Dutch Shepherd

The Dutch Shepherd is a herding breed of Dutch origin, with a history dating back to the 19th century, though its ancestors were likely present in the Netherlands much earlier. These dogs were developed by farmers and shepherds in rural Holland as all-around farm dogs, highly valued for their versatility, intelligence, and strong work ethic. Their tasks were numerous: herding sheep and cattle, keeping poultry out of kitchen gardens, pulling carts laden with goods like milk or produce to market, and serving as vigilant watchdogs and loyal family companions.

The Dutch Shepherd shares common ancestry with other shepherd dogs of the region, such as the Belgian Shepherds and German Shepherds. They were bred for their working ability rather than a strict conformational standard, resulting in three coat varieties: short-haired, long-haired, and wire-haired, all distinguished by their brindle coloring. With the decline of traditional farming practices and the rise of modern agriculture, the breed’s numbers dwindled. Dedicated enthusiasts worked to preserve the Dutch Shepherd, and a breed club was formed in the Netherlands in 1898. While still relatively uncommon outside of their native country and working circles, they are gaining recognition for their intelligence, trainability, and versatility in various canine sports and roles, including police and military work.

The Dutch Shepherd is known for its intelligent, loyal, and reliable temperament. They are highly observant and alert, making them excellent watchdogs that are naturally protective of their family and territory. While they can be reserved or wary of strangers, they are typically very affectionate, devoted, and playful with their own people. They form strong bonds and thrive on being an integral part of family life. Dutch Shepherds are generally active and enjoy having a “job” to do, whether it’s formal work, canine sports, or engaging activities with their owner.

Their intelligence and working heritage mean they can be independent thinkers and require consistent, confident leadership. They are not typically aggressive without cause but need early and thorough socialization to ensure they are well-adjusted and can differentiate between normal situations and genuine threats. They are known for their strong drive and endurance. This is a breed that needs mental stimulation as much as physical exercise to prevent boredom and potential behavioral issues.

The Dutch Shepherd comes in three distinct coat varieties, each with slightly different grooming needs, but all are characterized by a brindle pattern (stripes on a gold or silver base):

• Short-haired: The most common variety. The coat is rather hard, not too short, and close-fitting. It requires minimal grooming, usually just a weekly brushing with a firm bristle brush or rubber curry mitt to remove loose dead hair.
• Long-haired: The coat is long, straight, somewhat harsh to the touch (not silky), with no curl or wave, and a dense undercoat. This variety requires more frequent brushing, several times a week, to prevent tangles and mats, especially in the feathering on the legs, tail, and ruff.
• Wire-haired (Rough-haired): The coat is dense, harsh, and tousled, with a woolly undercoat. This variety also needs regular brushing (weekly or more) to prevent matting and remove debris. The beard should be kept clean. Hand-stripping may be done a couple of times a year to maintain the harsh texture, though many pet owners opt for regular brushing and occasional trimming.

All varieties are moderate shedders, with heavier seasonal sheds. Regular nail trims, ear cleaning (especially for the long-haired and wire-haired varieties whose ears might trap more debris), and dental care are essential for all Dutch Shepherds.

Dutch Shepherds are highly energetic and athletic dogs that require a significant amount of daily exercise and, equally importantly, mental stimulation. They were bred for demanding farm work and possess considerable stamina and intelligence. This is not a breed suited for a sedentary lifestyle; they need an active owner who can provide them with a purpose.

Aim for at least one to two hours of vigorous activity per day, plus ongoing mental challenges. Excellent exercise options for a Dutch Shepherd include:

• Long, brisk walks, running, or jogging alongside a bicycle (once fully mature and conditioned).
• Off-leash play in a large, securely fenced area, involving games like fetch or frisbee.
• Canine sports: Dutch Shepherds excel in a wide range of activities including herding trials, agility, obedience, rally, protection sports (like KNPV or Schutzhund/IPO with appropriate professional training), tracking, and dock diving.
• Challenging puzzle toys and advanced trick training to keep their sharp minds engaged.

Without a consistent and sufficient outlet for their physical and mental energy, Dutch Shepherds can become bored, frustrated, and may develop undesirable behaviors such as destructiveness or excessive barking. They thrive when they have a “job” to do and are working in partnership with their owner.

The Dutch Shepherd is generally considered a very healthy and robust breed, having been developed primarily for working ability with less emphasis on conformational extremes. However, like all breeds, they can be susceptible to certain health conditions. Responsible breeders screen their breeding stock. Potential concerns, though not widespread, include:

• Hip Dysplasia: A malformation of the hip joint, common in many medium to large active breeds. Elbow dysplasia can also occur.
• Goniodysplasia (Primary Glaucoma): An eye condition that can affect drainage angles and lead to glaucoma. Eye screening is important for breeding stock.
• Thyroid Issues (Hypothyroidism):** An underactive thyroid gland has been occasionally reported.
• Inflammatory Myopathy (IM):** A rare muscle disorder found in some lines. DNA testing is becoming available.
• Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus – GDV):** A risk for deep-chested breeds, though perhaps less so than in some giant breeds.