindly.
- You enjoy a spirited companion who bonds closely with his family and prefers to be everywhere you are.
- You are prepared to invest time every week in the thorough grooming of his lush, shaggy coat to keep it weather-resistant and free of mats.
Less ideal if:
- You expect him to ignore movement stimuli — as a Hütehund, it is his nature to keep an eye on anything fast, like cyclists or running children, and to try to control them if in doubt.
- You are looking for a quiet companion for short walks around the block; without mental and physical stimulation, he will quickly find his own, often exhausting, jobs to do.
- You live in an environment where noise is a major issue and cannot tolerate barking, as he is a vigilant and reliable watchdog who will alert you to changes in his territory.
The real vibes check
A Schapendoes is not a teddy bear just for cuddling, but a shaggy spring with a built-in radar for every movement. He brings an infectious lightness to your everyday life, but in return, he demands real teamwork and confident leadership. If you appreciate his clever, typical Hütehund initiative and channel it correctly, you will gain an unfailingly loyal buddy.
Breed Profile
The Schapendoes is a medium-sized dog with a distinctive fluffy, long and wavy coat. His happy face is surrounded by a typical "mane". framed and his dark, expressive eyes give him a charming look. Its body is slightly rectangular with well-developed muscles, which makes it very agile and strong in jumping. A member of FCI Group 1, the herding dogs and cattle dogs (except Swiss Mountain Dogs), he is an active and alert companion, originally bred for herding flocks of sheep. The breed is not differentiated into performance and show lines, all Schapendoes are said to be both pretty and functional.
| Height | 40 - 47 cm (Female), 43 - 50 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 12 - 20 kg (Female), 15 - 25 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 12 - 15 years |
| Character | Lively, affectionate, intelligent |
| Coat | Long, wavy, dense undercoat |
| Coat Color | All colors and mixed colors are allowed |
| Price | 1200 - 2500 € |
History
The Schapendoes, also known as the Dutch Shepherd, is originally from the Netherlands. The breed has been used there for centuries as an all-round sheep herding dog. Because of their work skills and their ability to adapt to different conditions and tasks, the Schapendoes were highly valued by shepherds. The breed was nearly extinct when World War II broke out, but through the efforts of breed enthusiasts the Schapendoes was revived in the 1940s and 1950s. The FCI (F"d"ration Cynologique Internationale) only officially recognized the Schapendoes as an independent breed in 1971. Today, the Schapendoes is still a rare breed, but is becoming increasingly popular, especially among people looking for an active and intelligent dog.
The Schapendoes was used as a herding dog for sheep flocks in the Netherlands, known for its agility and thick coat.
Netherlands
1800
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.
| Trainability Picks up commands quickly and wants to please. | Eager to learn |
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Noticeable drive — needs attention around small animals. | Moderate |
Fun Fact!
Did you know that the name "Schapendoes" comes from Dutch and means “sheep dog”. means?
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.
| Family Friendly Lives for its family — the born family companion. | Ideal family dog |
| Child Friendly Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride. | Patient with children |
| Dog Friendly Actively enjoys the company of other dogs. | Dog-friendly |
| City Friendly City-appropriate with enough exercise and stimulation. | Manageable in cities |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
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.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| Trainability Picks up commands quickly and wants to please. | Eager to learn |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
Solid, watch carefully
Health grade
The Schapendoes carries a significant genetic burden, with 20 mandatory health tests primarily focused on the eyes. Conditions such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) require strict screening to prevent blindness. Hip Dysplasia (HD) is also a concern, which is why prospective puppy buyers should insist on seeing complete and verified health test results for both parents.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
You should ensure he is raised in a way that is gentle on his joints and schedule regular eye exams so that any potential changes can be detected early.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the hips and eyes of the parent animals thoroughly checked to reduce the risk of joint problems and hereditary eye diseases in the lineage.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
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Frequently asked questions about the Schapendoes
Is a Schapendoes the right dog for me?
The Schapendoes is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Schapendoes live?
The average life expectancy of a Schapendoes is 12-15 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Schapendoes need?
Schapendoes grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Schapendoes good for families with children?
The Schapendoes can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
Schapendoes Breeders Near You
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