Schapendoes — size comparison

The Schapendoes is a shaggy sheepdog with a fairly light build, long tail and hair falling over its eyes. A beard and moustache make its head appear larger than it really is. Beneath the abundant hair is a springy, agile dog. Free movement and quick changes of direction are among its most characteristic qualities.

Dogs of this type worked sheep on Dutch heathlands. Shepherds valued their intelligence and endurance, but economic changes reduced their numbers. During the Second World War, P.M.C. Toepoel revived interest in preserving the breed, and surviving dogs were gathered for breeding. The Schapendoes club was founded in 1947; a standard and organised registration followed in subsequent years.

The Schapendoes is generally cheerful, lively and sociable. It watches people attentively, responds quickly to invitations to play and likes joining events around it. It can solve small problems independently while continuing to cooperate with its handler. It shows considerable attachment to those close to it. Its joyful manner accompanies alertness: even at rest it easily notices new sounds and movement.

Measurement sources

• Wzorzec i wysokość — FCI
• Masa i dodatkowe odniesienie wymiarów — Dimensions
• AKC — długość życia, pielęgnacja i historia