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🐶 Dog · size Medium

Schapendoes néerlandais

dog breed

Shepherd

Photo · Wikipedia FR (CC BY-SA)

Weight

12.75–17.25 kg

Size

Medium

Lifespan

11–14 ans

Energy

Élevé

Origin

Pays-Bas

Coat

Sand, gray, blue or black

Maintenance

Faible

Training

Très élevé

The Dutch Schapendoes (FCI designation: Nederlandse Schapendoes) is a dog breed of Dutch origin, very ancient, of which we have no more documentation of its original origin. It was recognized in the 18th century and is said to be close to the Briard or the Bergamasco Shepherd. The first Schapendoes were born in France in 1986 at the Xiang Ki kennel.

Profile

At a glance

Energy

Élevé

Trainability

Très élevé

Maintenance

Faible

Indicative profile — every animal is an individual.

⚡ Key facts in 30 seconds

L'essentiel

  • 1Medium size (12.75–17.25 kg) — balance between presence and practicality.
  • 2Life expectancy: 11 to 14 years on average, depending on hygiene and diet.
  • 3High energy level — at least 1 hour of activity per day for balance.
  • 4Minimal maintenance — little shedding, occasional brushing.

Chapter 1

Getting to know the Schapendoes néerlandais

Physical

Breed standard

It is a herding dog (schapen meaning sheep in Dutch) with long hair ("does" meaning "long-haired and (slightly) wavy dog"). Following FCI standard, all colors are permitted: black, blue-black, black and white, gray and white, brown. The blue-black (called "blue") was the preferred color. Its height at the withers is between 43 and 50 cm (for males) and 40 and 47 cm (for females). It weighs approximately 15 kg to 20 kg. It has a broad skull, ears plastered against the head and a broad and deep chest. It has the tail raised when alert.

What if you adopted your future companion?

The Schapendoes néerlandais of your dreams may already be waiting in a shelter. Hundreds of schapendoes néerlandais (and equally wonderful crossbreeds) are looking for a family in France — every adoption starts a new story.

Editorial recommendation — no affiliate links.

Âge

What human age for a schapendoes néerlandais ?

The calculator is already set to the breed's adult size (espérance de vie 11–14 ans). Drag the slider to see the equivalence and corresponding life stage.

3 years
Birth22 years
Adult size

10 à 22 kg — a giant dog ages significantly faster than a small dog after maturity.

Equivalent human age

29years

Adulte

Most stable period. Monthly weigh-in, annual vet visit, dental care — this determines quality of life in later years.

Method: AVMA table: 15 human years in year one, +9 in year two, then +5 per year for a moyen dog.

These equivalences are statistical benchmarks drawn from published veterinary tables. Every animal ages at its own pace, depending on genetics, diet and care. This calculator is neither a diagnosis nor veterinary advice.

Alert

To avoid for dog

Our database lists toxic ingredients and problematic additives by species.

  • low-fat cocoa powderModerate
  • maltitolModerate
  • cocoa pasteModerate
  • onion piecesModerate

Calculator · daily ration

How much to give a schapendoes néerlandais ?

Estimate based on the veterinary formula RER × DER, adjusted for dog. Adjust according to package recommendations.

15 kg
12.75 kg18.98 kg
Moderate

Result

197 g

per day · 747 kcal

99 g / repas (2 par jour)

Calculation for food of 380 kcal/100g.

For an exact calculation for your Schapendoes néerlandais (breed, age, allergies, health conditions): create a free account

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Schapendoes néerlandais in our rankings

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Schapendoes néerlandais

Is the Dutch Sheepdog suitable for apartment living?+
It depends on the individual: their size requires space and exercise, as long as you meet their exercise needs.
How much exercise per day for a Dutch Sheepdog?+
Plan for about 1 hour of daily exercise — brisk walks, play, or canine sports.
What is the life expectancy of a Dutch Sheepdog?+
Between 11 and 14 years on average. Appropriate diet, regular veterinary follow-up and exercise contribute to a longer life.
Is the Dutch Sheepdog good with children?+
To be assessed by individual: early socialization and mutual respect are key. Never leave a young child alone with an animal, regardless of breed.

If you like this dog

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For more information

Sources & official links

Supplementary documentation on reference sites — breed clubs, encyclopedias, veterinarians.

The right score for your Schapendoes néerlandais.

SokoScan calculates a personalized PawScore based on breed, age, weight and your pet's sensitivities. Free, instant.