The Schapendoes was developed in the Netherlands and used to be a common sight around the sheep herding fields of the country. Belonging to the family of long-haired herding breeds – many of his relatives (such as the Old English Sheepdog, Bearded Collie and Briard) now are more well-known than himself. Despite his dwindling numbers, this has always been an intelligent dog with a great personality and a penchant for working.
When it comes to training, the Schapendoes is attentive and loves to learn. As a working/herding breed, he needs a job in his life to stay happy and obedience is a good start! After the basics have been laid down he can move to more interesting and athletic endeavors such as agility, rally, flyball and herding. This breed does require rules to be set down and enforced (in a fair way), and therefore learns best when training is structured and balanced. Although intelligent, this dog is not a pushover and may try to see what he can get away with. He can also be somewhat independent if he thinks “his way is the right way”. A bit of patience and a sense of humor may be required at times, but otherwise this breed is fairly easy to train. This also goes for off-leash training as the breed has a low-prey drive and isn’t prone to wandering.
Schapendoes are loyal toward the owners and often become very affectionate. They are friendly toward new people and enjoy meeting their “new friends” with a jolly and high-spirited attitude. The medium size of the breed makes them easier to handle when happy and bouncy – even easier when obedience trained! These social butterflies also tend to do well around other pets and animals, in addition to making great companions for children as they can be endlessly playful. The Schapendoes is an alert and courageous breed that makes a good watchdog. Although he will alert enthusiastically to people coming up to the door… he is far too friendly to function as a guard dog. 
Schapendoes are fairly healthy and are not known for having specific health problems, although obviously any dog can suffer injury or illness. They live, on average, about 14-15 years when well taken care of. The long thick coat needs regular care, which helps not only the hair itself but the skin underneath. This wavy, yet thick coat is somewhat waterproof (enough to keep rain from easily reaching the skin), which means that bathing will require a bit extra work! The coat must be brushed with care to keep the important undercoat from being pulled out – it serves a very important insulating purpose. The coat will need to be brushed weekly when an adult, and daily during the coat change from puppy to adult. Fanciers of the breed should know that the Schapendoes should never be shaved or trimmed. Make sure you’re up for the challenge before acquiring a puppy!
The Schapendoes does require a great deal of exercise – sometimes as much as an hour or two a day depending upon the individual and the owner’s lifestyle. They can live in city situation, however the owner will have to work harder at making sure the dog is exercised. It becomes very apparent to those who walk a Schapendoes that this breed is quite athletic, with a characteristic bouncy gait and ability to jump tall heights. This means they can make great hiking and outdoor companions, and really do best with athletic, outdoorsy owners. When physically satisfied, they are calm and easygoing in the house.
