MyDogBreeds
Schapendoes is originated from Netherlands but Harrier is originated from United Kingdom. Both Schapendoes and Harrier are of same height. Both Schapendoes and Harrier are having almost same weight. Both Schapendoes and Harrier has almost same life span. Both Schapendoes and Harrier has almost same litter size. Both Schapendoes and Harrier requires Moderate maintenance.
Known also as the Dutch Sheepdog, the Schapendoes originates in the Netherlands.
It has always been known as a herding dog and farm dog. There were times during the 1940s when the dog’s numbers dropped considerably, but fortunately a breed club known as the Nederlandse Schapendoes was formed in 1947.
It wasn’t until 1971 that the dog earned recognition as a Dutch breed and the Federation Cynologique Internationale recognized this Dutch Sheepdog in 1989.
Developed in Great Britain, the Harrier is another hunting dog – a hound that primarily hunts hares and small prey. The breed itself is medium sized - smaller than an English Foxhound and larger than a Beagle. Although the definitive origins of the Harrier are not set, it is believed that he is a cross of the Basset Hound, Talbot Hound and Bloodhound. Others believe the breed is a cross of the Greyhound and the English Foxhound. The Harrier looks like a smaller version of the English Foxhound.
The Harrier is a pack dog and in 1260, Sir Elias de Midhope established the first pack in England. From there the breed spread to Wales and Western England, most used in Ireland where they hunt fox as well as hares. However, hunting hares is the specialty of the breed and even gave the breed its name. In 1885 they were recognized by the American Kennel Club in the Hound Group. Yet despite this and despite the number of Harriers working in England, they are not recognized by the UKC.
The Schapendoes is a medium sized herding dog standing at between 40 and 50cm in height and weighing between 12 and 25kg.
When you look at him, you’re reminded of the Old English Sheepdog or the Bearded Collie. The thick, double coat of the dog can be a mix of colors and can be brown and white, black and white and gray and a mix of all these colors.
In spite of the thick coat, the dog sheds very little. He is an active dog and is known to be able to jump high. This makes him perfect for ball and frisbee games as he will leap into the air to try and catch the ball.
He has medium length floppy ears and the tail is long and feathered, carried high when busy, but when he is relaxed the tail hangs low.
Brave, cheerful,social and loyal, the Schapendoes is a shaggy Dutch dog who makes a splendid pet and companion for active people.
He is intelligent too, and in fact it is why he makes such a great farm dog too as he is able to work on his own and co-operates with his owner. He just loves being active, and will happily join you on all your hikes, runs on the beach, swimming, walks and other activities.
He thrives on being counted in as one of the active family members. This intelligence of his makes him easy to train and socialize, making him well mannered and obedient.
His amicable nature allows him to get on with all well disciplined children as well as with other pets in the home.
The Harrier is a typical hound dog much like the English Foxhound. The breed is a little smaller than the Foxhound but is muscular and large boned like his cousin. They have short hard hair that sheds and ears that hang. The Harrier is a large boned breed built for strength and stamina in the race with hares. They have broad skulls, strong muzzles, with hazel or brown eyes. They also have a black, wide nose and a high, medium length tail.
They say he has a ‘courtly grin’ on an expressive face. Being pack dogs, they must be sturdy, able to cover any type of terrain, for as long as the hare runs. It is critical that their scenting and running tools are exceptional. He is blue or yellow-pied. His feet are cat like and the chest is dropped low. He is an extremely well-proportioned dog
Because this dog has always been a working dog, he has learned to be independent.
They’re eager to please their owners and easy to train too. They’re not aggressive and are friendly and affectionate and want to protect their owners.
They’re cheerful and playful and are tolerant of children and pets in the home. However, they don’t want little children being allowed to climb over them.
You can expect these big cuddly dogs to make loyal, devoted pets when treated with love, care, kindness and respect.
Yes, they are good with children but are very rambunctious and should be supervised with young children.
Scenting ability and wonderful personality
This breed is very adaptable as long as it gets enough exercise. He can live in the country or she can live in the city with an outlet for exercise.
Smart but stubborn at times. Therefore, his learning ability is moderate.
Your Schapendoes is a generally healthy breed and with good food, a good amount of exercise and plenty of love and care, he can reach the ripe age of 15 or so.
Every dog however, has the potential to get one of the many canine diseases there are. Some of these canine diseases to look out for include hip dysplasia, dental problems, eye diseases, bloat, cancer and others.
Some people think that problems with teeth are mild – nothing to worry about and yet bad teeth can affect the quality of life for your pet.
Problems with the pet’s teeth usually start with a build- up of plaque that leads to tartar. This can lead to gingivitis and then periodontal disease can develop. Dogs can have bad teeth and this can affect organs in the body.
Problems with the teeth can be serious and your veterinarian will need to do an oral checkup and dental cleaning. If your dog has oral problems, you may notice bad breath, loose teeth, dribbling, tartar on the teeth and pawing at the mouth.
It seems the only real health issue other than hunting accidents or foot and toe incidents due to hunting.is:
This abnormality in the hip socket can cause arthritis and lameness that is very painful. This is the most severe form. The Harrier can have a milder form that does not progress to this level. Hip dysplasia has a genetic component, but the environment plays a role as well and active hunting dogs are especially prone to this.
Floppy ears that hang down are always susceptible to ear infections. Check them often and clean them at least weekly.
The Schapendoes has a dense double coat which can become quite long in places. The hair is slightly waved and there is quite a lot of hair around the face which includes a mustache and beard.
He will need to have his hair brushed twice a week, and some people choose to have him professionally clipped.
Trim his nails, check inside the ears for ear infection, check that the eyes are nice and clear without discharge, check inside the mouth for rotten teeth and check him over for any unusual lumps.
Your Schapendoes is an active dog and you want to ensure that the food you buy him keeps him active and healthy.
It is important to choose the best dog food if you buy commercially manufactured dog food. Then you can be sure it will have the right formulation of vitamins and minerals.
Home-made food is also an excellent choice for your pet. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots can be very healthy and tasty. Keep it simple like this. Chop it all up and add it into the dry kibble a couple of times a week to give him a nutritious treat.
Some raw meat added in occasionally will do him the world of good and keep the skin and coat healthy. Never leave your pet without a constant source of fresh, cool water.
Feed a high nutrition puppy food dry food made for an energetic breed. Feed 3 times a day ½-3/4 cup each time.
Again feed a high nutrition adult food for an active breed. Feed twice a day 1-11/2 cups each time.
Outstanding health unless in a hunting accident.
The Harrier is an energetic, hunting breed that needs a lot of exercise on a daily basis. Long walks and jogging or running is good for the Harrier. If they are not working, hunting dogs they need more exercise. A fenced yard for playing is good. If this intense breed does not get enough exercise and mental stimulation, he needs there could be issues with destructive behavior and obesity. Flyball, tracking, agility, coursing, rally and hunting are great activities for this breed of dog. In addition, they are pack animals and do better in a family that has more than one dog.