Mary Allen
The Dutch Shepherd – also known as the “Hollandse Herdershond” – is a loving and hardworking dog. In the profile, you get information about the history, nature, and the keeping of active dogs.
History of the Dutch Shepherd Dog
The Dutch Shepherd is closely related to the Belgian Shepherd. Both breeds come from the “Noord-Brabant” region. In the 18th century, their ancestors served as herding and driving dogs for the local farmers. They were versatile and also acted as guard dogs for houses and yards. The division into two races occurred through the separation of the Netherlands from Belgium in the 19th century.
The Belgian shepherd dog originated in Belgium and the Dutch shepherd dog in the Netherlands. The two breeds differ little to this day. In 1960 the FCI officially recognized the Dutch breed. She counts in group 1 “herding dogs and cattle dogs” in section 1 “shepherd dogs”. Due to the decline of large herds of sheep, they are now mainly found as search, guide, or police dogs.
Essence and Character
The Dutch Shepherd is a spirited dog that loves to work. He is active, independent and loyal, and obedient to his family. It tends to imprint on one person in particular. The shepherd dogs show pronounced territorial behavior. They are suspicious of strangers but do not react unnecessarily aggressively.
They are politely reserved and only intervene in an emergency. Therefore, they are suitable as reliable protectors. However, as former herding dogs, they tend to make their own decisions. The three outwardly different varieties of the Herderhound also differ in character. The short-haired dogs are considered bewildering and more energetic than their long-haired and rough-haired relatives.
The Appearance of the Dutch Shepherd Dog
When it came to the Dutch Shepherd, breeders never put any value on looks. The dogs are medium-sized with a well-proportioned and muscular build. Their head is wedge-shaped with medium-sized ears that are pricked when alert. The tail is slightly curved and hangs straight down. The fur can look different. The three varieties short-haired, rough-haired, and long-haired have developed.
All three are brindle in color with a gold or silver base color and preferably a black mask. Short-haired dogs are the most common. Their fur is hard and not too short. In the long-haired dogs, the hair is straight and long. At the neck, it forms a distinct collar. The rough-haired herders have a lush undercoat and bushy top coat.
Education of the Puppy
The training of a Dutch Shepherd puppy should above all be clearly structured and consistent. You don’t have to be a professional to do this. It is important to assert yourself and to be a strong leader for the dog. With enough discipline, you can train the willing dog to be an obedient companion. However, you should start training from day one.
Once the puppy has developed bad behaviors, you can have a hard time driving them out of the adult dog. The dogs, willing to work, react sensitively to noises. Professional clicker training or working with the dog whistle are therefore well suited for training. Visiting a puppy school is essential for the socialization of the puppy.
Activities with the Dutch Shepherd
The Dutch Shepherd is a versatile dog that needs to be kept busy. Today it is used, for example, as a police dog, rescue dog, or therapy dog. Training to become a service dog is recommended if you have the appropriate ambition. In general, you can also use the Herder well with active dog sports such as agility. The focus here is not only on his fitness but also on his intelligence. Obedience training such as dog dancing or obedience is also suitable for diverse dogs. The Herder is also a great companion when jogging, cycling, or hiking.
Health and Care
A Dutch shepherd does not require extensive grooming. Even the long-haired variant is easy to care for and regular brushing is sufficient. During the molt, the dogs lose more hair for a short time. During this time they need your support. Daily brushing is therefore recommended. In general, the Hollandse Herder is a healthy dog breed. Breeders take great care to avoid hereditary diseases. Due to their robust health, the dogs reach an age of 12 years and more.
Is a Dutch Shepherd Right for Me?
As a future owner of a Dutch shepherd, you should have some dog experience. Even ambitious beginners are not overwhelmed with the dog. The most important thing is to have enough time and to exercise the dog in a way that is appropriate to the species. A house with a garden that the dog can guard in its free time would be ideal. With consistent training, the Herder can eventually become great family dogs. Additional training as a service dog would be great.