Schapendoes
A lively, affectionate, and intelligent herding dog with a shaggy coat and boundless energy. Loves active families and thrives on play, companionship, and engaging activities.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
43–50 cm (male)
40–47 cm (female)
WEIGHT
14–20 kg (male)
12–18 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
12–15 years
Schapendoes: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Schapendoes isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Schapendoes's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Schapendoes is a friendly, cheerful, and adaptable herding breed known for its sociable nature and affectionate bond with family members.
Key Personality Traits
Gets along well with people and animals
Quick learner, responds well to training
Highly active, needs regular exercise
Loves games and interactive activities
Adjusts well to new situations and environments
Strengths
- Intelligent and quick to learn tasks
- Highly social with people and dogs
- Adaptable to various living environments
- Strong stamina for long periods of activity
- Loyal and forms close family bonds
Challenges
- Requires extensive daily mental stimulation
- Thick coat needs regular brushing and grooming
- Can become vocal when understimulated
- Prone to stubbornness during training
- Needs secure boundaries due to herding instincts
Protect your Schapendoes
Schapendoes are active and energetic, but they can develop hip dysplasia and eye problems. Get peace of mind with PetSecur's comprehensive coverage.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Schapendoess are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Quick learner
Overall rating
Schapendoes are highly intelligent, quick learners, and generally respond well to positive training methods, though they may show some independence and require consistent guidance.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
60–90 minutes daily
recommended per day
This breed has high energy levels and thrives on regular physical activity and mental challenges, benefiting from daily walks, play sessions, and tasks that engage their minds.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Schapendoess are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Schapendoes would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Intelligent and eager to please, but needs consistent training and mental stimulation
Apartment Living
Needs more space and exercise than most apartments provide
Active Lifestyle
Thrives with plenty of activity and enjoys outdoor adventures
Kids
Generally gentle and playful, but supervision around small children is important
Multiple Pets
Usually sociable and gets along well with other pets when socialized early
Being Left Alone
Dislikes being left alone and may develop separation anxiety or destructive habits
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Schapendoess compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Schapendoes
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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