Dutch Shepherd Dog
AKA: Hollandse Herdershond, Hollandse Herder, Dutch Shepherd, Holland Shepherd
Description: There are three varieties of the Dutch Shepherd: the long-haired, the short-haired, and the wire-haired. The short-haired variety, with a fine and dense coat, is very common, the wire-haired one, with medium length hair that is wiry, less so. The long-haired variety, with long straight and harsh hair, is very rare.
The body of the Dutch Shepherd Dog is muscular and symmetrical. It has dark slanting eyes and ears that stand erect on its head. It has a long muzzle and the strong teeth forms a scissors bite. The tail is slightly curved. The feet are small, and there are no dewclaws.
Dynamics: The Dutch Shepherd Dog is an affectionate dog with a sweet and playful disposition. It is very friendly, loving, and highly energetic. It is a very happy dog, and very intelligent. It gets along well with children and with other dogs and animals. It is reserved and suspicious of strangers. It is easy to train and very eager to learn, which makes it an active and enthusiastic worker.
Breed Group: Herding
Weight: 65-67 pounds (29.5-30.5 kg.)
Height: 22-25 inches (55-63cm.)
Color: The coat color or the Dutch Shepherd Dog can come in various shades of brindle, including gray, yellow, silver, red or gold brindle, and blue.
Country of Origin: The Dutch Shepherd Dog comes from the Netherlands, and is not really popular outside the country as compared to the related Belgian shepherds’ popularity in the US and northern Europe.
Activities: The Dutch Shepherd Dog is a highly energetic dog and likes a lot of action. This breed has to be kept physically and mentally exercised. They need to be taken outdoors for a walk or a run from time to time. The Dutch Shepherd Dog is popular for being a herder and for its quick reflexes. It has been used for agility, catch, obedience competitions, guard work, and field training companionship. The Dutch Shepherd Dog is also valued as a farm guard, cart-puller, watchdog, and police and security dog.
Grooming: The long-haired and short-haired variety need regular combing and brushing. The wire-haired variety should never be brushed and can only be combed from time to time. It needs professional plucking twice a year to remove dead and loose hairs. The excess hair on the ears should be removed. Bathe only when necessary.
Other Info: The Dutch Shepherd dog has a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years. This breed will be fine living in the city and in an apartment as long as it is sufficiently exercised and taken outdoors often. This is a generally healthy breed and its all-weather coat helps it to overcome cold climate.
Tags: dog, dutch, herding, holland, hollandse herder, shepherd