How to Identify a Schapendoes

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Last Updated: April 24, 2021

The Schapendoes is a breed from the Netherlands assigned to the herding group.^{[1]
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American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.

Go to source} Also called the Dutch Sheepdog, they are related to many other longhaired herders and are known to be tireless workers.^{[2]
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American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.

Go to source} As one of many longhaired herding dogs, Schapendoes have much in common with other breeds, but they also have a few distinct traits. By learning what sets them apart, this wikiHow will help you identify a Schapendoes.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Identifying the Structure

Schapendoes are decently medium in size. They may weigh anywhere between 26–55 pounds (12–25 kg) and stand at 16–20 inches (41–51 cm) in height.^{[3]
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The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.

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Though the head of a Schapendoes is nearly flat, its profuse coat makes it appear much broader and larger in size. It has a defined stop and good furrow, being a small amount wider than the length of the area between the occiput and stop.^{[4]
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The ears of a Schapendoes are rather high-set, and though they are free-hanging, they do not lay near the dog's head. They do not appear fleshy or large, nor should they extend further than the head's overall outline. However, they are mobile, being used to express the dog's mood, and coated with feathering.^{[5]
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Schapendoes have round eyes that are normally placed in the head, though more toward the front than the sides. Being clearly brown in color, the eyes' whites should only be seen if the dog directly looks toward one side, and they should not be so dark as to appear black. They give the dog their characteristic honest yet open-minded expression that also denotes liveliness.^{[6]
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Being not quite as long as the length of the area between the occiput and eyes, the muzzle of a Schapendoes is deep. It only barely tapers to the tip, which is still fairly broad and only somewhat rounded. Even when the jaws are closed, the bottom jaw can easily be seen from an angle facing the dog's side. Their cheeks are prominent, and the teeth meet in a scissors bite. The nasal bridge is just below the skull's line.^{[7]
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The paws of a Schapendoes are identical in front and back. In shape, they resemble broad ovals, being a bit large. They are overall elastic with tight toes and springy pads of a notable thickness. The pads should have hair between them also. Any dewclaws may still be present on the dog.^{[8]
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The way a Schapendoes carries their tail depends on their movement, though it is never carried stiff and on top of the back. When the dog is in repose, it tends to point downward in a hanging position, while when the dog is alert, it is occasionally high. It is straight outward when the dog gallops, and it swings from side to side as a rather high curve when the dog moves in a trot. It acts as a rudder whenever the dog jumps. Regardless of carriage, it is clearly coated with feathering and is a long length.^{[9]
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Schapendoes are light in build, elastic, of fine bone, pliable, and a small amount longer than they are tall. They have a strong and high-carried neck, a deep chest, ribs that range from well-sprung to only moderate in spring, straight forelegs, angulated hindquarters, and a curved topline. Their gait may be a trot or gallop, but the dog works in a gallop, so this is preferred. It appears springy and light in feet, and they are also known for jumping.^{[10]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Paying Attention to the Coat

Schapendoes have thick double coats, with the undercoat being sufficient. Overall, the coat is notably long, and the longest parts of it, usually on the hindquarters where it may form tufts, are usually around 7 centimetres (2.8 in) or more in length. It typically is slightly wavy rather than entirely smooth and feels both dry and fine to the touch. It may also be dense, as the individual hairs tend to grow together densely, and the coat on the head forms a mustache, beard, and topknot.^{[11]
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Did you know? Schapendoes are related to many other longhaired herding breeds, including the Bearded Collie, Briard, Polish Lowland Sheepdog, Old English Sheepdog, Puli, and Bergamasco Sheepdog.^{[12]
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American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.

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A Schapendoes may be sporting a coat of any color, so avoid judging them based on coat color alone. However, dogs with black or blue-grey coats are preferable.^{[13]
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Despite having long coats, Schapendoes do not require much grooming other than brushing once a week. Baths are needed on an occasional basis to maintain their coats, which shed seasonally.^{[14]
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American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.

Go to source}

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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Checking Temperament

Schapendoes are active dogs that require a great deal of daily exercise. Due to their notorious jumping, agility can be a great way to exercise them, as well as running or playing, which can also help prevent them from becoming nervous or anxious.^{[15]
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American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.

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Though some may be more independent, many Schapendoes are eager to please and enjoy learning new things. This can make them fairly easy to train if properly cared for.^{[16]
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American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.

Go to source}
Another trait Schapendoes are known for is intelligence. This is one characteristic they were specifically bred for, making them naturally clever.^{[17]
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American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.

Go to source}
Schapendoes are overall attentive and watchful. Their alertness can make them great with families as they may defend them and respond well to training.^{[18]
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American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.

Go to source}
An additional reason why Schapendoes can excel in a family household is their friendly and affectionate nature. Once they get to know someone well, they will demonstrate loyal and cheerful behaviors towards them.^{[19]
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American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.

Go to source}

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If the dog in question is your own, give thought to DNA testing. A DNA test will confirm if your dog is a Schapendoes.

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