Schapendoes vs Hermes Bulldogge - Breed Comparison

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.

The Hermes Bulldogge is not a breed in itself, but is actually a line within the English Bulldogge line. The Hermes family in the United States bred this line for several years. The Hermes Bulldogge line is the largest of the re-creations from the English Bulldogge. They are inspired by the arena dogs from the days of the Roman Empire. Greg and Linda Hermes have bred healthy, smart, resilient and agile dogs. The desire of the Hermes was an attempt at recreating the 17th century dog.

They used a variety of breeds to create the Hermes Bulldogge, most of whom are never disclosed. Some of the dogs that were probably used include: English Mastiffs, American Bulldogs, Old English Bulldogges, and pit Bull Terriers. This family of dogs are playful, friendly, and good family dogs. They have a strong prey drive which makes them good hunters but not as good around other small animals or small children. The Hermes have been breeding the Hermes Bulldogge since since 1983. The puppies are all hand raised, child friendly with great health.

When discussing the Hermes Bulldogge, one must go back to the root of the English Bulldogge. That breed comes originally from England and various lines have been recreated by various breeders. The breeding of the Old English Bulldogge with Mastiffs and Pits lead to other lines that the breeders called Old English. But most fanciers believe that only two lines of the original Old English Bulldogge remain and that is the Leavitt and the Hermes.

Some form of bulldog has been in existence since 700 years ago and as it was mixed with a variety of other breeds it took on other forms over time. The English Bulldogge was a definite couch potato. Instead of being bred for a job or look, the Bulldogge was developed with temperament, ability and health in mind. This has made for a great family dog without a lot of veterinarian bills.

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.

Temperament:

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 Hermes Bulldogge, much like the original Olde English Bulldogge, is taller, healthier, more athletic than the original English Bulldog. They are medium height, with a large head, a strong body and a deep, wide chest and broad shoulders. Tails might or might not be docked but the ears are never docked. They n have a moderate amount of wrinkles and a longer, less smashed face than the original. It is easier for the Hermes Bulldogge to breath, to fly and to live in warmer environments that it is for the English Bulldogge. His eyes are lower in his head but in the front center.

They are very dark almost black. Eyelids should cover the white of the eye and they have rounded cheeks. They have a short muzzle and short face. Broad, thick lips finish out the face with very large, square, broad jaws.

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.

Children friendliness

If socialized properly this line of bulldog is harmful to me.

Special talents

Strong and athletic, his strength and stamina.

Adaptability

He is not very adaptable. Apartments are not good for this dog. He needs to run and if possible to hunt.

Learning ability

He is very intelligent but stubborn which affects his learning ability.

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.

Dental Disease:

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.

The Hermes Bulldogge is healthier than most bulldogs. His face is not as smashed and he is not as wrinkled. He can breathe easier than other Bulldogs. The two major concerns are hip dysplasia and bloat.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip Dysplasia also some elbow dysplasia: can cause lameness and arthritis

Bloat

Terminal unless treated immediately. Can be prevented by not feeding large meals before or after heavy exercise.

Grooming:

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.

Diet:

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.

Feeding the puppy

When feeding a Hermes Bulldogge puppy be sure you feed puppy meal for bulldogs or medium dogs. For first year fee 2-4 times a day 2 cups food.

Feeding the adult

Feed the adult a solid adult dry food. 2 cups twice a day.

Points for Good Health

Better health than most lines of Bulldogs. Few wrinkles and less problems breathing as he doesn’t have a smashed face.

Games and Exercises

He doesn’t need a lot of exercise but daily walks and lots of play time. He can enjoy Lure Coursing obedience, agility and obedience