The Dutch Shepherd is a medium-sized dog with a unique look. It has a wedge-shaped head, a flat skull, pointy triangular ears that stand up, and dark, almond-shaped eyes that show a lot of emotion.
This breed originally comes from the Netherlands but is often mistaken for German Shepherds or Belgian Malinois because they share similar ancestry.
Even though they look alike, the Dutch Shepherd is known for being easier to train. This makes them a great choice for families who live active lifestyles and want a loyal, smart pet.
Here’s what you need to know about this breed.
History of the Dutch Shepherd:
Dutch Shepherds, also called Dutch Herders, were originally bred to herd livestock. In the 19th century, when farming in the Netherlands was booming, these dogs were in high demand for their herding skills. They weren’t just good at guiding animals and strong enough to pull carts, but they also made excellent farm guard dogs.
The breed’s standard was officially recognized in 1898. Later, in 1914, the rules changed to allow only brindle-colored coats for Dutch Shepherds. This helped distinguish them from German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois, which look similar.
By the 20th century, farming was becoming more modern, so the need for herding dogs declined. Things worsened during World War II when breeding programs stopped, and many Dutch Shepherds didn’t survive. The breed almost disappeared.
After the war, enthusiasts worked hard to save these dogs, which are still rare today. While some Dutch Shepherds are adopted as pets, many work with the police and military in search-and-rescue missions or as assistance dogs.
Dutch Shepherd Appearance:
Dutch Shepherds may remind you of German Shepherds, but they have special traits that make them stand out. Their gold or silver brindle coats can be short, long, or rough, and they all have a woolly undercoat.
With a muscular body, perky ears, and watchful eyes, they might look ready to join the police force! But don’t be fooled; Dutch Shepherds are also playful and loving family dogs, as shown by their happy smiles.
Ears
Dutch Shepherds have large, pointed ears that stand straight on their wedge-shaped heads. When they’re puppies, their ears are floppy, but they perk up as they grow and their muscles develop.
Eyes
These dogs have almond-shaped eyes, which are usually brown or gold, and they have a warm and alert expression.
Nose
Their long muzzles and black noses are part of their classic shepherd look.
Coat Length
A Dutch Shepherd’s coat comes in three types:
- Short-Hair: Smooth and close to the body with a woolly undercoat.
- Long-Hair: Medium-length and straight with a woolly undercoat.
- Rough hair: Dense, coarse, and shaggy with a woolly undercoat.
Coat Color
Most Dutch Shepherds have a brindle coat, which looks like faint tiger stripes in silver or gold.
Tail
When they’re relaxed, their long tails hang down with a slight curve. When they’re excited or active, their tails arc upward, showing their energy and enthusiasm.
Dutch Shepherd Size & Weight:
Male Dutch Shepherds are a bit bigger than females. Males usually grow to about 22 to 25 inches tall, while females are around 21 to 24 inches tall. These dogs generally weigh between 50 and 70 pounds, but some may be bigger or smaller.
Temperament and Personality:
Dutch Shepherds are incredibly smart and can do almost anything. They excel at agility, herding, police work, guide dog duties, search and rescue, and being amazing family companions. They’re eager to please and quick learners, picking up new commands easily.
These dogs do best with a confident trainer who can set clear boundaries, keep training fun, and build trust. It’s important to start socializing with them early so they stay calm and friendly around new people and other pets.
Dutch Shepherds make excellent watchdogs and often bark to alert you when a stranger is nearby. While this can be helpful, they must also learn to behave around guests.
This breed is loving and loyal, making them great with families, including kids and other pets. However, they need lots of exercise and mental challenges to stay happy. Without enough activity, they can get bored and might act out. Keeping them active and engaged will make them a wonderful addition to your home.
Diet Requirements:
Dutch Shepherds are active dogs that need a diet for medium-to-large breeds with lots of energy. Talk to your veterinarian or a pet nutritionist to find the best food and portion sizes for your dog.
You might also want to ask about adding fish oil supplements to their meals. Fish oil can help keep your dog’s coat shiny and skin healthy. Having the right diet will keep your Dutch Shepherd happy and full of energy.
Dutch Shepherd Care:
Dutch Shepherds do best in active homes with plenty of attention and mental stimulation. They are unhappy being left alone for long periods and may develop problem behaviors if bored. Because they are very smart and independent, they need clear training, or they’ll devise their own (not-so-great) ways of doing things.
Exercise Needs
Dutch Shepherds need daily exercise, with walks or activity sessions lasting 30 to 60 minutes. They thrive in families that let them “work” by participating in fun activities like agility, nose work, or obedience training.
These dogs love to run, so games like Frisbee are perfect! When they get enough exercise and are mentally challenged, they are calm and well-behaved at home. With the right care, they are not considered high-maintenance pets.
Grooming
Dutch Shepherds have beautiful brindle coats in three types: short and smooth, long-haired, and wire-haired (rare). If your dog has a soft or long coat, you’ll need to brush them once a week to remove loose hair and keep their skin healthy.
Their coats are water-resistant, so they don’t need frequent baths. However, during their shedding seasons in spring and fall, you might need a good deshedding tool, like a Furminator, and be ready to vacuum more often.
Training
Training a Dutch Shepherd is exciting because they are among the smartest dog breeds. Early and ongoing positive training and socialization are important. These dogs love to learn and will impress you with how quickly they pick up new commands.
Dutch Shepherds have strong guarding instincts, which allow them to be protective and territorial. Training helps healthily guide these instincts. Their intelligence also makes them great at jobs like police or military work.
Since they were bred to herd, they might try to herd or chase things, including people or other animals. Be ready to redirect their focus and teach them alternative behaviors to keep things under control.
Common Health Problems in Dutch Shepherd:
Dutch Shepherds are generally healthy dogs, especially compared to their popular relatives, the German Shepherds. However, like any breed, they can face some health issues.
Luckily, these problems occur in relatively low numbers, and responsible breeders often perform health checks on parent dogs to help prevent them.
Here are the main health concerns for Dutch Shepherds:
- Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a common issue in large dogs, including Dutch Shepherds. It happens when the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, which can cause pain and trouble moving. A good breeder will test parent dogs to reduce the chances of passing this condition to puppies.
- Goniodysgenesis
This condition affects the eyes, causing restricted fluid flow. In severe cases, it can lead to blindness. While rare, it’s mostly seen in the rough-haired variety of Dutch Shepherds. Responsible breeders screen for this condition to ensure healthy puppies.
- Inflammatory Myopathy
This is a newly discovered disease specific to Dutch Shepherds. It causes muscles to weaken and break down over time; unfortunately, there is no cure. However, breeders can screen for this condition to prevent passing it to future litters.
Dutch Shepherds with Children and Other Pets:
Dutch Shepherds are loyal and loving dogs, especially when it comes to their families, including kids. They usually form strong bonds with the people they know and trust. While they might bark or act cautious around strangers, this makes them great watchdogs.
Around Children
Dutch Shepherds are great companions for kids, but it’s important to ensure everyone plays safely. Supervise playtime to ensure things don’t get too rough, and teach kids how to handle dogs gently and respectfully. Kids can build an amazing bond with their Dutch Shepherd when they know how to act around dogs.
Around Other Pets
Dutch Shepherds usually get along well with other dogs and pets. Early socialization is key to helping them stay calm and friendly around new animals and people, and introducing them to other pets while young can make a big difference.
By teaching your Dutch Shepherd how to interact with kids, guests, and pets early on, they’ll grow into a well-behaved, loving family member.
Conclusion:
The Dutch Shepherd is an amazing, smart, loyal, and energetic dog. They love being part of an active family and enjoy learning new things.
With their beautiful brindle coats, strong build, and playful personality, they can make great companions for people who are ready to give them the exercise, training, and love they need.
The Dutch Shepherd might be the perfect choice if you’re looking for a hardworking and affectionate dog who will become your best friend.