" If you combine the alert and resistant characteristics in a single dog, you get the famous Dutch Shepherd. Faithful, trusting and very affectionate, this is how these adorable dogs are that we will talk about in this PlanèteAnimal file. Along with the Schapendoes and the Aaarlooswolfhond, this dog of Dutch origin is one of the most used sheepdogs in his country."
Do you know that Dutch Shepherds are also considered one of the best police dog breeds? Read on and discover more curiosities about the Dutch Shepherd!
Happy reading!
Origin
- Europe
- Netherlands
FCI Nomenclature
- Group I
Physical Characteristics
- Rustic
- Muscular
- Lying
Size
- Average
Height
- 55-70
Adult Weight
- 25-45
Life expectancy
- 12-14
Recommended physical activity
- High
Character
- Balanced
- Strong
- Society
- Very loyal
- Smart
- Active
- Affectionate
- Docile
Ideal for
- Children
- House
- Walking
- Shepherd
- The guard
- Elderly people
- Sports
Recommendations
- Harness
Recommended climate
- Temperate
Hair type
- Short
- Medium
- Long
- Hard
- Big
Origin of the Dutch Shepherd
As their name suggests, Dutch Shepherds or Dutch Shepherds originate from Holland.It was in this country that the shepherds used them as shepherd dogs for the flocks of sheep. Their main job is not only to direct these sheep, but also to ensure that they do not exceed certain limits.
However, they were not only in charge of the flocks of sheep, as they also performed a wide variety of functions on the farms and they were also used as guard dogs for chickens and cows. As if all that weren't enough, Dutch Shepherds were and are wonderful watchdogs, able to warn farmers and shepherds of the slightest danger.
It's because of all of these abilities that even when sheep herds began to dwindle, Dutch Shepherds weren't as affected as other herding breeds, as their versatility led to redirecting their abilities towards other tasks, such as that of police dogs. Likewise, the breed has become very popular and is now considered an excellent companion dog.It is a fairly old breed, whose official standard was established on June 12, 1898.
Characteristics of the Dutch Shepherd
Dutch Shepherds are medium-sized dogs that weigh around 30 kilograms for a height at the withers of between 55 and 60 centimeters for females and between 57 and 62 for males. Their life expectancy is generally between 12 and 15 years.
Let's now move on to the physical characteristics of the Dutch Shepherd. This dog is of medium build, very muscular and very powerful. Its body is elongated and its slightly curved tail is always straight. The head of a Dutch Shepherd must be proportional to that of the body. It has a flat skull with a slight stop and an elongated muzzle that ends in a beautiful black nose. His eyes are medium sized, almond shaped and dark in color. Its ears are medium and always erect and they are even more so when it detects a suspicious noise.
As for his coat, there are three varieties of Dutch Shepherd:
- Shorthaired Dutch Shepherds have hard coats that are well attached to the body.
- Longhaired Dutch Shepherds have smoother coats with longer legs.
- Wireless Dutch Shepherds have dense, particularly coarse hair that lies close to the body.
In all cases, dog hair feels rough to the touch and is made up of a woolly undercoat. The accepted color pattern for the Dutch Shepherd is brindle, with a gold or silver base. The completely black Dutch Shepherd is not accepted, unless he is brindle. The black mask is also an accepted feature in the standard for this breed of dog.
Dutch Shepherd Character
Since these dogs come from the continuous selection for decades of the strongest, most energetic and most resistant specimens of Dutch Shepherds, this breed is characterized by its extreme activity.As you will have understood, they are tireless and you should not adopt one if you are more of a homebody and if you live in a very small apartment in the city center. You must take into account that they are considered hyperactive dogs. On the other hand, if you know how to address this overflowing energy, you will have the joy of enjoying a very faithful, affectionate and docile companion.
Let's now look at the character of the Dutch Shepherd, know that he is a very familiar dog, who loves being with his family, including children and the elderly, with whom he is very patient and affectionate. In the same way, it is a dog completely capable of living with other pets.
Caring for the Dutch Shepherd
The Dutch Shepherd breed is demanding in terms of care and, in order to be happy and he althy, it will need a lot of exercise every day.
We recommend that you always stimulate it with mentally and physically stimulating games or activities. This is why the practice of canine sports such as agility is more than recommended, as well as intelligence games for dogs.
Regarding his hygiene, it is recommended to brush his coat regularly, especially the long-haired variety, and to bathe him about once a month. You should also examine it after walks in the great outdoors to make sure it does not bring back parasites.
Training and education of the Dutch Shepherd
Dutch Shepherds are docile and intelligent dogs, two characteristics that make their education a real walk in the park. They learn tricks and commands in just days and are seen competing a lot in agility circuits.
One aspect that may need more attention in terms of training is that these dogs are wonderful watchdogs, which is why they can sometimes be suspicious and hostile with strangers. To avoid this, it is important that they are properly socialized, in addition to getting them used to contact with new people and preventing them from barking at any stranger who comes their way.
On the other hand, it should be noted that training and education is another way to keep these dogs properly stimulated. Of course, to get the best results, positive reinforcement training is essential. So, whether we adopt a Dutch Shepherd puppy or an adult dog, from the first moment we will try to gain their trust and reward good behavior and not punish bad behavior.
Dutch Shepherd He alth
Dutch Shepherds were bred for their strength and resilience, unlike other breeds, like German Shepherds, which were bred for their beauty. This is a great advantage for them as they enjoy excellent he alth and are not as prone to developing diseases that affect breeds bred to purely cosmetic standards.
Although they have this advantage, it does not mean that they are exempt from the pathologies typical of their size. This is because they can suffer from hip dysplasia just like any other large or giant breed. This is why, from an early age, we must take him regularly to the vet to assess the risk of him developing this disease.
In the same way, it is recommended that in order to keep his joints in good condition, our animal does not make sudden movements or force on his joints. A good idea is to give our Dutch Shepherd supplements such as chondroprotectors, which help maintain the joints, preventing their wear.
Apart from that, it is important that we provide our Dutch Shepherd puppy with an adequate schedule of vaccinations and deworming. Once they have reached adulthood, it will be necessary to keep its eyes, mouth and ears clean.