Kennel Shebrie's
Dutch Shepherd
History
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Nederlandse Schapendoes were found everywhere in Holland where there were shepherds and flocks of sheep. The shepherds valued the breed for its tireless willingness to work and for its intelligence. The breed is related to the Bearded Collie, Puli, Polish Lowland Sheepdog, Old English Sheepdog, Briard and Bergamasco. PMC Toepel is considered the founder of the breed. During the years 1940–1945, a few specimens of the then almost extinct breed were collected in Holland. In 1954, a standard was written and a stud book was established. The breed was finally recognized in 1971.
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Area of application
The Nederlandse schapendoes is a herding dog that was and is still used today to herd sheep. The breed also participates with joy and success in dog sports such as obedience, rally obedience, game tracking, nosework, agility or whatever you think is fun to do with your dog.
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Size and appearance
A Nederlandse Schapendoes is a lightly built long-haired dog. The height at the withers for males is 43–50 cm and for females 40–47 cm. The coat color is often blue-gray and black, but all colors are approved according to the breed standard. The coat, which gives a shaggy impression, has an undercoat. The coat is longer over the back, where it should be at least 7 cm long. It is not smooth but slightly wavy and must never be silky.
Where the fur is longer, it stands up in tufts.
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At the Swedish Schapendoes Club you can read a lot more about the breed.
Are you interested in joining our club, you can do it here.
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More about Schapendoes
Health
Generally, Dutch Shepherds are a healthy breed.
Hip dysplasia (HD), elbow dysplasia (ED) are checked.
g-PRA (eye disease) is under control since you either do DNA testing or have genetically free individuals.
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Eyes are checked for cataract before breeding
Quality
The Dutch Shepherd is intelligent, alert, happy, lively, brave, friendly and active.
A great ability to jump is important, as is intelligence and the ability to act on their own. They develop great affection and loyalty towards people in their environment. The breed should work well with other dogs and animals. Their willingness to cooperate, their joy and their good physique make them a wonderful training and competition companion.
Nervousness, stress and aggressiveness are not breed-typical traits.
Coat
The coat color is often blue-gray and black, but all colors are accepted according to the breed standard. The coat, which gives a shaggy appearance, has an undercoat.
It is longer over the back, where it should be at least 7 cm long.
It is not smooth but slightly wavy and must never be silky.
Where the fur is longer it stands up in tufts.
A proper German Shepherd coat is very easy to care for. However, it has a period during its youth when the puppy coat sheds and may require more work.