Hollandse Herdershond (Dutch Shepherd Dog)

The Dutch Shepherd comes in three varieties: long-haired (long, straight, flat and harsh), short-haired (fine and dense) and wire-haired (medium length and wiry). Show dogs should not display much white on their chest and feet. Although the coat types vary, the color possibilities remain the same for each: various shades of brindle, including gray, yellow, silver, red or gold brindle, and blue. The short-haired variety is very widespread in Holland, while the wire-haired is less common and the long-haired is very rare. The body is muscular and symmetrical. The muzzle is long and the teeth are strong and regular. The eyes are dark and slightly slanting and the relatively small ears are stiffly erect. The tail is slightly curved. The chest and belly are deep and not too drawn up. The feet are relatively small and do not have dewclaws. The toes are well arched. The nails and pads are black. Protective hair grows between the toes.

History

The Dutch Shepherd is remarkably similar to their Belgian cousins – the Belgian Shepherds, but with perhaps more German Shepherd Dog blood in its ancestry. In fact the Dutch Shepherds and the Belgian Shepherds are judged by the same standard requirements except for color. Curiously, while the related Belgian shepherds have become well known in the United States and northern Europe, this excellent service dog has not attracted a following outside the Netherlands. Even there numbers are limited, with only around 400 dogs registered each year. Almost unknown outside Holland, the Dutch Shepherd is valued there for its ability as a herder and for its quick reflexes. Originally an all-purpose farm guard, herder, cart-puller, guard, police and security dog. This breed, in its various coat textures, evolved in the early 1800’s in the southern part of the Netherlands, especially the province of Brabant, and in neighboring Belgium, which was then part of the Netherlands. Division by coat texture occurred when dog shows began 100 years ago. Puppies with short tails and white markings are frequently born but are not favorable to show people.

Temperament

The Dutch Shepherds are among the most competent of all shepherd dogs at such tasks as agility, catch, obedience competitions, guard work, herding, field trailing and companionship. Attached to its territory, and an enthusiastic worker. These affectionate, happy to be around dogs are obedient, sober and very loyal to its handler and family. Friendly, loving, playful and highly energetic. A very happy dog. Cunningly smart. Provided children are seenn as pack leaders, they can also be good friends with them. Unwanted visitors will be stopped in their tracks, while known family friends will be greeted enthusiastically. Dutch Shepherds enjoy the company of their own kind and get along fine with other animals. Intelligent, easy to obedience train and eager to learn – they learn new commands quite easily. This breed makes an excellent watch and guard dog. Active, lively and alert. The short-haired variety is the most common sort for defense/police dog trials. It needs little care and can withstand fatigue and bad weather. The objective in training this dog is to achieve a pack leader status. It is a natural instinct for a dog to have an order in their pack. When we humans live with dogs, we become their pack. The entire pack cooperates under a single leader. Lines are clearly defined and rules are set. Because a dog communicates his displeasure with growling and eventually biting, all other humans MUST be higher up in the order than the dog. The humans must be the ones making the decisions, not the dogs. That is the only way your relationship with your dog can be a complete success.

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