Varied shades of brindle: blue, yellow, silver, gray, red, gold
Dutch Shepherd Overview
This dog breed originated during the 1800's in the Netherlands as an all-purpose dog. The Dutch Shepherd was used as a cart-puller, herder, police dog and used for guard dog. This dog breed is very rare in North America, and there are limited numbers in their native Holland. Dutch Shepherds are prized for their quick reflexes and versatility.
Dutch Shepherd Characteristics
The most distinctive feature of the DutchShepherd is the brindled coat. This dogbreed is medium in size and weight, well proportioned, muscular and powerful. The DutchShepherd has an intelligent expression and lively temperament.
Dutch Shepherd Temperament
This dog breed is affectionate, lively, obedient, reliable and devoted. The Dutch Shepherd usually bonds extremely closely with an individual member of the family, but is loving towards the entire family. This dog breed is protective of their family, home and territory and makes a superb watch and guard dogs. The Dutch Shepherd is an alert, active and enthusiastic worker. This breed gets along well with older children, other dogs and non-canine pets. The Dutch Shepherd requires a fair amount of attention and can become destructive if bored or lonely.
Dutch Shepherd Care
The amount of maintenance required for this dog breed depends largely on the coat type. The short and longhaired varieties of Dutch Shepherd both require regular brushing to remove dead and loose hair. The wirehaired Dutch Shepherd should be professionally plucked at least twice a year. To preserve the natural oils of the skin and coat, the Dutch Shepherd should only be bathed when absolutely necessary. There are no documented health issues associated with the Dutch Shepherd, but this could be due to the rarity of the breed.
Dutch Shepherd Coat
This dog breed comes in three coat varieties: wire, long, and short. The coat of the wirehaired Dutch Shepherd is coarse and medium in length. The longhaired Dutch Shepherd has a harsh, straight, flat and long coat. The coat of the shorthaired Dutch Shepherd is dense, short and of fine in texture. All three-coat types are weather-resistant.
Dutch Shepherd Training
This dog breed requires a fairly dominant handler. The Dutch Shepherd is intelligent and learns quickly. Training should be varied to keep the Dutch Shepherd interested and occupied. This breed excels at obedience, police work, military work and guarding. Training should always be performed with firmness, fairness and consistency.
Dutch Shepherd Activity
This dog breed needs a relatively active owner and is not suited to those with a sedentary lifestyle. The Dutch Shepherd thrives on exercise, activity and like to have a job to do. This breed is not suited to apartment or city living and a large, securely fenced yard or rural environment is preferable. Physical and mental stimulation is essential for the well-being of the Dutch Shepherd. This breed makes a wonderful walking and jogging companion, but they should always be securely leashed.
