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The Schapendoes as a family
dog
We like to tell you what we know about
the schapendoes and why we fell in love with the breed. In short,
what you can and can't expect of the breed.
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Character,
Behavior and Appearance.
The
schapendoes is a cheerful, active, friendly family dog that learns easily
and gets along well with children and other dogs and pets. He has a long and
disheveled coat and stands between 40 and 50 cm. (15 and 20 inches) tall,
and weighs between 12 and 18 kg. (26 and 40 pounds). All colors are
permitted.Nothing
will please an schapendoes more, than to be out and about with his owner. He
will particularly enjoy accompanying you on walks, bike rides, visits to
friends or attending obedience or agility training. But he is equally
comfortable at your feet in front of the television. He can easily be left
home alone, if he is accustomed to it.
The
schapendoes considers children to be his friends, as long as they don't
treat him like a toy, and parents are sensible. Of course any dog may defend
himself with a nip or a bite, if he is hurt or mistreated by a child. He
also gets along very well with other pets. |
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By
nature, the schapendoes is not a dominating dog and will not seek a fight,
but will not allow him to be picked on either. There are times, when the
schapendoes can be quite stubborn and may pretend not to hear your request.
Taking a tough stand with training does not work well. Since he is eager to
please, a playful and positive approach, along with praise and affection is
much more effective in getting results.
The
schapendoes should have a natural ungroomed appearance, yet its coat does
require a fair amount of regular grooming. A good combing through every
two weeks, usually keeps the coat in good condition. If this is not kept
up, the coat will develop mats and you may need to resort to
scissors.
In
short, the schapendoes is a very nice family dog, who needs a consistent
upbringing like every dog, and what will be your friend for ever, if you
don't let him fool you with his crazy behavior once and a while.
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up
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Male
or Female?
There
is not much difference between the male and female schapendoes. In general,
the male is somewhat larger, however one of our females is just as big as our
males. Males are usually between 46 and 50 cm. (18 -20 inches), and the
females are usually between 44 and 48 cm. (17-19 inches). The females are
absolutely not more friendly or easier than the males.
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The
males are usually more "even" tempered, because they don't have
problems with hormones. They may show some macho behavior with a big mouth and
somewhat rash and impulsive behavior, but can also be affectionate and ready
to please. In appearance they are often more imposing with a longer and fuller
coat.
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Male: Chico Asti v.h.Haskerhûs |
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Female: Jutha Beitske v.h.Haskerhûs
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The
female is somewhat fickle, because of hormonal fluctuations. On average, she
will be in heat every nine months, at which time you will notice a
difference in her behavior. For example, before going into heat she may be
listless, spiritless and cranky. After her heat, she may experience a false
pregnancy.
The female is usually also of a smaller and lighter build.
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The Puppy!
A
puppy is of course adorable, lovable and impressionable. To raise a puppy
properly, is very time consuming. They need patience, experience and
consistent behavior from you. If it is your first dog, you will surely
want some help. That is why, we advise everyone that takes a puppy, to
enroll in puppy kindergarten or an obedience class. The first year there
is so much to learn for the puppy and owner, that even the most well
intentioned new owner can make mistakes.
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When
you have a puppy, you have a "baby" dog in your home, that needs
a lot of attention and rest (particularly in a home with children). The
pup will need to eat 3-4 times a day, need to be housebroken, and won't be
able to stay home alone for long periods of time. An owner working full
time for the first few months, is very difficult for a puppy. Even working
part time, is not advised for the first few weeks, unless you have someone
else at home caring for the dog.
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Schapendoes,
the
Dog for You?
Do
you like to be active? Do you like to walk your dog for an hour a day, even in
bad weather? Do you mind, if your house resembles the woods, after you walk
your dog? An schapendoes can pick up a lot of debris in its coat, which you
may find about the house. Do you also mind, if your dog looks like a mop after
a walk? Can you find about an hour and a half, every two weeks, to thoroughly
groom your dog? Have you thought about the fact, that when an schapendoes
sheds, you may find clumps of hair throughout the house? And how would you do,
with a dog that might be a little stubborn from time to time? If you can keep
your sense of humor, despite all of these issues, then you will find an
schapendoes to be a playful, cheerful, and affectionate companion and friend
for life
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We
have numerous schapendoes, both male and female, and a few times a year,
we have puppy's available, bred from dogs from champion lines. All of our
dogs are free of PRA and cataract and tested for gDNA PRA. If you are interested, please call or
mail us
to arrange for a visit. You are always welcome.
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