A bright, watchful and happy-go-lucky herding dog that forms a close, loyal bond with its family. It thinks for itself on the job and brings plenty of fun and bounce to daily life.34
how to spot oneSchapendoes coat and colours
long, dense, lightly waved double coat
A lightly built, long-haired herder with a springy, effortless gait. The coat is at least 7 cm long, thick and gently wavy over a dense undercoat, and the head carries a topknot, moustache and beard.34
Coloursall colours allowedblue-grey to black preferred34
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Schapendoes. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
how busy a day looksSchapendoes exercise needs
Built for long days of herding with stamina, speed and agility. Enjoys varied activity and dog sports such as agility and flyball, and tends to lose interest in repetitive drills.32
who they like aroundSchapendoes with people and other pets
Very people-oriented and affectionate with familiar people; thrives when included in family life and given a job to do.34
the hands-on bitsSchapendoes grooming and care
The long, dense coat with its thick undercoat needs regular brushing to keep it tidy. Training works best when it is consistent, gentle and varied.2
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Schapendoes, and at what times?
Adult Schapendoes do best with at least two meals a day, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. Feeding at consistent times each day helps their digestion, but the exact schedule can vary with your routine. For amounts, always follow the food label and check with your vet.5
What should a Schapendoes eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A high-quality dog food suited to their age and activity level is a great choice. Be sure to avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, as these are especially harmful to dogs. Always keep human treats safe and stick to dog-friendly options.6
How often should I bathe a Schapendoes?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, and general guidance says at least once every three months. You can bathe more often if your Schapendoes gets very dirty or spends a lot of time outdoors. Use a gentle dog shampoo to keep their coat healthy.7Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Schapendoes need brushing?
Pet Wiki recommends brushing every week, but because the Schapendoes has a long, dense double coat, more frequent brushing may be needed to prevent tangles. Daily brushing is ideal for keeping that lovely coat tidy and free of mats, especially during shedding seasons.72Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Schapendoes's nails, and how often?
Pet Wiki suggests trimming nails every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Trim a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part inside), and use proper dog nail clippers. If you're unsure, ask your vet or a groomer to show you.7Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Schapendoes need?
This lively herding dog has plenty of stamina and loves varied activities like agility and flyball. Pet Wiki recommends daily walks and play, but they'll thrive with extra mental challenges and dog sports. Keep sessions fun and varied to match their happy-go-lucky nature.32Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Schapendoes's teeth and ears?
Brush your Schapendoes's teeth several times a week using a dog-safe toothpaste, daily is ideal. Check their floppy ears weekly for moisture or dirt, and gently dry them if needed, but never push anything into the ear canal. Regular care helps prevent problems.7Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Schapendoes live?
Lifespan can vary for each dog, so it's best to ask your vet for guidance based on your pet's health and breed. With good care, many dogs live well into their teens, but there's no specific number for Schapendoes in the information we have.
Is a Schapendoes good with children and other pets?
Schapendoes are bright, affectionate dogs that form close bonds with their family, so they can be wonderful with children when properly socialised. They have a herding instinct, so early, gentle training helps them get along well with other pets. Always supervise interactions to keep everyone happy.34
Can a Schapendoes be left alone?
This very people-oriented breed thrives on being included in family life and may struggle with long periods alone. They are happiest when they have a job to do or company around. If you need to leave them, provide plenty of enrichment and consider a dog walker or pet sitter.34
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
per year, in your countryWhat a Schapendoes costs
Running costs for a Schapendoes, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Schapendoes legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Schapendoes in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
The FCI standard singles out its exceptional jumping ability as a breed hallmark.3
2
When relaxed the tail hangs down, but on the move it is carried high and waves along behind the dog.2
3
Old regional names for the dog include Herderdoes, Siep and Olde Grise.2
4
The modern breed traces back to a handful of dogs saved after the Second World War.4
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The name joins the Dutch word 'schapen', meaning sheep, with 'does', an old Dutch word for a dog, so it simply means sheepdog. It worked with flocks of sheep in the Netherlands.8
I wake up with the sun, my tail already wagging. Today, the farmer has a big herd to move, but first, we play. I bounce around the yard, chasing a ball, then we head to the fields. I love the feeling of the wind in my fur as I run circles around the sheep, keeping them in line. My human laughs and calls me a silly clown. Later, we try some agility jumps in the garden – I'm fast, but I get distracted by a butterfly. That's okay; every day is an adventure with my family. At night, I curl up close, watching the door, ready for tomorrow.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganSchapendoes history
The Schapendoes was the everyday sheepdog of Dutch heath farms around 1900 and is related to other long-coated herders such as the Bearded Collie. It came close to disappearing during the Second World War, when cynologist P.M.C. Toepoel gathered the remaining dogs and rebuilt the breed. A breed club followed in 1947, a standard in 1954, and FCI recognition in 1971.314
Bearded Collie
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Puli
Dutch Shepherd