CHARECTER AND BEHAVIOUR: The Dutch Schapendoes is a lightly built, lively dog. Although originally bred to herd sheep, the breed as a housedog does not deny it's origin. The Schapendoes is very mobile, walks flexible and easy, is very manoeuvrable and extremely attentive to the movements of his people. The cheerful character of the Schapendoes gives him, together with his appearance and his striking round big dark-brown eyes, the attractive power that cannot be resisted by many owners. Attentive, intelligent and cheerful, but also self conceited!

The education of the Schapendoes has to take place in a consequent way. On starting be playful, but resolute. However we would advise you to avoid too intensive exercises before the Schapendoes has reached the age of 9 to 10 months. The Schapendoes likes to learn and it comes very easy to him, but in case he will get the chance of making a fool of his boss he will be pleased to do so.

He is intelligent and watchful. Towards people familiar to him, he develops great affection and loyalty, he is jolly, lively, freindly and high spirited.

CARE: His coat, which to a large measure determines the appearance of the Schapendoes , may reach a length of about 10 centimetres.  A weekly brushing is all that is necessary once they reach 2 years of age.  In this way you can avoid mats forming in the coat.  During the period where the puppy coats changes into the adult coat  brushing should be done at least twice a week! It is not necessary to bathe the Schapendoes. A sound coat cleans itself. Only in cases of extreme filthiness should they be bathed.  A large-toothed comb should only  be used if the coat has become matted.   A comb removes too much of the undercoat that is characteristic of the breed.  A Schapendoes does not shed. No clipping, trimming, or stripping should be done. The ears must be cleaned regularly and plucked if necessary. You will not have to visit your veterinarian very often: this is a rustic breed that enjoys good health.

 (If you would like to know more, we recommend you visit La Vallée du Doux .

GENERAL APPEARANCE: the Nederlandse Schapendoes is a lightly built, long coated dog with a height at withers of 40 oof 50 cm. His movement is effortless and springy. He is a remarkable jumper.

HEAD AND SKULL: the abundant growth of hair gives the head the appearance of looking bigger and, in particular, broader and the skull higher than they really are. The skull is almost flat with a moderate frontal furrow and strongly definded superciliary arches. It is fairly broad in proportion to its length. The width is slightly greater than the distance between the stop and the occiput. The topline of the muzzle is placed a little lower than the liine of the skull and the stop is clearly defined but not steep. Zygomatic arches are strongly prominent. The foreface tapers hardly, remains deep and ends broadly, being only slightly rounded at its end. Seen from the side with jaws closed, the lower jaw must be clearly visible.

EYES: the eyes are fairly large, round and set into the socket in a normal position. They are placed more to the front than the side of the head. Their colour is brown; they should not give the impression of being black. The white of the eye should only be visible when the dog looks hard to one side. The expression is open minded, honest and lively. Shape, colour and expression are very characteristic for the breed.

TEETH: normally developed scissor bite.

EARS: these are set on fairly high and are neither large nor fleshy. They hang free, but not close to the head. They are amply feathered and mobile, but should not protrude beyond the outline of the skull.

NECK: the head is carried high on a strong, clean neck.

BODY: the Schapendoes is slightly longer than he is high. The skeleton is fine boned, pliable and elastic. Ribs are moderately to well sprung. They reach far back. The chest is deep. Belly not too tucked up. The line of the back is curved over a strong muscular loin.

FOREQUARTERS: the front legs are straight and lightly boned. Good angulation of the front legs should wmphasize the fore-chest. Pastern are springy.

HINDQUARTERS: the pelvis is in a well slanted position. The hocks are moderately angulated, well let down and well muscled.

FEET: the feet are fairly large and elastic, broad and oval in shape. The toes are tightly bunched. The pads are thick and springy, with plentiful hair between them. Dewclaws are permitted.

TAIL: the tail is long, well coated and feathered. The manner and way in which the dog carries his tail is characteristic of the breed. In repose it hangs downwards. When trotting, the tail is carried fairly high and swings slightly curved from one side to the other. When galloping, it is stretched out straight. When jumping the tail definitely serves as a rudder. When the dog is alert, the tail may sometimes be raised high. It should, however, never be carried stiffly over the back.

COAT: the Schapendoes has a thick coat with sufficient undercoat. The coat is long, a good 7 cm or more in the region of the hindquarters. It is not smooth, but lightly waved. Definitely curly, frizzy hair is not permitted. The hairs grow very densely together; they are fine and dry, but above all, never silky. The coat, where it is long, is inclined to stand off in tufts, giving the Schapendoes a large girth, especially at the rear. The Schapendoes has a tremendoes top knot, moustache and beard.

COLOUR: all colours are permitted. Preference is given to blue-grey to black.

GAIT/MOVEMENT: in his work, the Schapendoes gallops rather than trots, so his movement must be light footed and springy without excessive us of energy. He must be able to jump well and turn swiftly.

HEIGHT AT WITHERS:  bitches: 40-47 cm  & dogs: 43-50 cm

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