Understanding your Schapendoes: A health and care guide

Quick answer

The Schapendoes is a cheerful, playful, and highly trainable companion that thrives on affection and engagement. While they are generally robust, owners should be aware of two specific health conditions: hip dysplasia and Progressive Retinal Atrophy. By keeping your dog at a lean body condition and monitoring their vision and movement closely, you can help ensure their long-term comfort and well-being.

Understanding Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Progressive Retinal Atrophy, often referred to as PRA, is a condition affecting the eyes that is a recognised tendency in the breed. This condition involves the gradual degeneration of the cells in the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Because this process happens slowly, owners often do not notice any changes in the early stages.

At home, you might first notice that your dog seems hesitant to move around in dim lighting or appears nervous when walking in the dark. They may bump into furniture that has been moved or seem less confident when navigating stairs at night. The condition does not cause pain, but it leads to a progressive loss of vision.

When you visit your veterinarian, they will perform an ophthalmic examination. They use specialized tools to look at the back of the eye to check for signs of retinal thinning or vascular changes. If your vet suspects PRA, they may refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist who can perform an electroretinogram, which is a test that measures the electrical response of the eye's light-sensitive cells. This test usually provides the definitive answer regarding the health of the retina.

Managing hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip joint does not fit together perfectly, leading to abnormal wear and tear over time. This is a well recognised tendency in the breed. The joint may become loose, which causes inflammation and eventually leads to arthritis. How this passes down is not settled, but it remains a primary area of focus for the long-term mobility of the Schapendoes.

As an owner, the first signs you might see at home include a slight limp, a hesitation to jump onto furniture, or a reluctance to climb stairs. You might also notice that your dog is slower to rise after a nap or seems stiff after a long walk. It is a common mistake to assume these signs are just a normal part of aging, which can delay the implementation of supportive care.

Your veterinarian will diagnose this by performing a physical examination, where they will manipulate the hip joints to check for range of motion and signs of pain. To confirm the diagnosis, the vet will take radiographs, or X-rays, of the hips. These images allow the vet to see the shape of the joint and the extent of any degenerative changes or arthritis present.

Daily care and enrichment

Beyond specific health conditions, the Schapendoes requires a lifestyle that matches their energetic and intelligent nature. They are highly affectionate with their families and thrive on human interaction. Because they retain strong herding instincts, they enjoy having a job to do or a game to play that keeps their mind active.

Training should be kept short and consistent. This breed responds best to positive reinforcement and frequent, brief sessions rather than long, repetitive drills. Enrichment is vital, as a bored Schapendoes may find their own ways to occupy themselves, which may not align with your preferences.