The Dutch Shepherd is a working dog breed originating from the Netherlands. It is a dog that stands out for its versatility, which has allowed it to adapt to different roles and environments. The coat of this breed has three varieties of hair: short, long and hard.
General details
The breed has a medium size and muscular structure. The weight ranges between 19 and 34 kilograms, while the height varies between 55 and 62 centimeters. The life expectancy of the Dutch Shepherd is estimated between 11 and 14 years. In addition, this breed belongs to Group 1 of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), which includes shepherd dogs and cattle dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs).
Breed history in brief
The Dutch Shepherd is a working dog breed originating in the Netherlands. It developed from local sheepdogs in the 19th century and was bred for herding and protecting livestock. These dogs were prized for their ability to work in the field and their versatility in various rural tasks.
By the early 20th century, herding had virtually disappeared in the Netherlands, but the breed's versatility allowed it to adapt to new roles as a police dog, search and rescue dog, and guide dog for the blind.
Breed characteristics
The Dutch Shepherd is a dog with a strong body structure. Its head is wedge-shaped, with dark, slightly slanting almond-shaped eyes. Its ears stand erect when the dog is alert, and its tail rises when in motion, while at rest, it hangs straight down or with a slight curve.
This breed has three varieties of coat: short, long and harsh. The short coat is dense and harsh, easy to maintain. The long-haired variety is smooth, with a softer undercoat and in the areas of the tail, back of the legs and neck, the amount of hair is more abundant. The hard coat is rough and resistant, in the facial region it can form a beard and pronounced eyebrows. The coat color is brindle, with a golden or silver base color.
The temperament of the Dutch Shepherd is characterized by loyalty, constant alertness, independence, intelligence and true shepherd temperament. It is a docile dog and willing to work in a team and adapt to various tasks. Its ability to cope with any assigned task and its willingness to collaborate with other dogs make this breed an exceptional dog in the field of herding and livestock protection.
Common health problems
The OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) recommends an eye screening examination as well as a test to assess for hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia.
Do you still not know the true nature of your dog?
Unlock the secrets of your pet's DNA with our two ranges.
