Schapendoes vs Poodle
Discover the differences between Schapendoes and Poodle to make the best choice for your situation.
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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.

Poodle
Elegant, intelligent, and highly trainable, this breed stands out for its lively spirit and loyal companionship. Their hypoallergenic coat and playful personality make them ideal family pets.
Quick comparison
Medium
14–20 kg
Long, wavy
12–15 years
12–18 kg
High energy
Medium
20–32 kg
Curly, dense
12–15 years
18–27 kg
High energy
Personality & behavior
Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.
Schapendoes
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
Poodle
Warm and sociable with family and guests
Highly intelligent and quick to learn commands
Needs regular activity and enjoys exercise
Loves games and interactive playtime
Easily adjusts to new environments and routines
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Schapendoes
Hip dysplasia, eye problems
Poodle
Hip dysplasia, Addison’s disease
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Schapendoes
Moderately suitable
Intelligent and eager to please, but needs consistent training and mental stimulation
Not ideal
Needs more space and exercise than most apartments provide
Perfect fit
Thrives with plenty of activity and enjoys outdoor adventures
Very friendly
Generally gentle and playful, but supervision around small children is important
Highly suitable
Usually sociable and gets along well with other pets when socialized early
Prone to anxiety
Dislikes being left alone and may develop separation anxiety or destructive habits
Poodle
Great choice
Intelligent and eager to please, Poodles are easy for beginners to train and manage.
Highly suitable
Poodles adapt well to apartment life if given daily exercise and mental stimulation.
Perfect fit
Their energy and love for activity make them great companions for active households.
Very friendly
Poodles are gentle and patient with children when socialized from a young age.
Gets along well
Poodles usually coexist peacefully with other pets, especially if socialized early.
Prone to anxiety
Poodles can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods regularly.
Breed strengths
What each breed excels at and their best qualities
Schapendoes
- 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
Poodle
- Highly intelligent and easy to train
- Hypoallergenic coat reduces shedding
- Strong bond with family members
- Adaptable to various living environments
- Excellent performance in canine sports
Challenges & considerations
Potential challenges and considerations for each breed
Schapendoes
- 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
Poodle
- Requires regular professional grooming
- Prone to separation anxiety if left alone
- Needs daily mental and physical stimulation
- Can be reserved with unfamiliar people
- Susceptible to certain genetic health issues
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