If you are drawn to the brindle-patterned coat of the Dutch shepherd, be prepared for a lengthy wait to welcome one into your home. This breed is still rare, even in its native homeland. Dutch shepherds originated in the province of Brabant in the southern region of the Netherlands during the early 1800s. Dutch shepherds were utilized as farm hands for herding flocks of sheep, chickens and cows, and they also pulled the milk carts. The dogs also served as watchdogs, alerting the farmers to intruders. When herding needs diminished sharply, the trainability of the Dutch shepherd earned the breed some new vocations as police dog, search and rescue dog and guide dog. Today, their numbers are few, and they are virtually unheard of outside of the Netherlands.
The Dutch Shepherd Dog is a medium-sized breed with a muscular body. Dutch Shepherds have long bodies and strong legs. Their muzzles are long and their ears are triangular and sit erect atop their heads. Their coats can come in three different varieties: They can either be longhaired, shorthaired or wirehaired. Both long- and shorthaired varieties have to be brushed regularly. The wirehaired variety should not be brushed. Dutch shepherds are medium-sized dogs that stand 21.5 to 24.5 inches tall at the shoulders, and they weigh 50 to 70 pounds. They are clad in smooth, long or wirehaired coats. All three variations have dense, wooly undercoats. The outer hairs of the longhaired coat are straight, coarse and lie flat. Those of the shorthaired coat are shorter, but the coat is not smooth. Wirehaired coats are medium in length and curly. In their native Holland, the shorthaired Dutch shepherds are the most prevalent, and the wirehaired variety is the most rare. The coats always display a brindle pattern, and they come in various colors that include gold, silver, black, red, yellow and blue. The pointed ears stand erect, and the tail is slightly curved.
Personality
Dutch Shepherds are reliable, lively and obedient dogs. They are affectionate towards their owners and feel very protective of their family. As they were bred to herd, they are intelligent and have high energy levels. They are happiest when they have a task that is physically and mentally stimulating. This dog breed is friendly towards children, but may try to herd them. As these dogs have high energy levels, they should get vigorous daily exercise. They can be aggressive towards strangers or other dogs if they are suspicious. Usually, Dutch Shepherds get along fine with other dogs and animals. The Dutch shepherd is a loyal and alert family member. It makes a reliable and protective watchdog. The breed is active, obedient and intelligent, and it excels in agility coursing and other canine sports. Dutch shepherds can be strong-willed, but they are intelligent and can be easily trained by an experienced dog owner that is capable of assuming the alpha role. The Dutch shepherd gets along with children and other pets in the household, but it usually forms the strongest bond with one particular family member. Dutch shepherds are energetic and have a strong desire to work. They must be given tasks to accomplish and be provided with plenty of daily physical exercise and mental stimulation.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 12 - 15 years |
| Nicknames: | Dutchie, Hollandse herdershond |
Dutch Shepherd Dog Build Information
The Dutch Shepherd Dog is a medium-sized breed with a muscular body. Dutch Shepherds have long bodies and strong legs. Their muzzles are long and their ears are triangular and sit erect atop their heads. Their coats can come in three different varieties: They can either be longhaired, shorthaired or wirehaired. Both long- and shorthaired varieties have to be brushed regularly. The wirehaired variety should not be brushed. Dutch shepherds are medium-sized dogs that stand 21.5 to 24.5 inches tall at the shoulders, and they weigh 50 to 70 pounds. They are clad in smooth, long or wirehaired coats. All three variations have dense, wooly undercoats. The outer hairs of the longhaired coat are straight, coarse and lie flat. Those of the shorthaired coat are shorter, but the coat is not smooth. Wirehaired coats are medium in length and curly. In their native Holland, the shorthaired Dutch shepherds are the most prevalent, and the wirehaired variety is the most rare. The coats always display a brindle pattern, and they come in various colors that include gold, silver, black, red, yellow and blue. The pointed ears stand erect, and the tail is slightly curved.
| Size: | Medium |
Behaviour and Personality
Dutch Shepherds are reliable, lively and obedient dogs. They are affectionate towards their owners and feel very protective of their family. As they were bred to herd, they are intelligent and have high energy levels. They are happiest when they have a task that is physically and mentally stimulating. This dog breed is friendly towards children, but may try to herd them. As these dogs have high energy levels, they should get vigorous daily exercise. They can be aggressive towards strangers or other dogs if they are suspicious. Usually, Dutch Shepherds get along fine with other dogs and animals. The Dutch shepherd is a loyal and alert family member. It makes a reliable and protective watchdog. The breed is active, obedient and intelligent, and it excels in agility coursing and other canine sports. Dutch shepherds can be strong-willed, but they are intelligent and can be easily trained by an experienced dog owner that is capable of assuming the alpha role. The Dutch shepherd gets along with children and other pets in the household, but it usually forms the strongest bond with one particular family member. Dutch shepherds are energetic and have a strong desire to work. They must be given tasks to accomplish and be provided with plenty of daily physical exercise and mental stimulation.
| Activity Level: | Moderately Active |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
Dutch shepherds with longhaired and shorthaired coats should be brushed or combed at least once weekly to remove dead hairs and minimize household shedding. When grooming a wirehaired coat, only a coarse comb should be used. An occasional stripping and trimming by a professional groomer will keep the wirehaired coat from looking unruly. Brush the teeth at least every other day to prevent gingivitis and to maintain better overall health.
| Colors: | Black, Gray, Nearly Black, Sable, Tan Brindle |
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | High Maintenance |
Dutch Shepherd Dog Common Health Conditions
Dutch shepherd live an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Some health conditions to be aware of include hip and elbow dysplasia, allergies, inflammatory bowel disease and goniodysplasia, an ocular condition that can lead to blindness.
Dutch Shepherd Dog Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
The Dutch shepherd originated in the Netherlands. The Dutch shepherd is also called a Dutchie and a Hollandse herdershond. The Dutch shepherd is a friendly and playful family companion and an effective watchdog. The Dutch shepherd stands 21/5 to 24/5 inches tall and weighs 50 to 70 pounds. Dutch shepherds have a high energy level. Dutch shepherds require moderate grooming. The average lifespan for a Dutch shepherd is 12 to 15 years.
| Training: | Moderately Easy |