Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Summary
The Schapendoes is an ancient Dutch herding breed that developed naturally as a versatile working dog for managing flocks of sheep and guarding farmsteads. For centuries, the breed served in rural regions of the Netherlands, where independence, endurance, and the ability to work in any weather were essential. Its long, dense coat provided natural protection from wind and rain, allowing the dog to function effectively in a humid climate. In the 19th century, the breed declined due to changes in agriculture but was later restored by dedicated enthusiasts. Today, the Schapendoes remains a rare yet valued herding breed, preserving its natural working type and stable character.
General Appearance
The Schapendoes is a medium-sized dog, strong, harmonious, and well muscled, with a clearly defined working type. The body is slightly elongated, with a flexible, agile silhouette. The coat is long, dense, wavy or slightly curly, forming a characteristic volume that accentuates the breed’s natural appearance. The head is proportional and partly concealed by long hair, with a lively, expressive gaze. Limbs are strong and straight, providing stability and maneuverability during herding work. The tail is of medium length, covered with long hair, and moves freely. The overall impression is one of liveliness, energy, and the ability to work independently over long distances.
Important Proportions
The Schapendoes has a slightly elongated format, with the body length exceeding height at the withers by about 10%, providing flexibility and agility during herding tasks. Chest depth reaches approximately half the height at the withers, ensuring adequate respiratory capacity during active work. Muzzle length is about 40–45% of head length, maintaining a harmonious profile. The neck must be proportionate and sufficiently long to allow free head movement. Limbs of medium length must be well balanced with the body to provide stability and ease of movement.
Behavior and Temperament
The Schapendoes is energetic, intelligent, independent, and observant, with a pronounced herding instinct. It shows initiative at work, orients quickly in complex environments, and can make decisions without constant commands. The dog is loyal to its owner, friendly within the family, yet may be slightly cautious with strangers while remaining balanced and controlled. It possesses high endurance, activity, and the ability to work for prolonged periods. The character is soft yet independent, requiring competent upbringing. Proper socialization reveals the breed’s intellectual and working qualities.
Head
The head of the Schapendoes is proportional to the body and often hidden beneath abundant long hair, forming the breed’s characteristic pastoral appearance. The skull is slightly arched and moderately wide, with a smooth, non-abrupt transition from forehead to muzzle. The muzzle is rectangular, of medium length, slightly shorter than the skull, with a straight bridge. Lips are dry and tight without looseness. The nose is large, dark, and well pigmented. Scissor bite with strong, even teeth. The expression is intelligent, attentive, and lively, emphasizing the breed’s working nature. Despite the profuse coat, the head must retain clear proportions and should not appear coarse or overly massive.
Facial Region
The facial region forms an expressive yet balanced profile, accentuated by long hair partially covering the muzzle and eyes. The muzzle is rectangular, sufficiently long but not narrow, and transitions harmoniously into the cranial part. The nasal bridge is straight, creating a clean profile. Lips are thin, dry, tightly fitting, with closed corners. The nose is large and dark, with open nostrils ensuring free breathing. The chin is moderately defined but not prominent. Cheeks are smooth and not coarse. The length and structure of facial hair are essential to breed type but should not obscure the true proportions of the head. The facial expression combines liveliness, intelligence, and the breed’s naturally gentle temperament.
Eyes
The eyes are medium-sized, oval, and set straight, expressing intelligence, alertness, and gentle working focus. Color is predominantly dark brown, harmonizing with the coat; overly light eyes are undesirable. Eyelids are dry, tight, well pigmented, and correctly shaped, free of entropion or ectropion. The gaze is lively, attentive, and quick to respond to environmental changes—an important trait for herding. Long hair may partially cover the eyes but must not obstruct vision. Round, protruding, very small, or asymmetrical eyes are not permitted. Correct form and expression emphasize the breed’s character and working suitability.
Ears
The ears are medium-sized, set high, triangular, pendant, with rounded tips. They are covered with long, wavy or slightly curly hair, contributing to the breed’s recognizable appearance. Ears should lie naturally against the head, not too heavy or overly long. Semi-erect or erect ears disrupt breed type and are not acceptable. In movement, the ears retain natural softness and mobility. Their correct shape enhances the dog’s friendly expression, attentiveness, and pastoral character.
Neck
The neck is of medium length, strong, dry, and well muscled, blending harmoniously into the withers. Neck carriage is moderately high, giving an expressive outline and allowing free head movement during herding. The topline is slightly arched, emphasizing the breed’s liveliness and energy. The skin is tight, with no folds or dewlap, essential for preserving the dry working type. The neck must be strong enough for prolonged work and abrupt movements but not coarse or short. Excessive heaviness or lightness disrupts balance. The neck contributes significantly to the breed’s harmonious profile and expressive head carriage.
Body
The body of the Schapendoes is slightly elongated, strong, and flexible, reflecting its natural purpose as a herding dog capable of prolonged active work. The topline is straight and stable, with a smooth transition from withers to back. The back is strong and well muscled; the loin short and powerful, free of weakness. The chest is deep, reaching the elbow; ribs are well sprung but not barrel-shaped. The abdomen is moderately tucked up, emphasizing dryness and physical fitness. The croup is slightly sloped and well muscled, providing strength for the rear drive. The body must appear harmonious, balanced, and functional, without softness or excessive mass.
Tail
The tail is of medium length, naturally curved and covered with long, dense, wavy hair, creating a characteristic pastoral appearance. At rest, the tail is carried low or slightly curved; in movement it rises but must not curl into a ring or lie on the back. The tail should move freely and naturally, emphasizing the breed’s lively character. Too short a tail, low set, or stiff, unnatural carriage is undesirable. The tail contributes to overall expression and helps balance the dog’s body during work. Correct set and form highlight the Schapendoes’ harmonious exterior.
Description of Exterior
Forequarters
Forequarters are straight, strong, and well placed, providing stability and maneuverability during herding. Shoulder blades are long, moderately sloped, and close-fitting, forming correct angle at the shoulder joint. Shoulders are muscled and strong but not coarse. Elbows point straight back, not turned in or out, moving parallel to the body. Forearms are straight, dry, of adequate length, with strong bone. Pasterns are short, resilient, and slightly sloped, providing elasticity in movement. The forequarters must demonstrate strength, flexibility, and capacity for long work without weakness or faulty placement.
Hindquarters
Hindquarters are powerful, well muscled, producing strong and even drive necessary for herding. Thighs are long, strong, and well muscled. Stifle joints are well defined, forming correct angulation, neither straightened nor turned out. Lower thighs are moderately long and directed backwards, blending smoothly into short, strong, vertical hocks. Limb placement is parallel and stable, not too close nor turned outward. The hindquarters must reflect energy, strength, and the functional nature of the breed, enabling efficient movement over uneven terrain.
Gait and Movement
The gait is free, flexible, and light, demonstrating the ability to change direction quickly while herding. Movements are balanced, economical, and well coordinated. The forelimbs extend forward cleanly without narrowness or outward turning; the hindquarters provide powerful, steady propulsion while maintaining a stable topline. The trot should be elastic and even, without bouncing or irregular rhythm. In movement, the Schapendoes shows energy, reactivity, and self-control, maintaining precision in each step. Cow-hocks, narrow stance, rolling, uneven tempo, or lack of drive are unacceptable. Correct gait highlights harmony, strength, and working purpose.
Coat
The coat is one of the most distinctive features of the Schapendoes. It is long, dense, abundant, wavy or slightly curly, forming natural volume and protecting the dog from moisture and cold. The outer coat is somewhat coarse and thick, providing water resistance. The undercoat is soft and dense, varying seasonally and ensuring thermal insulation. On the head, the hair covers the forehead and partially the eyes but must not obstruct vision. On the limbs, the hair is slightly shorter yet sufficiently dense. Short, soft, straight, or insufficiently dense coats are not permitted. Correct coat type emphasizes the working nature and pastoral function of the breed.
Acceptable Colors
Acceptable colors include all traditional Dutch herding dog shades: various tones of grey, black, blue, and permitted sandy or reddish hues. The coat must be uniform, deep, and natural, without large white patches or stark contrasts. Slight lightening associated with age or natural coat texture is acceptable but must not distort type. Natural blending of shades forming a textured appearance is typical. Large patches, sharp contrasts, or atypical color combinations are undesirable. Coat color should reflect the breed’s natural pastoral character and historical type.
Size
The Schapendoes is a medium-sized dog with a strong yet balanced build. Height at the withers for males is approximately 42–50 cm; for females, 40–47 cm. Weight ranges from 15 to 25 kg depending on sex and structure. The dog must appear balanced, flexible, and agile, without signs of excessive mass or thinness. Body proportions, chest volume, and limb length must support the breed’s working purpose—endurance and ability to travel long distances over uneven ground. Deviations that compromise functionality or proportions are considered faults.
Faults
Faults include any features that disrupt harmony of exterior or working type. Slight softness, insufficient musculature, weak topline, or overly pronounced loin diminish quality. Incorrect head shape, excessive skull heaviness, or elongated muzzle distort breed type. Weak pasterns, incorrect elbow placement, narrow or cow-hocked limbs are faults. Unstable or uneven gait, lack of drive, or stiffness reduce functionality. Sparse coat, excessive softness, lack of waviness, or insufficient density are against breed requirements. All faults must be evaluated according to severity and functional relevance.
Disqualifying Faults
Disqualifying faults include features that fundamentally violate breed type or make the dog unsuitable for breeding. Unprovoked aggression, panic behavior, marked fearfulness, or lack of control exclude the dog from evaluation. Undershot or overshot bite, severe dental anomalies, absence of several key teeth are unacceptable. Very light eyes, eyelid inversions or eversions, semi-erect or erect ears violate breed type. Large white markings, non-standard colors, or absence of characteristic coat structure also disqualify. Any signs of crossbreeding, severe anatomical defects, gait abnormalities, or evident health problems are grounds for exclusion.
Important Notes
The Schapendoes is a working herding breed whose qualities formed under conditions requiring independent long-distance work with flocks. Seasonal coat variations related to shedding should be considered during evaluation. Sexual dimorphism must be evident: males stronger and more substantial, females lighter and more agile. The coat must retain its natural structure; any artificial alteration is unacceptable. Early socialization and consistent training are essential to prevent excessive independence. Preservation of natural type and working ability is key to responsible breeding.
Conclusion
The Schapendoes is an ancient Dutch herding breed that has preserved natural endurance, independence, and working qualities shaped by centuries of use in flock management. It combines strong structure, flexibility, and high trainability with a balanced, attentive temperament. Its abundant wavy coat, expressive movement, and ability to work in challenging climates highlight the breed’s uniqueness. The Schapendoes requires responsible care, socialization, and physical activity; with proper handling, it becomes a reliable working partner and devoted companion. Preservation of breed type and working qualities is essential for the future of this rare and valuable pastoral dog.
