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The Canine Chronicles Directory
Dutch Shepherd
The Dutch Shepherd is a medium-sized well-muscled dog. The head is wedge-shaped
and the skull is flat. The muzzle is slightly longer than the skull. There is a
slight stop. The muzzle is straight and runs parallel to the top of the skull. The
teeth meet in a scissors bite. The nose is black and the dark eyes are almond-shaped.
The neck is clean and not too short. The chest is deep, but not too narrow. The
short back is straight and powerful. When the tail is at rest, it hangs straight
or is gently curved. When in action, it is carried gracefully upwards. The Dutch
Shepherd comes in three coat varieties: long-haired, which is long, straight, flat
and harsh; short-haired, which is fine and dense; and wire-haired which is medium
in length and wiry. The color is always brindle. The nails and pads are black and
they have protective hair between the toes.
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Temperament
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The Dutch Shepherd is exceedingly competent with tasks such as agility, catch, obedience
competitions, herding and field trailing. This breed can easily be labeled as its
owner's best friend. They are devoted to their owner and to the family. It is energetic,
a skilled worker and knows how to play. They do well with older children and with
other dogs. This high-energy breed should be monitored around small children. This
breed should be properly trained and socialized as they can quickly make a stranger
to its owner's home feel unwelcome.
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Height, Weight
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Male Height: 22-25" ; Weight: 65-67 lbs.
Female Height: 21-24" ; Weight: 65-67 lbs.
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Health Problems
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There are no significant health problems associated with the Dutch Shepherd Dog.
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Living Conditions
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The Dutch Shepherd is suitable for both indoor and outdoor living. They can withstand
varying degrees of temperatures. They are relatively inactive indoors and inactivity
can lead to health problems with this breed.
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Exercise
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This healthy breed requires lots of daily exercise. A regular regimen of physical
exercise will keep the breed content as well as healthy.
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Life Expectancy
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About 12-14 years
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Grooming
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The short-hair requires occasional brushing. The long-hair and wire-haired varieties
need more brushing especially during the shedding season.
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Origin
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The Dutch Shepherd bears a remarkable resemblance to their cousin ? the Belgian
Shepherds, but has more German Shepherds Dog blood in its ancestry. They are judged
by the same standard requirements as the Belgian Shepherds except for color. They
are virtually unknown outside of their native Holland. They are valued for their
herding ability and for their quick reflexes. They are recognized by the CKC, FCI, NKC, UKC and they have recently been accepted for recording in the AKC Foundation Stock Service®.
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Group
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Herding Dog
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