Schapendoes

The Schapendoes, or Dutch sheepdog, is a medium-sized herding dog from the Netherlands. It worked with shepherds on heaths and small farms, where quick turns, jumping ability, and a bright response to voice mattered more than a formal outline. The breed nearly disappeared during the Second World War and was rebuilt from surviving working dogs after the war. A Schapendoes has a light, springy body under a long, tousled coat, with a moustache, beard, and hair over the eyes. Many colors occur, though blue-gray to black shades are familiar in the breed.

In modern homes, the Schapendoes is usually a companion, sport dog, or hobby herding dog rather than a full-time farm worker. It learns quickly and tends to stay engaged with its people, which suits agility, rally, scent games, and long off-leash exercise where safe. The coat should look natural but still needs regular brushing to prevent mats behind the ears, in the armpits, and around the tail. This is a social, lively dog that can become noisy or restless if underemployed. Because the breed remains relatively uncommon in many countries, finding a thoughtful breeder may take time.

Colors: Apricot, Bicolor, Black, Black and Tan, Black and White, Black Mask, Blue, Blue and Tan, Blue and White, Blue Merle, Blue Roan, Blue Tick, Brindle, Brown, Brown and Tan, Brown and White, Chocolate, Cream, Dapple, Domino, Fawn, Fawn and White, Gold, Gray, Gray and White, Harlequin, Irish Marked, Liver, Liver Mask, Mantle, Mask, Merle, Mottled, Parti-Color, Piebald, Red, Red and White, Red Merle, Red Roan, Red Tick, Reverse Brindle, Roan, Sable, Saddle, Silver, Speckled, Spotted, Tan, Ticked, Tricolor, Tuxedo, White, Yellow