The Dutch Schapendoes belongs to the first group of this classification: group 1 is divided into two sections, shepherd dogs and cattle dogs (except Swiss cattle dogs which are included in group 2). Group 1 includes breeds of dogs whose main function was to help shepherds and guide flocks. They are obedient and independent dogs. They are enduring and have great physical capabilities.

At the end of the last century, the Dutch Schapendoes, originally from the Netherlands, was used for driving and guarding flocks of sheep on the Dutch moors. The creator of this breed is the dog enthusiast P.M.C. Toepoel. From 1945, he helped to revive a craze for the breed which had then practically disappeared. The Dutch Schapendoes Breed Club was founded in 1947 and, in 1952, the Raad van Beheer provisionally accepted the breed. The standard was set in 1954. It was finally accepted in 1971. The International Canine Federation accepted the breed in 1989.

The Dutch Schapendoes is a medium-sized, long-haired dog. Its size at the withers is between 43 and 50 cm (for males), 40 and 47 cm (for females). It weighs approximately 15 kg to 20 kg. Its body is athletic with a light and flexible frame which makes it an excellent jumper. The topline is raised at the level of the lumbar region which is strongly muscled, the chest well descended and the belly not too raised. Due to its abundant hair, its head appears more massive than it really is. The muzzle is shorter than the distance from the stop to the occipital protuberance. The brown eyes are quite large and round which give it a very expressive look. The ears, set quite high, are drooping, without being attached to the head. The tail is long, well furnished with hair and furnished with fringes. The tail carriage is characteristic of the breed. At rest, it hangs vertically. For jumping, it serves as a rudder. Its coat is very full with an abundant undercoat. The slightly wavy coat is long (around 7 cm) and even longer at the hindquarters. Its coat is rather dry which gives the Schapendoes a shaggy appearance. All colors are allowed, with a preference for blue-gray tending towards black.

Cheerful, intelligent and kind, he is an affectionate and loyal dog. The Dutch Schapendoes is a dog with energy to spare. Resistant, it is a solid dog in terms of health. Its life expectancy is, on average, around 14 years. Naturally rustic in appearance, its maintenance is rather easy but its coat will need weekly brushing in order to avoid the formation of knots in its already dry hair. the base. It is advisable to clean its ears (risk of otitis) once a week with a cleaning solution. The breed is predisposed to certain diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia and to eye diseases, including progressive retinal atrophy.

Intelligent and with an excellent memory, his education is rather easy and will be done gently by encouraging good actions through rewards. A bit stubborn and very energetic, his master must be fair but firm. The Schapendoes remains a herding dog in terms of character which means that his master must take into account his need for activities. Agility and tracking will suit him perfectly. Having a great capacity for adaptation, this energetic dog adapts to life in the city but will be totally fulfilled during long walks in the countryside. Sporty on the outside but calm on the inside, the Schapendoes is particularly receptive to games and family moments.