Dutch Shepherd: Your Complete Guide
Hailing from the fertile lowlands of the Netherlands, the Dutch shepherd is a quick, confident canine with a brilliant brindle coat and a sharp mind. From humble origins, working as a farming assistant, the shepherd has grown into a wonderful and energetic breed for many homes.
Unfortunately, their need for an active lifestyle and their sharp minds can make them hard to contain for certain owners. They may also be a handful when strangers or guests come around, which will require sincere training to overcome.
To learn more about the Dutch Shepherd and whether or not it is right for you, read on. The following sections will take a comprehensive look at how to care for the Netherlands native and what you are getting from the breed.
Quick Look at the Dutch Shepherd
Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of its physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.
| Weight/Height | 50 – 75 lbs, 21 – 25 inches |
| Coat Type | Short, long, or rough. |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding |  |
| Temperament | Bright, attentive, and obedient |
| Good With Kids | |
| Good With Other Animals | |
| Intelligence |  |
| Easy to Train | |
| Energy Level | |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 11-14 years |
What Is the History of Dutch Shepherds?
Originating in the lesser-known corners of the Netherlands, the Dutch shepherd was given its first breed standard at the end of the 19th century. Initially, the brindle pattern of the breed was not a requirement, resulting in several unique color patterns amongst the breed. By 1914, the standard was modified to allow only the multi-colored canine we know today.
Their utility in farm work and herding was immediately observable, with the intelligent dogs able to perform several useful tasks. Whether they were keeping chickens out of the garden, herding sheep away from crops, or serving as invaluable watchdogs. They have also become a popular choice for police canines due to their multifaceted skills.
Like many European dogs during the Second World War, the Dutch shepherd almost faced extinction due to decreased breeding. To make matters worse, many of the dogs that still lived faced starvation as people struggled to endure under unfavorable conditions.
While their numbers have recovered a fair bit since the 1940s, they are still one of the more uncommon breeds today. Because of this, many enthusiasts often recommend that owners consider breeding the shepherd to bulk up their numbers.
What Do Dutch Shepherds Look Like?
Athletic and svelte, the Dutch shepherd has a body built for endurance. They have lightly muscled frames with a tight-fitting coat of gold-flecked patterns and big, pointed ears. Their head is angular, with a long nose and broad, outstretched neck and chest.
Depending on the variation, some will have long, dense coats that grow short around the face. Their colorful fur pattern and wild eyes sometimes give them the appearance of affable hyenas.
What Size Is a Dutch Shepherd?
While they won’t break any nearby scales, the Dutch Shepherd is a breed on the larger side of the spectrum. They can top out as high as 75 pounds, with smaller dogs clocking in at 50 pounds. Their height range is far more narrow, with most Dutch shepherds sitting between 21 and 25 inches.
What Is a Dutch Shepherd’s Coat Type and Length?
Dutch shepherds come in three different coat types, all visually distinct from each other. The short-haired shepherd is the most common, with a coat that sits snug on the frame and requires much less maintenance than the other two. The rough-haired shepherd has a wooly, dense coat that grows sparser around the skull.
The last and lengthiest is the long-haired shepherd, with a brilliant, multicolored coat that falls into waves of silky gold and black strands across the body. The canine’s face has shorter fur, with longer hair puffing out underneath the ears.
What Is a Dutch Shepherd’s Temperament?
When it comes to their character, Dutch shepherds are exceptional dogs with an incredible amount of potential. They are intensely loyal, diligent protectors, shockingly bright, and very adaptable. They can be hesitant around newer people, though their receptiveness towards nearly all forms of training makes socialization much more manageable than other breeds.
Are Dutch Shepherds Good With Kids?
The breed is strong and agile, so they should be carefully observed the first few times they are around children. Past that, the breed is very family-oriented and will be happy, gentle, and affectionate with anyone lucky enough to be around them.
If you are a parent looking for a good watchdog that will grow up with your kid, the Dutch shepherd is a worthwhile choice.
Are Dutch Shepherds Good With Other Animals?
While they will not back down from another dog if they feel threatened, they are not known to be aggressive dogs and can peacefully coexist in a house with other canines. Always ensure that the dog you are getting does not have any anger issues, and try to introduce them to other dogs in your house early and often to make the transition easier for both animals.
When it comes to smaller animals, it will come down to training. The breed is not prone to running in random directions at the sight of a sparrow, but they do have a predatorial streak that can have them bothering smaller pets. They can be with cats, guinea pigs, canaries, and everything else, so long as they are trained not to see the animals as prey.
Are Dutch Shepherds Aggressive?
Unless they are poorly trained or grow up in a chaotic environment, most people will never have to worry about their Dutch shepherd snapping at them or others. They tend to be cautious around new people, so owners must get them used to new faces. That said, they will not be a concern outside of the occasional bark or growl.
Do Dutch Shepherds Bark?
The Dutch shepherd is effortlessly capable of working as a watchdog, and their predisposition towards the task may have them occasionally barking at passing pedestrians. Outside of their busy schedule as your involuntary home protector, they will not wake you up in the middle of the night or bark at every passing car.
For people who are afraid of a dog that will howl for hours, the Dutch shepherd is a great candidate as long as the owner can keep up with a more active canine.
Are Dutch Shepherds Affectionate?
Individual personality plays a role in how affectionate a dog is, though Dutch shepherds usually sit on the softer side. The breed is very kind and tender, particularly to their owners, and will require a fair bit of attention to keep their brains from finding other ways to pass the time. They won’t attach to your hip, but they are one of the more affectionate dogs around.
Are Dutch Shepherds Intelligent?
Dutch shepherds are unbelievably bright and deeply proficient at just about any task you give them. They are wildly hard-working and very eager to perform their jobs cooperatively and independently. When it comes to their mental and physical aptitude, there are few limitations to what the Dutch shepherd is capable of.
Similarly, their senses are second to none, and the breed possesses a natural protective side, making them very alert and diligent watchdogs. Their incredible skillset has made them ideal candidates for police work, army service, herding, farming, and more.
Are Dutch Shepherds Energetic?
If you plan to adopt a shepherd of your own, it will need to receive regular and frequent exercise. They will need one long walk and a few sessions of time to play daily, and active people should strongly consider taking their shepherd with them on their next jog or hike.
Because of their energy reserve, they are unfit to be with sedentary owners who cannot spare time to let them stretch their legs. Like all dogs, the Dutch shepherd will get rambunctious when they do not time outside, which may result in them venting their frustration on trash cans, laundry, and more.
Are Dutch Shepherds Easy to Train?
They have the mental aptitude and physical prowess to perform any trick a person could think of, though they require a patient, firm owner who can hone their attention during training. The breed has an independent streak; if they do not get proper training, they will show more unfavorable personality traits.
The shepherd will excel at more advanced training when ready, and those interested should consider agility circuits for the athletic pooch. There are many training courses available both locally and online, from obedience classes to service training.
Are Dutch Shepherds Good Watchdogs?
If you want a dog that can change professions on a dime, the Dutch shepherd is your canine. The breed performs spectacularly as watchdogs and can go from a caring companion to a fearsome protector on a dime. Their senses are exceptional and more alert than the average four-legged friend.
Even if a Dutch shepherd is adopted to be a guard dog, they should be socialized early with other people to alleviate their initial apprehension of strangers.
Are Dutch Shepherds Good Service Dogs?
Dutch shepherds can perform service, psychiatric, and emotional support roles with incredible results if they have the right temperament. They are strong, attentive, hard-working, and very bright, and the breed has a long history of working on farmland and in law enforcement positions.
If you have a Dutch shepherd who fits the mold for a service position, it is worth pursuing service training. Few breeds match the shepherd’s natural aptitude, and the dog could be invaluable to a person who sincerely needs assistance.
How to Care for a Dutch Shepherd?
Having a dog with as much versatility and potential as the Dutch shepherd requires an owner willing to devote time to the animal. Dutch shepherds have a ton of stamina, a massive desire to fulfill tasks or jobs, and a bright mind that will need to be adequately intrigued to avoid behavioral issues down the line.
Owners must ensure that their shepherd gets its ears checked at least once a week or briefly after each time they go inside for the night. Similarly, maintain their paws and dental health with regular nail clippings and two weekly teeth brushings at the very least. Prospective owners should set up times for socialization and training immediately after adoption.
Do You Need to Groom a Dutch Shepherd?
The amount of time needed to groom a Dutch shepherd will depend on a few factors: their coat length and thickness, their environment, and the time of the season. While short-haired shepherds are a low-maintenance breed that requires weekly brushing, long-haired variants need regular and consistent maintenance to avoid tangles.
While you can groom them at home, the longer-haired canines can be very dense and challenging to clean because of the amount of fur. Similarly, rough-haired shepherds have deep, thick coats that may require the skills of a professional groomer.
Do Dutch Shepherds Shed?
Cover how often and intensely they shed, if they’re hypoallergenic, etc.
If you own a short-haired shepherd, shedding will be an afterthought as long as they are regularly brushed. For the other variants, brushing must be done consistently to keep the excess fur minimal. All dog variants will have a shedding season, where their hair falls more often than usual.
What Health Problems Do Dutch Shepherds Have?
The Dutch shepherd is a healthy dog with limited issues, though some common problems may arise that are present in the breed. A shepherd with a good pedigree that maintains a healthy lifestyle will likely live a long, happy existence.
The common health problems of a Dutch shepherd are:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Allergies
- Goniodysplasia
- Masticatory myositis
Rough-haired varieties have a higher chance of goniodysplasia and should be examined by a veterinarian to check for the affliction.
How Long Do Dutch Shepherds Live?
Every breed has its notable outliers, though the Dutch shepherd can be expected to live between 11 and 14 years on average. Owners can provide their dogs with nutritious food, consistent exercise, regular vet checkups, and a calm home to extend their four-legged friend’s life.
What Should a Dutch Shepherd Eat?
They should be provided vitamin-rich, protein-filled food designed for energetic, athletic dogs on the larger side. Food should be provided in portions and split across the day rather than leaving a large pile of kibbles to be freely eaten. Similarly, wait an hour after exercise or walks before you feed your Dutch shepherd to avoid bloat.
Is a Dutch Shepherd the Right Dog for Me?
There is no doubt that the Dutch shepherd is one of the most naturally gifted dogs you will ever find, though they are not always an easy fit for every owner. Without an experienced hand, they tend to grow stubborn and self-directed. They can be a handful for people with frequent guests and will need training to root out their apprehension towards strangers.
For the right house, they will be one of the best dogs a person can ever have.
They are talented at herding and guarding homes and smart enough to master any command or task needed. They are wonderfully charming dogs with a ton of personality, and their affectionate personality is impossible not to like. If you can handle a dog that requires an active lifestyle and frequent attention, the Dutch shepherd will make you euphoric.