Schapendoes

The Schapendoes is alert, brave, and courageous, but their friendly nature also makes them a great fit for families with children. They have high energy and can sometimes become high strung. The Schapendoes will make loving and loyal family pets and watch dogs when they are properly trained and socialized. They will alert you of strangers' presence but will likely immediately give them a few greeting licks, so guard dog duty for these dogs is out.

The Schapendoes has a proper sheep dog coat, which consists of a long double thick coat on top and a dense and wavy under coat. Their hair is dry and fine and sometimes stands in tufts. They require a good deal of brushing daily to keep their coats from developing mats and tangles.

The Schapendoes is an active and lively dog who is best suited for a family that will cater to their need to run, jump, play, and frolic. They love people, so plenty of daily attention is important for these dogs. They are definitely not stay-at-home-and-be-lazy dogs but instead prefer a high activity life, going about doing many things, such as herding, agility games, and playing in the great outdoors. These dogs would do best in a rural home setting.

The Schapendoes is highly athletic and eager to play and run about. They prefer to be on the move and love spending time outdoors. They won't be content to sit at home and rest on the sofa with you but would rather be getting in their daily exercise to keep them fit, happy, and well-behaved; a lethargic Schapendoes can get in a lot of trouble in a short amount of time.