🐕 Dutch Sheepdog (Nederlandse Schapendoes)
The Dutch Sheepdog is a herding dog that was once used to guard flocks on the Dutch moors. Intelligent, agile, and affectionate, it is now appreciated as both a working dog and a dynamic family companion.
✨ Breed Characteristics
- Name: Dutch Sheepdog (Nederlandse Schapendoes)
- Origin: Netherlands
- Type: Herding dog
- Hypoallergenic? No
📊 Quick Facts
- Weight:
- Male: 14-18 kg
- Female: 13-16 kg
- Height:
- Male: 43-50 cm
- Female: 40-47 cm
- Life expectancy: 12-14 years
- Exercise needs: 2 to 3 hours per day
- Apartment living: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (possible but difficult)
🧠 Personality (out of 5 stars)
- Intelligent: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Affectionate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Protective: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Playful: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Vocalizations: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Obedient: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Hunter: ⭐⭐☆☆☆
- Calm: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Athletic: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Independent: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
🐾 Compatibility with
- Children: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (good family companion)
- Other animals: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (good cohabitation with good socialization)
- Strangers: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (may be reserved)
- Apartment living: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (not well suited, better in a house with a garden)
🧼 Maintenance & care
- Ease of maintenance: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (requires a bit of attention)
- Maintenance cost: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (moderate)
- Frequency of care:
- Brushing: 1 to 2 times a week, more during shedding season
- Baths: Occasional
- Other care: Checking and cleaning ears, dental care, and nail trimming
💰 Budget
- Purchase price: 750-1100 €
- Average annual cost (veterinary, accessories, food): 500-800 €
🏡 Important note
The Schapendoes is a very active dog that needs space and mental stimulation. It will thrive better in a house with a garden, but can adapt to apartment living if its physical needs are well met. This dog enjoys long walks, interactive games, and training in agility or other canine activities. 🏡🐾
