At a glance the quick version
Not set by the FCI standard. English Wikipedia gives 12-25 kg overall; German Wikipedia gives 12-20 kg, up to 25 kg for males.
Coat and looks how to spot one
long, dense, lightly waved double coat
A lightly built, long-haired herder with a springy, effortless gait. The coat is at least 7 cm long, thick and gently wavy over a dense undercoat, and the head carries a topknot, moustache and beard.14
Personality what they are like
A bright, watchful and happy-go-lucky herding dog that forms a close, loyal bond with its family. It thinks for itself on the job and brings plenty of fun and bounce to daily life.14
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Built for long days of herding with stamina, speed and agility. Enjoys varied activity and dog sports such as agility and flyball, and tends to lose interest in repetitive drills.13
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The long, dense coat with its thick undercoat needs regular brushing to keep it tidy. Training works best when it is consistent, gentle and varied.3
Company who they like around
Very people-oriented and affectionate with familiar people; thrives when included in family life and given a job to do.14
The story where it all began
The Schapendoes was the everyday sheepdog of Dutch heath farms around 1900 and is related to other long-coated herders such as the Bearded Collie. It came close to disappearing during the Second World War, when cynologist P.M.C. Toepoel gathered the remaining dogs and rebuilt the breed. A breed club followed in 1947, a standard in 1954, and FCI recognition in 1971.124
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The FCI standard singles out its exceptional jumping ability as a breed hallmark.1
- 2
When relaxed the tail hangs down, but on the move it is carried high and waves along behind the dog.3
- 3
Old regional names for the dog include Herderdoes, Siep and Olde Grise.3
- 4
The modern breed traces back to a handful of dogs saved after the Second World War.4
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 313, Group 1 Sheepdogs and Cattledogs, Section 1 Sheepdogs, no working trial; definitive recognition 1971.1
- Raad van Beheer (Dutch Kennel Club)
- Provisional recognition 1952; first standard 1954.2
- UKC
- Herding Dog Group, recognised 2006.4
- CKC (Canada)
- Recognised as Dutch Sheepdog, Herding group.2
- AKC
- Foundation Stock Service.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Schapendoes. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 313 Nederlandse Schapendoes fci.beused for origin, classification, size, coat, colour, temperament, history
- Wikipedia: Schapendoes en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, weight, recognition, history
- Wikipedia (de): Schapendoes de.wikipedia.orgused for weight, care, training, fun facts
- UKC Schapendoes breed standard ukcdogs.comused for recognition, height, coat, temperament, history
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.