Dutch Shepherd Dog

Country of Origin: The Netherlands
Size: Medium
Weight: 23-28kg /50-62lbs.
Height:55-62cm /21-24 inches
Grooming Requirements: light
Exercise Requirements: high
Dog Type: Herding
Most suited As: Working and companion animal
Also known As: Holland Shepard, Dutchy
Expected Life Span: 12-14 years

The Dutch Shepherd is also known as the Hollandase Herder. It is a herding work dog that was bred in Deutschland. The short haired variety is widespread while the wire haired is less common and the long haired are very rare.

Appearance
The Dutch Shepherd comes in three varieties, as mentioned. These varieties are long haired, short haired, and wire haired. Show dogs should not have much white on their chest and feet. Coat types vary, but colour possibilities remain the same. These colours include various shades of brindle, including gray, yellow, silver, gold or red brindle. The body of this animal is muscular and symmetrical. Typically the eyes will be dark and slanted while the ears are stiff and erect. Their tail is slightly curved. The dog is about 50 cm or 22 inches tall and about 29 kg or 65 pounds.

Temperament
The Dutch Shepherd is one of the most competent herding dogs, and will excel at activities such as catch, guard work, and activity training. It also makes an excellent companion. The dog is enthusiastic about working and playing equally, but can be territorial. Overall the breed is happy and affectionate, and very obedient. It is a very happy dog that is also very intelligent. They are very easy to train and eager to learn. This bread is also active, alert and lively, making them great watch dogs or guard dogs. The breed requires little care and can withstand any degree of bad weather, making it a great dog for police and emergency crews.

The Dutch Shepherd needs a lot of exercise to stay a happy obedient dog. If it does not get enough exercise and activity, it will become bored and destructive. If you are having a hard time getting enough exercise in for your dog, let them run beside you during jogging or cycling. Both long and short haired varieties of this dog need to be groomed regularly, with daily brushing of the coat. The variety with a wire haired coat should be plucked professional about twice per year. The wire haired variety should never be brushed, but a combing is okay in moderation. Bathe the dog only when necessary, as it removes natural oils from the skin.

The Dutch Shepherd is remarkably similar to the Belgian Shepherd, but there are some distinct differences. While the Belgian Shepherd and German Shepherd have gained popularity in other countries, the Dutch Shepherd remains almost solely in the Netherlands. The breed evolved in the early 1800s in Brabant and Belgium, which was then part of the Netherlands. Divisions by coat colour began when the dogs were shown about one hundred years ago.