A shaggy-coated Dutch herding dog, cheerful and agile, historically used to herd sheep across the polders.
✓ Beginner-friendly
Photo: Jennifernl123 Angela van Lieshout · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons · Resized and recompressed
Weight male15–20 kg
Weight female13–18 kg
Shoulder height40–50 cm
Size classMedium (12–25 kg)
Fully grownat approx. 15 months
Life expectancy13–15 years
Activity levelHigh
OriginNetherlands
ClassificationFCI Group 1, Section 1 (Sheepdogs)
Dutch Sheepdog (Schapendoes): temperament & character
The Schapendoes is friendly, playful and highly sociable, generally getting along well with children and other pets.
How much exercise does a Dutch Sheepdog (Schapendoes) need?
It needs regular exercise and mental stimulation; dog sports such as agility or obedience suit it very well.
Dutch Sheepdog (Schapendoes): grooming & shedding
The long, shaggy double coat needs brushing several times a week to prevent matting.
Is the Dutch Sheepdog (Schapendoes) suitable for beginners?
Well suited to first-time owners thanks to its friendly, trainable nature, provided the regular coat care is kept up.
Dutch Sheepdog (Schapendoes) health problems
The breed is generally considered healthy, with hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy occurring occasionally.
Is a Dutch Sheepdog (Schapendoes) right for you?
With childrenYes
SheddingLittle
Grooming effortHigh
BarkingModerate
Home aloneWith reservations
Other petsGood
TrainabilityEasy
The Dutch Sheepdog (Schapendoes) sheds little and is therefore considered comparatively well tolerated by allergy sufferers. No breed is truly hypoallergenic, though: the allergy is triggered by the protein Can f 1 in saliva and dander, not by the hair itself.
Good with: families with children, active households
⚖️Is your Dutch Sheepdog (Schapendoes) at a healthy weight? Calculate the ideal weight and the right portion size for free in the Souldog app.
This information is for general guidance and does not replace veterinary or breeder advice. Temperament and health vary individually within every breed.
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