Dog
Pronunciation:
sxa-pəndus
Breed Description:
The Schapendoes breed of dog is a small to medium sized breed of dog that should be robust and compact. They should have a sturdy, athletic appearance without being overly heavy or too lean. The body should be slightly longer than they are tall and the top line should be level. There should be a noticeable tuck up. The head should be slightly flat and broad with a short muzzle and the ears should hang down the side of the head. The tail should be long and carried low.
The coat of the Schapendoes should be a double coat with a dense, short undercoat that is soft in texture. The top coat should have long hair with a very fine texture. The hair should have a wave to it but it should not be curly. There should be a tousled look to the coat. The Schapendoes can be any color, however, the most preferred colors are black or blue gray.
Temperament:
The Schapendoes breed of dog is an active breed that is usually very playful and affectionate. They are an intelligent breed that learn quickly and can think independently. The Schapendoes is usually a very good dog with children and they can be a patient and gentle dog towards them. They do well with other pets and dogs but they can be wary of strangers, making them an excellent watch dog.
Height:
The average height for a Schapendoes is between 15 to 20 inches.
Weight:
The average weight for a Schapendoes is between 22 to 40 pounds.
Health Problems:
The Schapendoes breed of dog is considered to be a very hard breed and have no known health problems at this time.
Living Conditions:
The Schapendoes breed of dog can do very well in apartments if tehy are given proper exercise. The breed can do well as an outdoor dog, however, they can be very wary of strangers and will need a fenced yard.
Exercise:
The Schapendoes breed of dog is a very active breed of dog that requires about 60 minutes of exercise each day. The breed does well as a jogging companion.
Life Expectancy:
12 to 15 years
Grooming:
The Schapendoes breed of dog is an easy breed to groom, despite its coat. Generally, they should be brushed once a week, although to keep the hair free of dirt, it is recommended that you brush them two or three times a week. Bathing should only be done when it is necessary. Nails should be trimmed on a regular basis and the ears should be cleaned on a weekly basis.
Origin:
The Schapendoes breed of dog is a fairly old dog that was developed in Holland as a herding breed. While the breed is old, it is unclear what went into the development of the Schapendoes. It is believed that the Schapendoes is related to the Bearded Collie and the Briard. The breed remained unknown around the world, and in its native country, it began to dwindle in number when the Border Collie became a popular breed in the mid-1900's. The breed was almost completely wiped out, however, efforts in the late 1940's and early 1950's saw an effort to reestablish the Schapendoes and while it has remained rare, it has begun to increase in popularity over the last few years. Comments
The standards for all the breeds accepted to the AKC are used here for breed information, and those not part of the AKC are resourced from FCI standard information, where it is written and coded into the club rules for those breeds.
