Schapendoes Care

The Schapendoes--also called the Dutch Sheepdog--is a medium-sized, extremely athletic herding breed with a long, shaggy coat. (To avoid confusion, the Schapendoes is not the same breed as the shorter-haired Dutch Shepherd; the two breeds are in fact quite different.) Overall Schapendoes care and maintenance will take a moderate amount of work, and will need to include a good bit of daily exercise.

Below you'll find details on caring for a Schapendoes including puppy development, exercise needs, and shedding/drooling tendencies. For answers to your questions about raising a Schapendoes, keep reading!

As an active, athletic, herding breed, Schapendoes exercise requirements are fairly high. Since they're intelligent and task-oriented, these dogs will need a variety of activities that both condition them physically (walking, jogging, fetch) and stimulate them mentally (games, canine sports).

The typical adult Schapendoes, depending on age and overall activity level, will need at least an hour of proper exercise each day. You can start exercising your Schapendoes puppy when it's three months old by taking it on short walks, then you can increase the walks' length as the pup grows.

Precautions with Schapendoes exercise:

• Don't exercise puppies too hard before they're nine months old
• Strong herding instincts mean a leash is required when exercising in public
• Yards should be securely fenced to keep the dog from running off

It's important to exercise your Schapendoes every day. These dogs are accustomed to nearly constant activity--and without it they'll become frustrated, destructive, and thoroughly unhappy in general. Regular exercise will be great for both the dog's and your own peace of mind! A few Schapendoes exercise ideas:

• Walking/Jogging/Bicycling: Two 20-minute walks (or 15-minute jogs or bike rides) per day is a good target
• Fetch/Frisbee: These dogs will chase a ball, stick, or Frisbee for hours
• Hide-and-Seek: Great indoor activity; give the dog a treat if it finds you
• Dog Park: If properly socialized, a Schapendoes will enjoy the company of other dogs
• Canine Sports: These dogs are fantastic competitors in agility and herding trials
• Hiking: Excellent bonding activity; bonus if you can find a remote area where the dog can be off-leash

When indoors, it's good to give your Schapendoes access to balls or toys that will allow the dog to burn excess energy. A regular exercise schedule is also recommended, such as walks, jogs, or bike rides after breakfast and dinner and playtime in the afternoon.

In terms of shedding and drooling, these dogs don't need too much care. Schapendoes shedding is light, and drooling isn't really an issue.

These dogs have thick, double-layered, tousled coats that don't shed a lot. Even so, owners will need to brush their Schapendoes twice a week or so the keep the coats tangle- and mat-free. Hair cleanup--vacuuming the floors, and lint rollers on clothes and furniture--may be necessary occasionally, but won't be a constant chore.

And a Schapendoes may drool a bit in anticipation of food, after drinking water, or when especially excited or nervous--but the drooling won't be heavy or frequent like that of a Saint Bernard or Bloodhound. If your Schapendoes is drooling excessively, it might be a sign of a medical issue, in which case a veterinarian's care is needed.