Dutch ShepherdCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says the Dutch Shepherd was originally the dog of shepherds in the countryside. It kept the flocks away from crops by patrolling the edges of roads and fields, accompanied the sheep to pastures, markets and ports, kept the chickens out of the garden, gathered the cows for milking, pulled the milk carts and alerted the farmers when strangers came.

By around 1900, flocks of sheep had almost completely disappeared from the Netherlands. Its qualities made it suitable for training, so it became a police dog, a search and tracking dog and a guide dog for the blind. The first standard dates from 12 June 1898. Wikipedia says that in 1914 it was decided to accept only brindle, to distinguish it from the German and Belgian shepherds.

How the breed developed

• 12 June 1898 – The first standard is written; any colour is accepted.
• Around 1900 – The flocks disappear; the dog becomes a police and search dog.
• 1914 – Only brindle is accepted.
• 1940s–1950s – The breed comes close to disappearing.
• 11 May 1955 – The FCI recognises the breed.
• 21 December 2019 – The current FCI standard is published.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The Dutch Shepherd is a medium to large dog with a strong, well-muscled body, built to run after the flock all day. There are three coat types: short-haired, long-haired and rough-haired.

General appearance

The almond-shaped, slightly slanting eyes are dark. The medium-sized ears are carried high and erect when the dog is alert. The tail reaches the hock; at rest it hangs down, and in movement it is carried raised, but never curled.

The only accepted colour is brindle. The base colour is golden (from light sand to chestnut red) or silver, and the stripes are visible all over the body. Too much black is not wanted, a black mask is preferred, and large white markings on the chest or legs are not wanted.

The standard describes it as very loyal and reliable, always alert, active, independent, persevering and intelligent, eager to obey and with the true temperament of a shepherd dog. It works gladly alongside its owner and carries out the tasks it is given on its own.

The AKC says it enjoys challenges and does best with short sessions, without much repetition. Without training, it becomes very independent and starts making its own decisions.

Tips for effective training

• Keep sessions short. The AKC says a lot of repetition bores it.
• Give it a job. It does not want to be a dog left at home, but a partner.
• Do obedience training. Otherwise it makes its own decisions.
• Socialise it early. It is a vigilant watchdog.

The AKC says it was bred for hard work and plenty of it. It knows how to tell work, play and rest apart and adjusts its energy to match. It needs physical and mental exercise every day: running, dog sports, tracking or herding.

Tips for a balanced life

• It suits an active, experienced owner.
• The yard must be well fenced.
• Do not leave it alone for many hours.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says the short coat needs only occasional brushing, but daily brushing during the moult in spring and autumn. The long coat is brushed about once a week. The rough coat is hand-stripped about twice a year.

Common health problems

The AKC says that, as a less well-known breed and thanks to Dutch breeding rules, the Dutch Shepherd is generally healthy. It is worth watching for:

Other care

• Check the ears and teeth weekly.
• Trim the nails if they do not wear down on their own.
• Check for ticks after outings in nature.

The AKC says that, as a natural athlete, it needs good-quality food in an amount suited to its activity level.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Split the food into two meals a day.
• Increase the portion on days of hard exercise.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. The body also reaches its adult form later than in small breeds.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• Brindle only. Since 1914 only brindle has been accepted, to distinguish it from the German and Belgian shepherds.
• Three coat types. There are short-haired, long-haired and rough-haired Dutch Shepherds.
• It pulled the milk cart. On the farm, it also pulled the milk carts.
• A police dog. After 1900 it became a police dog, a search dog and a guide dog for the blind.
• Still rare. Wikipedia says it is still a rare breed today.

How does it differ from the Belgian Malinois?

Mainly in colour: the Dutch Shepherd is always brindle.

How big does it get?

Males measure 57–62 cm and females 55–60 cm; they weigh about 23–32 kg.

Is it easy to train?

Yes, it is very intelligent and eager to obey, but it needs short, varied sessions.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 11–14 years.