The AKC has grouped all of the breeds that it registers into seven categories, or groups, roughly based on function and heritage. Breeds are grouped together because they share traits of form and function or a common heritage.
The Schapendoes were everywhere in the Netherlands during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but their numbers dwindled drastically when Border Collies were imported. When the breed club for Nederlandse Schapendoes was founded in 1947, the Schapendoes breed was resuscitated.
The Schapendoes is a lightly-built, long-coated, medium-sized dog. His movements are effortless and springy and his astounding ability to jump makes him excel at agility and other dog sports. With an attentive and courageous character, he is intelligent, watchful, lively, friendly and high-spirited. Towards people familiar to him, he develops great affection and loyalty.
Club Contact Details
Club: Schapendoes Club of America
Name: Geri Cooperman
Email: Schapendoesclub@gmail.com
Address: 15001 Redgate Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20905
Phone: (301) 384-6468
Club: Schapendoes USA Club
Email: schapendoes@comcast.net
Address: 236 Chandler Ave, Elmhurst, IL 60126
You are going to want to feed your Schapendoes a formula that will cater to his unique digestive needs throughout the various phases of his life. Many dog food companies have breed-specific formulas for small, medium, large and extra-large breeds. The Schapendoes is a medium-sized breed.
What you feed your dog is an individual choice, but working with your veterinarian and/or breeder will be the best way to determine frequency of meals as a puppy and the best adult diet to increase his longevity. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.
Beyond regular weekly grooming, the occasional bath will keep them clean and looking their best. Grooming can be a wonderful bonding experience for you and your pet. Their strong fast-growing nails should be trimmed regularly with a nail clipper or grinder to avoid overgrowth, splitting and cracking. Their ears should be checked regularly to avoid a buildup of wax and debris which can result in an infection. Teeth should be brushed regularly.
The Schapendoes needs a lot of exercise. Daily running for an hour keeps him fit and prevents nervousness. Other options for exercise include play time in the backyard, preferably fenced, or taken for walks several times a day. Exercise can also come in the form of indoor activities, like hide-and-seek, chasing a ball rolled along the floor, or teaching them new tricks. Certain outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, retrieving balls or flying discs can provide a good outlet for expending energy. If you live in an apartment, even short walks in the hallways can give your dog some exercise, especially during inclement weather. Training for dog sports like agility, obedience and rally can also be a great way to give your dog exercise.
Schapendoes like to learn and they do so willingly, but they may also have an independent streak.
Like all breeds, there may be some health issues. Some dogs may be faced with these issues in their lives, but the majority of Schapendoes are healthy dogs.
Working with a responsible breeder, those wishing to own a Schapendoes can gain the education they need to know about specific health concerns within the breed. Good breeders utilize genetic testing of their breeding stock to reduce the likelihood of disease in their puppies.
