Dutch Shepherd

Temperament:

Faithful, Reliable, Lively
Size: Medium
Height: 55-62 cm
Weight: 30 kg
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Coat: Shorthair
Colors: Silver-gold brushed, blue-gray, pepper, salt color
FCI Group: Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs)

The Dutch Shepherd Dog is also known as the Hollandse Herdershond. This dog breed is hardly known in Germany. The medium-sized breed is closely related to the Belgian Shepherd Dog. It is just as popular as a family dog as it is as a companion for active people (e.g. when jogging, riding or cycling).

Dutch Shepherd
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Characteristics

The Dutch Shepherd was recognized as an independent breed by the FCI in 1960. It is listed in the standard list in Group 1, Section 1 under number 223. In 2012, the Dutch Shepherd was accepted into the American Kennel Club (AKC).

The Dutch Shepherd is medium-sized and well-muscled. Its body is strong and well proportioned. The large ears are erect and very mobile. The head shape is elongated with a low forehead. The medium-sized, dark and almond-shaped eyes are slightly slanted.

There are three coat varieties: Longhair, shorthair and roughhair. Short-haired or long-haired dogs are silver or golden brindle. The color shades can be very light to medium or very dark. Wire-haired dogs can also be blue-grey, pepper or salt-colored.

The Dutch Shepherd is very persistent. They need activity and plenty of exercise, but also mental challenges.

This dog breed has a lively nature and an intelligent expression. The Dutch Shepherd is considered loyal and reliable. It is always alert and watchful. As a herding dog, it enjoys working with its owner with perseverance. It independently carries out all tasks assigned to it.

The Dutch Shepherd is considered to be late maturing. It is only fully grown and stable in character at three to four years of age. This spirited breed needs consistent and sensitive training. However, the sensitive Dutch Shepherd cannot tolerate a hard hand or unfair treatment. With a trusting and emotional bond, it is obedient and extremely efficient. He shows this above all in dog sports or during joint activities such as jogging, cycling or exciting games in nature.

As a reliable and lovable companion, he is suitable for family life. He enjoys playing with children if they treat him with respect. His protective instinct includes his family. He greets friends and acquaintances in a friendly manner.

The Dutch Shepherd does not feel comfortable in a small apartment. They need space to run around and lots of exercise. An isolated kennel is also detrimental to its character. A rural area with plenty of exercise in the garden or in the great outdoors is ideal.

Coat care:

Little
Medium
Intensive

Shedding:

Little
Medium
Intensive

Energy level:

Little
Medium
High

Trainability:

Little
Medium
Good

Children suitable:

Less
With supervision
Perfect

The right food

When choosing food, make sure that it contains high-quality ingredients, is balanced and meets your dog's requirements. Age, size or weight, activity and health status play an important role. You should follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the amount of food.

Treats should only be fed in moderation and deducted from the basic diet to avoid obesity.

Puppies can be fed 4-6 times a day. The number of meals should be gradually reduced to 2 per day until the dog is fully grown. A rest period should be observed after meals.

Fresh drinking water should be available at all times.

Health & Care

The Dutch Shepherd is considered to be very low-maintenance. For long-haired dogs, it is sufficient to brush or comb the coat once or twice a week. For short-haired dogs, grooming every two weeks is sufficient.

For rough-haired dogs, the coat should also be trimmed twice a year. During the shedding season in spring and fall, loose hair should be removed regularly. Regardless of the coat type, daily grooming is then necessary.

The claws on the paws should be checked regularly and trimmed if necessary. Foreign bodies can easily get into the eyes and ears during long walks in the countryside. It is recommended to check eyes and ears regularly for foreign bodies or dirt. Foreign bodies should be removed carefully to avoid injury or inflammation. Dirt can be easily removed with a soft cloth.

After a walk in the countryside, the coat should be checked for ticks. It is recommended that you put a tick and flea collar on your Dutch Shepherd. Visits to the vet and vaccinations are advisable for the dog's health. Deworming or parasite treatment should be carried out regularly.

Special dental care sets support your dog's dental care.

Suitable accessories

The Dutch shepherd needs a basket or a comfortable mat. This allows him to rest after a long walk in the countryside or after playing and running around.

A special dog brush is especially needed during the shedding period. Brushes with natural hair or wire bristles have proven effective for removing loose hair.

Claw scissors with a spacer are recommended for cutting the claws. In this way, possible injury to the Dutch Shepherd can be avoided.

The Dutch Shepherd has a pronounced play instinct. All kinds of toys are suitable to keep them occupied. Balls or throwing ropes have proved particularly effective.

Other accessories that are part of every dog's basic equipment: collar or harness with lead, water and food bowl, tick tweezers, mild dog shampoo, dog toothbrush and cream, transport box for transportation in the car and a first aid kit. Ask your vet what belongs in the first aid kit.

Hollandse Herdershond profile picture history picture

Origin & History

The Dutch Shepherd is a dog breed native to the Netherlands. It has both regional and genetic roots with the Belgian Shepherd Dog. Both originate from the Brabant region. The Dutch Shepherd is particularly popular because of its versatility. Today it is considered very rare.

The Dutch Shepherd was used as a herding dog for flocks of sheep until the 19th century. It was able to work well with other dogs when herding larger flocks. To keep the flocks of sheep away from the fields, it patrolled the field and road boundaries.

As a herding dog, he drove the cows to be milked and pulled the milk carts. They drove herds of cattle to the slaughterhouse, the market or the harbor. As draught dogs, they pulled carts loaded with goods or one-man carriages.

The Dutch shepherd was also used as a farmyard and guard dog. It not only alerted people to approaching strangers, but also kept the chickens out of the vegetable gardens.

The Dutch Shepherd was shown at a dog show in Amsterdam as early as 1874. In 1898, the "Nederlandse Herdershonden Club" (NHC) was founded in Utrecht. Since 2008, the breed has been looked after by the Dutch Shepherd Dog Club Germany.

When Belgium seceded from the Netherlands in the 19th century, the previously unified dog breed also separated. A unification of the Dutch and Belgian shepherd dogs failed.

Around 1900, there were hardly any large flocks of sheep left. The Dutch shepherd was only rarely used as a herding dog. However, its flexible abilities made it very suitable for dog training.

Today, the Dutch Shepherd is used as a police dog and guide dog for the blind. This dog breed is also suitable as a search and tracking dog or as a therapy dog.