Schapendoes

The Schapendoes is the shaggy sheep dog of Holland. With the rough, dense, long coat and drop ears, the breed is physically similar to the Beardie, Puli, Nizinny and other European varieties. 

Root stock is believed to be the same as that of Briard, Bearded Collie and Bergamasco. Although the Dutch Sheepdogs have been in existence for many centuries, they are not well known. They did not attract the attention of royalty but remained a dog of the common people; therefore they were rarely immortalized in art or literature. 

More recently, small flocks of sheep in Holland were subsidized by the government as “show” for tourists, presenting a pretty picture of green pastures dotted with white sheep. The native sheep dogs did not reap the same government benefits as their charges. Due to a lack of interest in the native breed and the importation of English Border Collies, the Schapendoes dwindled into small numbers prior to the Second World War.

Dutch inspector and publicist P.M.C. Toepoel discussed the dog’s characteristics with others who were interested in the breed and became the driving force behind preserving the Schapendoes. Following his lead,, a few enthusiastic Dutch owners became dedicated to resurrecting the breed and, in the 1940s, the first specimens were shown.

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