Brief
Historical Summary:
The
Schapendoes is the shaggy sheep dog of Holland. With the
rough, dense, long coat and drop ears, the breed is physically
similar to the Beardie, Puli, Nizinny and other European
varieties. Root stock is believed to be the same as that of
Briard, Bearded Colie and Bergamasco.
Although
the Dutch Sheepdogs have been in existence for many centuries,
they are not well known. They did not attract the attention of
royalty but remained a dog of the common people; therefore
they were rarely immortalized in art or literature. More
recently, small flocks of sheep in Holland were subsidized by
the government as "show" for tourists, presenting a
pretty picture of green pastures dotted with white sheep. The
native sheep dogs did not reap the same government benefits as
their charges. Due to a lack of interest in the native breed
and the importation of English Border Collies, the Schapendoes
dwindled into small numbers prior to the Second world War.
Dutch
inspector and publicist P.M.C. Toepoel discussed the dog's
characteristics with others who were interested in the breed
and became the driving force behind preserving the Schapendoes.
Following his lead, a few enthusiastic Dutch owners became
dedicated to resurrecting the breed and, in the 1940's, the
first specimens were shown. Their cheerful temperaments,
coupled with a rough-and-tumble appeal, stirred interest in
the Schapendoes. Growth in numbers has been tempered with
caution by wise breeders. Even large kennels only keep four or
five dogs with a few pups, and waiting lists are long. The
breed is known in several European countries.
The
weather-resistant coats serve them in good stead in inclement
weather, although like many modern dogs, they much prefer
being indoors with their people to being kept outdors.
Thoroughly brushing the hair to the roots every two weeks is
recommended for adults, with puppies requiring a bit more
care. The finished product should appear clean, but a bit
unkempt. Their feet are lighter in color than the body coat.
The tail is all-expressive, carried high (but not curled over
the back) when trotting or in his usual gallop; while jumping
it serves as a helm. Although slightly elevated at attention,
the tail is carrid low when at rest.
The
sheepdogs are still worked in their native land, firmly
nudging the animals with their noses and shoulders. They are
lively, courageous and intelligent, although a bit high-strung.
Daily running expends energy and aids in keeping them fit.
Their tireless playfulness makes the Schapendoes an ideal
children's companion and, since they are alert without
aggression, they also serve as watchdogs. Their herding
instincts, like many of their counterparts, are such that they
will herd anything-even children, if necessary.
Owners
say they are sweet, merry buddies, a "flower for the
future". They are meant to look like a shaggy dog, not
plush and sleek like a Tibetan Terrier or to be only a
decoration.
Most
of current Schapendoes come from "Reeuwijk's" Kennel
of Mr Backx-Benninck and his wife. His
arrival in France is very recent (1985) and the first French
litter borned in 1987, at the kennel of J. et D.
Mellet-Coemades.
Finally,
it's in 1989 that Fédération Cynologique Internationale (F.C.I.)
recognized the breed.
In November of
2005 the Canadian Kennel Club,fully recognized the Schapendoes
in the "Herding Group" under the name of the
"Dutch Sheepdog" .
As of March
1st 2006, our breed may now participate in all of the
CKC activities.
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