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title: "Schapendoes - Health and diseases | Pedibase"
description: "Lifespan (12-14 years), common diseases, vaccines and vaccination schedule, and prevention tips for the Schapendoes: the complete health guide."
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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)

![Schapendoes](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:920:736/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/6546/pexels-photo-34531831.jpeg)

+5

Health

# The Schapendoes's health

Netherlands

The Schapendoes is overall a robust dog. Its double coat protects it well from the cold and its working dog heritage gives it good overall hardiness. As with many herding breeds, particular vigilance is nevertheless necessary regarding the joints.

Longevity

## Life expectancy

With a life expectancy generally between 12 and 14 years, the Schapendoes is one of the medium-sized dogs capable of aging harmoniously if its weight, its activity and its veterinary follow-up are well managed throughout its life.

Constitution

## Is this a robust breed?

Overall, the Schapendoes shows good sturdiness. It tolerates cool climates well and readily leads an active life, but its quality of life depends on regular grooming, suitable activity and serious orthopedic monitoring in breeding dogs as well as in dogs intended for sport.

Things to watch for

## What to look out for

Monitoring locomotion, growth and joint comfort is important in this breed. Any stiffness, lameness, drop in performance or difficulty getting up deserves a veterinary evaluation, particularly in young growing dogs and athletic adults.

- Hip dysplasia: Joint condition that can impair locomotion, comfort and exercise tolerance, with variable expression depending on the individual.
- Elbow dysplasia: Joint development disorder likely to cause pain, lameness and osteoarthritis that may occur earlier or later.

Climate

## Tolerance to cold and heat

The Schapendoes tolerates the cold well thanks to its dense undercoat and protective coat. It generally tolerates high heat less well and must have shade, fresh water and shifted activities during hot periods.

Weight

## Prone to weight gain

The tendency to gain weight seems moderate, but a Schapendoes that is not stimulated enough can quickly lose condition. A stable weight, checked regularly, helps preserve its joints and endurance.

Everyday care

## Good habits to keep your pet healthy

- Monitor gait quality and consult a veterinarian in case of lameness or stiffness.
- Maintain a stable weight to limit strain on the joints.
- Request hip and elbow screenings before breeding or intensive sport.

Vaccination

## Schapendoes vaccinations: schedule

Which vaccines does a Schapendoes need? Like all dogs, Schapendoess should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Schapendoes vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.

| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
| LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
| RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
| Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
| PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
| Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
| LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |

Adult Schapendoes booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.

Which boosters does your Schapendoes need?

Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.

[Plan booster shots](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-and-cat-vaccination-schedule?breed=schapendoes)

Choosing well

## Adopting a healthy Schapendoes

Screening examinations of the hips and elbows are particularly relevant, especially with a view to breeding or regular sporting activity. A standard veterinary follow-up, complemented by attention paid to mobility, remains recommended.

This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.

## The best prevention starts with a good breeder

Choose a breeder who screens their breeding animals for inherited conditions. We'll help you find one.

[Find a breeder](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-schapendoes)

## Discover other breeds

[![Dutch Shepherd](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:320:320/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/10045/berger-hollandais-1788875121499-0.jpg)<h3>Dutch Shepherd</h3>](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/dutch-shepherd)

[![Schipperke](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:320:320/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/6747/pexels-photo-14320525.jpeg)<h3>Schipperke</h3>](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/schipperke)

[![Bearded Collie](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:320:320/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/5410/bearded_collie_and_a_rope.jpg)<h3>Bearded Collie</h3>](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/bearded-collie)

[![Miniature American Shepherd](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:320:320/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/5447/berger_americain.webp)<h3>Miniature American Shepherd</h3>](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/miniature-american-shepherd)

[![Australian Shepherd](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:320:320/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/4742/berger_australien_tricolore.png)<h3>Australian Shepherd</h3>](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/australian-shepherd)

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