Schapendoes

The Schapendoes is a stocky, medium-sized herding dog with a long shaggy coat. It originated in Holland and is also called the "Dutch Sheepdog."� This dog is known for being a tireless farm worker, and for its incredible agility and jumping ability. Today its use as a hardworking farm dog is largely in the past, and it is a family companion, impressing with its talents in agility, flyball and any other fast and furious activity. The Schapendoes has a muscular build, but a movement that is light and springy. Its tail is either naturally bobbed, or left long and natural. Its ears are set high on the head, are heart-shaped and droop. Its eyes are dark and round, and are equipped with very long eyelashes with which to keep the long hair out. Its coat is comprised of two thick layers: the profuse outer coat is made of long, wiry guard hairs that serve to protect the dog from harsh weather. The undercoat is dense and woolly and serves to insulate the dog. The coat hangs over its face and is particularly heavy around its forehead, chin, neck and legs; it has a beard, topknot, and mustache. The coat may be of any color, but the more common are white with either gray, sand, black or brown; chocolate; or gray. The Schapendoes stands an average 16 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder. In the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries, this ancient breed was common in the pastures of the Netherlands. The Schapendoes comes from the same old line of herding dogs as does the Briard, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog, the Bearded Collie, the Puli, the Owczarek Nizinny, and the Old English Sheepdog. These all share a history of ancestry from large livestock guardian and herding dogs that were present in eastern Europe for thousands of years. The Schapendoes in particular is descended from a general type of farm and herding dog popular in the Drenthe province region of the Netherlands, and in the the Veluwe region, which is an area of forests and swampland. The herding dogs used in these areas were varied though all related, and they were known by various names. These were local working dogs and were adapted to the farmers, environment, terrain, and types of work needed. In the latter 19th century these dogs were grouped together and exhibited in dog shows as "Domestic Herding Dog."� In the early part of the 20th century the Industrial Revolution came to the rural parts of the Netherlands, and farming methods changed. The herding dogs were seen less and less. The once common Schapendoes found itself being replaced in the 1930's by the Border Collies that were being imported from Great Britain to work the herds. Then, with the advent of the Second World War, dog populations were lost and the Schapendoes faced extinction along with other Dutch herding breeds. A man called P.M.C. Toepoel became interested after the war in resurrecting the herding breeds, and found a few remaining pure examples of the Schapendoes with which to start a breeding program. He was instrumental in founding the Dutch Schapendoes Club in 1947. He is today credited with saving the breed. The Dutch Kennel Club first recognized the Schapendoes as a distinct breed in 1952, and the first breed standard was published in 1954. The breed was recognized in 1971 by the Federation Cynologique Internationale. The American Kennel Club has listed the Schapendoes as part of its Foundation Stock Service since 2005, the first step in full breed recognition. The Schapendoes is like other herding dogs in that it needs daily exercise and mental stimulation. With moderate daily workouts such as a game of frisbee or a long brisk walk, this dog makes a great housepet, and a good watchdog. The long coat needs brushing several times per week to prevent painful mats from forming. Baths are also needed occasionally, and the coat should be a least partly blow-dried. The Schapendoes is a low shedder and is a often a good choice for a household in which family members suffer from allergies to animals. This breed is naturally very hardy and healthy. Breeding stock should always be checked for hip soundness and any genetic eye abnormalities before being used for breeding. The Schapendoes should be monitored in warm weather for signs of overheating, and be kept out of sunlight and given plenty of fresh air and fresh water. The Schapendoes is an active, energetic, fun-loving dog. This breed is high-spirited and requires an owner who is committed to its mental stimulation as well as its physical well-being. Like many a herding breed, it is intelligent and capable of problem-solving and working independently. This dog likes to be involved with its human pack in whatever activity is important. It will not do well being left alone for long periods of time; this can lead to boredom and destructive behavior. The Schapendoes is usually great with other dogs as long as they are non-dominant, and this breed is generally good with smaller household pets, although it may try to herd them. However, it is important that this breed be socialized early in puppyhood to other pets and dogs, by being exposed to them often in positive circumstances. This will make for a friendly adult Schapendoes.The Schapendoes requires early consistent training and a strong human leader. It is a clever, willful dog that will take over the household if not taught boundaries from an early age. The Schapendoes is naturally suspicious of strangers. It will bark to warn the household of an approaching visitor. However, it is not by nature a good guard dog. This breed is intensely loyal and gentle with family members, and it is particularly fond of children. Schapendoes are gaining steady popularity in the United States, and the owner will enjoy participating with the dog in agility and obedience competitions and herding trials. The Schapendoes can also make an excellent therapy dog.

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