Dutch Shepherd
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Appearance
| Dutch Shepherd Quick Summary | |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Hollandse Herder |
| Origin | Holland |
| Size | Medium-large |
| Height (at withers) | 22-25in (55-63cm) |
| Weight | 65-67lbs (29.5-30.5kg) |
| Hair Colour(s) | Brindle |
| Lifespan | 12-14 years |
| Energy Level | High |
| Litter size | 8-12 |
| Shedding | Low |
| Grooming | Medium |
| Barking Tendency | Low |
| Exercise requirements | High |
| Ease of training | High |
| Suitability for kids | Medium |
| Animal compatability | High |
| Aggression levels | Medium |
| Distress if left | Low |
The Dutch Shepherd is a strong, athletic looking dog. The body is muscular and deep chested, with slightly sprung ribs and a curved tail. The head has a long muzzle, dark nose and erect ears. The coat comes in three varieties: long-haired (rare), short-haired (common) and wire-haired (less common), and the colouring tends to be shades of brindle.
Temperament
Dutch Shepherds are happy and lively dogs with friendly natures. They are playful and highly energetic and make enthusiastic workers, and they become very loyal to their owners and families. Sociable, reliable and consistent, they make fine companions and family pets. These active dogs are intelligent and eager to learn with quick reflexes, and so tend to be very easy to train. This can make them suited to novice and experienced owners alike, although owners will need to show dominance to keep these dogs in line. Dutch Shepherds will get along with older, more considerate children when socialised early, but may be too energetic for younger kids. These dogs will also get along with other Dutch Shepherds as well as other animals. They tend to stop unfamiliar visitors in their tracks but will greet family friends with enthusiasm, and they make great watch and guard dogs.
History & Skills
Dutch Shepherds originate from Holland in the Netherlands, where they were used as multi-purpose farm dogs for guarding, herding and pulling carts. Along with Belgian Shepherds, they share a common ancestary in German Shepherds but are nowhere near as common or popular.
Breed Specific Ailments
Dutch Shepherds tend to live between 12-14 years and are a healthy breed on the whole. Some of the health problems that have been noted in this breed includes hip dyspalsia and hypothyroidism.
Grooming
Dutch Shepherds are low shedders that also shed more heavily on a seasonal basis, and so can be suited to those suffering with allergies. Their grooming requirements are not too bad, and the long and short-haired varieties will need brushing a few times each week to remove dead hairs. Excess hair on the ears should be removed too. The wire-haired variety should be combed rather than brushed, and these dogs should only be bathed when necessary, as this will remove natural oils in the skin.
Exercise & Environment
Dutch Shepherds tend to live indoors and can be suitable for small homes such as apartments as long as they are adequately exercised. They are fine in cold climates too due to their all-weather coats, and need plenty of mental and physical exercise. A daily walk or jog should see to this, and they make good jogging companions.