Dutch Shepherd
Origin: Netherlands
Height: 23 to 25 inches (58 to 64cm)
Weight: 66lbs (30kg)
Coat Varieties: Long, Rough, and Short
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Breed Profile
The Dutch Shepherd, known as the Hollandse Herdershond in his native Netherlands, resembles the German Shepherd Dog and the Belgian Shepherd Dog. Relatively unknown outside his native country, he is considered a rare breed. In the Netherlands, the Dutch Shepherd is primarily used as a herding dog but he is also a popular choice for military and police work.
With a true shepherd temperament, the Dutch Shepherd is obedient, faithful, intelligent, reliable and affectionate. He is devoted to his owner and his territorial instincts make him a good watch and guard dog. He is alert and enthusiastic, excelling in herding, obedience, agility, field training, and guard work.
The breed has three different coat types: The long coat which is straight, flat and harsh; the rough coat is of medium length and wiry; and the short coat is hard and dense. The colours of the Dutch Shepherd vary in shades of brindle, including grey, yellow, red or gold, and blue.
Did You Know?
- Historically, Dutch Shepherds were valued for their herding skills. Today, they are also used in various working roles, such as police work, search and rescue, and as service dogs.
- The Dutch Shepherd is an energetic dog that requires regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. Daily walks, playtime, and engaging activities are important to prevent boredom and ensure they get sufficient physical and mental stimulation.
- While Dutch Shepherds have a strong work ethic, they also tend to form close bonds with their families.
Health Issues
If you are considering the adoption of a Dutch Shepherd puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy’s parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the General Information page.)
Additional Health Resources:
- Health and Nutrition — Growing section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website which includes information on several health and nutrition related issues.
- Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) — Providing a source of health information for owners, breeders, and scientists that will assist in breeding healthy dogs. CHIC is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
- AKC Canine Health Foundation — Working towards developing scientific advances in canine health.
- OFA – Companion Animal Eye Registry (CAER)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
- Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
- University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip)
- HealthGene — HealthGene Corporation is the leading provider of veterinary DNA diagnostic services in Canada.
- Labgenvet — Laboratory of Veterinary Genetics is a Canadian diagnostic laboratory that offers a comprehensive service of DNA tests for veterinary genetic diseases.
Grooming Information
- Grooming — This section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.
Training Resources
- Training — For training information, see this growing section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
Additional Information
- Is a Dog from the Herding Group Right for You?
- Clubs, Sports & Activities — For information on the many sports and activities you can get involved in with your dog.
- Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website provides information and listings of organizations that are involved in various dog jobs, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Protection Dogs, and much more.
*NOTE 1: CHIC – The Canine Health Information Center “is a database of consolidated health screening results from multiple sources. Co-sponsored by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Health Foundation, CHIC works with parent clubs to identify health screening protocols appropriate for individual breeds. Dogs tested in accordance with the parent club established requirements, that have their results registered and made available in the public domain are issued CHIC numbers.” To learn more, visit: www.caninehealthinfo.org
*NOTE 2: The Fédération Cynologique International (FCI) is the World Canine Organization, which includes 91 members and contract partners (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 344 breeds, with each being the “property” of a specific country. The “owner” countries write the standards of these breeds in co-operation with the Standards and Scientific Commissions of the FCI, and the translation and updating are carried out by the FCI. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.
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