Pet Wiki

Schapendoes

Also called Nederlandse Schapendoes, Dutch Schapendoes, Dutch Sheepdog

Recognised breedFCI group 1Short profile

From Netherlands (heathlands of Drenthe and the Veluwe).12

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male12 to 25 kg23
Weight, female12 to 20 kg23
Height, male43 to 50 cm14
Height, female40 to 47 cm14
Sizemedium

Not set by the FCI standard. English Wikipedia gives 12-25 kg overall; German Wikipedia gives 12-20 kg, up to 25 kg for males.

cheerful and lively
remarkable jumping ability
devoted to its own people
13

Coat and looks how to spot one

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.14

Coloursall colours allowedblue-grey to black preferred14

Personality what they are like

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.14

Daily activity how busy a day looks

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.13

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

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.3

Company who they like around

Very people-oriented and affectionate with familiar people; thrives when included in family life and given a job to do.14

The story where it all began

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 1971.124

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    The FCI standard singles out its exceptional jumping ability as a breed hallmark.1

  2. 2

    When relaxed the tail hangs down, but on the move it is carried high and waves along behind the dog.3

  3. 3

    Old regional names for the dog include Herderdoes, Siep and Olde Grise.3

  4. 4

    The modern breed traces back to a handful of dogs saved after the Second World War.4

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed's name comes from the Dutch word 'schapen' meaning sheep and 'hond' meaning dog, reflecting its historical role as a herding dog for flocks of sheep in the Netherlands.5

Name ideas for your new friend

BouncerZippyFrisoJipMiesSjaakBramLotteKeesDrentheWolSchap

A day in the life told by a Schapendoes

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.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 313, Group 1 Sheepdogs and Cattledogs, Section 1 Sheepdogs, no working trial; definitive recognition 1971.1
Raad van Beheer (Dutch Kennel Club)
Provisional recognition 1952; first standard 1954.2
UKC
Herding Dog Group, recognised 2006.4
CKC (Canada)
Recognised as Dutch Sheepdog, Herding group.2
AKC
Foundation Stock Service.2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Schapendoes. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

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

Owner questions the things everyone asks

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.6

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.7

How often should I bathe a Schapendoes?

Furry Diary'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.8 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Schapendoes need brushing?

Furry Diary 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.83 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Schapendoes's nails, and how often?

Furry Diary 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.8 Pet 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. Furry Diary 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.13 Pet 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.8 Pet 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.14

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.14

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.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI Standard No. 313 Nederlandse Schapendoes fci.beused for origin, classification, size, coat, colour, temperament, history
  2. Wikipedia: Schapendoes en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, weight, recognition, history
  3. Wikipedia (de): Schapendoes de.wikipedia.orgused for weight, care, training, fun facts
  4. UKC Schapendoes breed standard ukcdogs.comused for recognition, height, coat, temperament, history
  5. schapendoesfederation.nl schapendoesfederation.nl
  6. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.