FCI-Standard N° 313 / 14. 04. 1999 / GB
DUTCH SCHAPENDOES
(Nederlandse Schapendoes)

TRANSLATION : Mrs Chris Seidler.

ORIGIN : Netherlands.

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE ORIGINAL VALID STANDARD : 26.03.1992.

UTILIZATION : The Nederlandse Schapendoes is a herding dog which was used for herding flocks of sheep and which is still used in the same capacity today.  As pasture for sheep is situated mainly in quiet, lonely areas of the country, it is necessary for the Schapendoes to be equipped with great endurance, mobility and speed.  A great facility for jumping is essential, as well as intelligence and the ability to act on his own.  He has to be a true herding dog in character, body and soul.

CLASSIFICATION F.C.I. : Group 1 Sheepdogs and Cattledogs   (except Swiss cattledogs).
Section 1 Sheepdogs.
Without working trial.

BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY : At the end of the last and beginning of this century, the Nederlandse Schapendoes occurred everywhere in the region of the Netherlands where there was heathland and where there were herds or flocks of sheep.  The shepherds valued him for the tireless pleasure he took in his work and for his intelligence.  He belongs to the wide-ranging group of long-haired herding breeds which have densely coated heads.  He is related to the Bearded Collie, the Puli, the Owczarek Nizinny, the Bobtail, the Briard, the Bergamasker and the German Schafspudel of the variety which occurs in Hessen, Odenwald and the Niederrhein district.  All these similar dogs are smaller mutations of mountain dogs.  The canine authority, P.M.C. Toepoel, is the founder of this breed.  During the second World War, he knew how to rouse interest in the breed.  During the years from 1940 to 1945 specimen of the almost vanished Schapendoes were used for breeding from wherever they could be found.  The Breed Club for Nederlandse Schapendoes was founded in the year 1947 and in 1952 the breed was provisionally recognized by the Raad van Beheer.  In 1954 the standard was set up and a Stud Book started.  Definite recognition followed in the year 1971.  Since then only registered dogs have been bred from.

GENERAL APPEARANCE : The Nederlandse Schapendoes is a lightly built, long coated dog with a height at withers of 40 to 50 cm.  His movement is effortless and springy.  He is remarkable jumper.

BEHAVIOUR / TEMPERAMENT : The Schapendoes is a normally and harmonically constructed herding dog with an attentive and courageous character.  He is intelligent, watchful, jolly, lively, friendly and high spirited.  Towards people familiar to him, he develops great affection and loyalty.

HEAD : The abundant growth of hair gives the head the appearance of loocking bigger and, in particular, broader.