Night Blindness in Schapendoes

Schapendoes are long-haired herding dogs that have black and white fur. They have long ears and densely coated heads with fur that often covers or partially obstructs their eyes. Schapendoes are known for being optimistic, active and intelligent. However, Schapendoes are subject to chronic illnesses such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which causes night blindness.

  1. Schapendoe History

    • Schapendoes, also known as Dutch Sheepdogs, originate from the Netherlands, where they were used to herd cattle or sheep across flat pastures. They are believed to be related to the extinct German Schafpudel and long-haired breeds such as the Polish lowland, the sheepdog and the Old English sheepdog. The breed became well-known at the turn of the 20th century, and were prized for their intelligence and agility. Yet, the breed began to vanish as the century progressed. Hence, Dutch breeder P.M.C. Toepoel began breeding Schapendoes after World War II. The first breed club was established in 1947, and the Schapendoe was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 2006.

    About Schapendoes

    • Schapendoes are medium sized and lightly built. Their thick coat gives them the appearance of being bigger than they actually are. Male height is around 17 to 20 inches long, and females are 16 to 18 inches. Schapendoes are agile dogs that are adept at jumping and running, which makes them excellent at herding. Although their ideal environment is the wide expanses of open land, they can also adjust to urban life. Their intelligence and joviality makes them ideal for families with children.

    Cause of Night Blindness

    • The Schapendoe breed is susceptible to night blindness, caused by progressive retinal atrophy, or PRA. PRA is caused by the mutation of the CCDC66 gene on canine chromosome 20. CCDC66 has evolved in different vertebrate species, and is a protein gene found in the retina of the eye that is necessary for sight. Some Schapendoes' retinas lack this necessary CCDC66 protein, which causes night blindness.

    Night Blindness in Schapendoes

    • Night blindness in Schapendoes is the gPRA form of PRA. The condition is hereditary, and caused when both parents are carriers of the recessive gPRA gene. Night blindness can develop when they are between the ages of 2 and 5, and is a degenerative disease that can render them completely blind between the ages of 5 and 10. However, breeders can ensure that Schapendoes are gPRA free through genetic testing. Dogs with the aa gene that breed to other dogs with the aa gene will never develop gPRA.