Did you know?
The nose prints dogs leave on your house and car windows are as individual as the human fingerprint. Noseprints were used by the CKC for identification until the invention of the tattoo.
Schapendoes (Dutch Sheepdog)
The only creatures that are evolved enough to convey pure love are dogs and infants. – Johnny Depp
Originally from the Drenthe province of the Netherlands, the Nederlandse Schapendoes, also known as the Dutch Sheepdog, was bred as a herding dog working sheep. The “does” in his name means “swamp” in a Dutch language dialect and refers to the area from which he originated.
The Schapendoes was introduced in Canada in 2000, and officially recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club in 2005.
As a working farm dog, he adapted to local conditions and types of work and as such was not a specific breed of dog as we understand them today. Known by many names, he first competed in organized dog shows as “domestic herding dog”.
Sharing a similar fate with many European dog breeds, he barely survived extinction in World War II so the Schapendoes of today descend from the few who made it through.
As you might guess by looking at him, the shaggy Schapendoes is related to the Bearded Collie, the Puli, the Polish Owczarek Nizinny, the Briard and the Bergamasco.
Photos displayed courtesy of Gilles Brouillette, Schapendoes de la Vallée, Québec
The Schapendoes, a medium-sized dog, stands between 16 and 20 inches (40 to 50 cm) tall at the withers. He has a long, wavy, dense and thick coat with an undercoat. His coat can be any colour although the blue grey to black colours are preferred.
This dog has a lot of fur which gives his head the appearance of being bigger than it actually is. His fur forms a topnot, moustache, and beard. His hair also hangs down on his rear, making that area appear to be broader than it is.
All that fur means regular grooming is required!
The Schapendoes is built for the job he still does today. Caring for large flocks of sheep requires great endurance, speed, and mobility. He moves effortlessly, galloping rather than trotting. He’s also able to turn swiftly and is a superb jumper. Like most herding breeds, he requires and enjoys a fair amount of outdoor exercise. He is a good dog for active owners and will enjoy agility, flyball, and other dog sports.
As most sheep pastures are isolated and at some distance from human interaction, the Schapendoes has developed an ability to think independently and take necessary action without direction. He is a cooperative worker rather than an obedient one.
By nature, he is attentive and watchful, very independent, and courageous. Nevertheless, he is also a lively, high spirited animal with a jolly, friendly temperament.
Towards his people the Schapendoes is loyal and affectionate.
It is important to keep in mind that intelligent, high spirited dogs need stimulation, training, and regular outings to keep them happy and balanced.