Additonal Breeds Starting
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Pet Sites
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COUNTRY:
Netherlands
WEIGHT:
33 pounds
HEIGHT:
17Vi-20 inches
COAT:
Long, dense, harsh, with a tendency to wave
COLOR:
All colors acceptable, blue gray to black
preferred
OTHER
NAMES: Dutch Sheepdog
REGISTRY:
FCI
GROUP:
Herding
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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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