Schapendoes
The Schapendoes is described by the AKC as friendly, watchful, lively, originally from The Netherlands.
Last updated: October 2026 · 5 sources · see sources
| Height | 16-20 inches [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 26-55 pounds [1] |
| Life expectancy | 12–15+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Friendly / Watchful / Lively [1] |
| AKC group | Foundation Stock Service [1] |
| Origin | The Netherlands [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 229 of 202 [2] |
| AKC status | Foundation Stock Service (not yet fully recognized) [1] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
The Schapendoes needs a lot of exercise. Daily running for an hour keeps him fit and prevents nervousness. Other options for exercise include play time in the backyard, preferably fenced, or being taken for walks several times a day. [1]
Grooming
Beyond regular weekly grooming, the occasional bath will keep the Schapendoes clean and looking his best. Grooming can be a wonderful bonding experience for you and your dog. The strong fast-growing nails should be trimmed regularly with a nail clipper or grinder to avoid overgrowth, splitting, and cracking. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Some dogs may be faced with these issues in their lives, but the majority of Schapendoes are healthy dogs. Working with a responsible breeder, those wishing to own a Schapendoes can gain the education they need to know about specific health concerns within the breed. Good breeders utilize genetic testing of their breeding stock to reduce the likelihood of disease in their puppies. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a medium dog (median $482) | $239 – $1,107 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, medium dog | $589 – $1,571 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, medium dog | $264 – $2,106 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC lists the Schapendoes in its Foundation Stock Service, a record-keeping program for breeds that are not yet fully AKC-recognized. [1]
- It ranked No. 229 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list. [2]
- The AKC lists The Netherlands as the breed's country of origin. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 4/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 5/5)
- ✅ People who want less dog hair at home (AKC shedding 2/5)
- ✅ Multi-dog homes (AKC good-with-other-dogs 5/5)
Common questions
How long do Schapendoess live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 12-15 years.
How big does a Schapendoes get?
AKC breed information lists height 16-20 inches and weight 26-55 pounds.
How much are vet bills for a Schapendoes?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs like the Schapendoes, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.