Dutch Shepherd: Origin, Personality, Training

Group: Herding

Also Known As: Hollandse Herdershond, Hollandse Herder and Holland Shepherd.

About Dutch Shepherd

History of the Breed Dutch Shepherds and Belgian Shepherds share a common ancestry in the German Shepherds. However, unlike the Belgian Shepherd the Dutch Shepherd has not been able to attract a huge fan following. This breed had been developed in the Netherlands for use as a herding dog. Its ability to function as a herder and its quick reflexes had made the Dutch Shepherd popular. This had been utilized as an all-purpose farm guard, herder, cart-puller, guard, police and security dog. The dog had evolved in early 1800s in the Southern parts of the Netherlands (the province of Belgium and neighboring Belgium, then part of Netherlands, in particular). Division by coat texture of dogs started with the beginning of dog shows some 100 years ago.

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Description of the Breed

The dog’s body is muscular and symmetrical. It has a long muzzle and strong and rectangular teeth. The eyes of the dog are dark. They are also slightly slanting. The dog has relatively small ears. These remain stiffly erect.

The chest and belly are deep. They are not too drawn up. The feet of the dog are relatively small. They do not have dewclaws. The dog’s toes are well arched and its nails and pads are black. In between the toes protective hairs are present. The dog’s tail is slightly curved.

Coat

There are three varieties of Dutch Shepherd dogs- the longhaired, shorthaired and wirehaired varieties. While the longhaired dogs have long, straight, flat and harsh hair, the shorthaired ones have fine and dense hair. Again the wirehaired dogs have wiry hairs of medium length.

The coat color range of the three varieties, however, remains same for all- shades of brindle, including gray, silver, yellow, red or gold and blue. The shorthaired Dutch Shepherds are the most common followed by the wirehaired dogs. The longhaired Dutch Shepherds are very rare.

Height: The dogs have heights of 22-25 inches.

Weight: Weights of Dutch Shepherd dogs vary between 55 pounds and 67 pounds.

Personality

Temperament of the Dog

If performances at tasks like agility, catch, obedience competitions, guard work, herding, field trailing and companionship is the test then the Dutch Shepherds do stand as the most competent of all shepherd dogs. These dogs are very energetic and remain attached to their territories and work enthusiastically. They have been known to be obedient and loyal dogs- friendly, loving and playful with their owners and their family members. Again, they have also been known to be pretty cunning and smart- as and when the situation demands.

The Dutch Shepherds can be very friendly with children of the home provided the children do not disturb them when they are resting. They have been known to get along very well with other dogs of their breed, dogs of other breeds and other pet animals of the home.

The Holland Shepherd is a wonderful guard of the home. While it stops unwanted visitors in their tracks it greets family members and friends with warmth and enthusiasm.

It is easy to obedience train the dog and make them learn up new commands and skills. The shorthaired dogs are commonly utilized for defense or police dog trials. The dog can well withstand fatigue and bad weather. The all-weather coat that they have offers considerable protection even when temperatures fall down sharply.

Activity Level

Exercise requirement

Since Dutch Shepherds are working dogs they need to be kept exercised both physically and mentally at all times. A daily walk or jog is a must together with other ‘running’ exercises, which the dog does to its heart’s content.

Living Conditions

Dutch Shepherd dogs can be kept in apartments provided they are sufficiently exercised. They have an all-weather coat that ensures protection even during cold climates.

Grooming

The longhaired as well as the shorthaired Dutch Shepherd dogs need regular grooming. The dead and loose hairs are to be removed daily using a comb and brush. In case of the wirehaired dogs the coat ought to be plucked professionally twice a year.

The wirehaired dogs must never be brushed though they may be combed in moderation using a coarse comb. Excessive hair on the ears should also be removed. The all-weather coat of the dog need be bathed only when necessary as otherwise the natural oils in the skin might get removed.

Health Issues

Just like other working dog breeds the Dutch Shepherds too have few health problems. They are strong, fit and healthy and do not have any health problem specific to their breed.

Life Expectancy: About 12-14 years.