The Dutch Shepherd Dog is a well known dog in the Dutch society. We do not only see this breed in the living room, but it also fulfills other functions such as police dog and guide dog. There are three different types, the short-haired Dutch Shepherd Dog, the rough-haired Dutch Shepherd Dog and the long-haired Dutch Shepherd Dog. They were originally bred to perform farming tasks in the countryside of the Netherlands but can now be found in the everyday household. Want to learn more about this breed? Then read on below.
History
Dutch shepherd dog is a Dutch breed that is not often found outside Dutch borders. This breed has been transformed from a shepherd dog to a true all-rounder for the past 120 years. As indicated earlier, this dog is also used as, for example, a police dog and an escort. But its origin can be traced back to 1898. Due to the change of the landscape in the Netherlands, they went from farmland with small villages to big cities and a lot of industry, the role of the Dutch Shepherd Dog has also changed.
A watchful family dog
The Dutch Shepherd Dog is a dog that fits in well with family life. In the past this dog was always used for farm work, but it is also a watchful dog that pays close attention to what happens in its territory. Should an unknown person pass by, the farmer would find out through his faithful four-legged friend. This also applies if something happens to the children, a real family dog.
Like other sheepdogs, this breed is very energetic, this is because the Dutch Shepherd used to roam freely over the farmer’s yard and there was always enough space to let off steam. In addition, this breed is good with children and has a natural vigilance in it, typically that graces the Dutch Shepherd Dog.
In addition to being a family dog, this dog can also perform tasks very well independently. The Dutch Shepherd Dog does not like to sit still and this can also have a bad influence on his behaviour. Try to give your dog as many tasks as possible that he can do independently, your dog will only appreciate this.
The appearance of the Dutch Shepherd Dog
The Dutch Shepherd Dog grows to 55 to 62 centimeters in height, measured from the shoulders and weighs around 30 kilograms. It belongs to the large dog breeds and has a grey or black coat, this can also be a combination of both. As indicated in the introduction, there are three different variants, short-haired, long-haired and shaggy-haired. They all have triangular ears that stand upright. Furthermore, the coat is shorter at the legs and they all have a black muzzle.
The care
With all coat varieties it is recommended to brush well at least twice a week. This ensures that excess hair is removed which is better for health, as this is where germs can hide. In addition to coat care, it is important that the Dutch Shepherd Dog gets enough exercise. This can be done in various ways, if you have a large yard you can let your dog run around freely all day.
The Dutch Shepherd Dog is used to this by nature and will always stay in the neighbourhood, provided he has been trained well. Another possibility is that you and your dog do sports together. Running? Yes please. Working out with your dog will also ensure that you build a better bond with your dog and who wouldn’t want that.
There are also games that are good for mental health, think of tricks or commands. If you combine this with physical exercises it will give even more results. In short, a Dutch Shepherd Dog is a fanatical pet that does not tire easily.
Specific nutrition
There is no specific food for the Dutch Shepherd Dog, but if you look a little more broadly, there is food that fits well with Shepherd Dogs in general. You can also look at other types of food that are made for large dog breeds, here the needs of large dogs are specifically considered. Besides standard kibble you can also choose to feed raw meat.
Are there any diseases that occur in this breed?
Hip dysplasia is something that occurs more often in large dogs, what happens is that the joints wear down faster which can lead to osteoarthritis. There are two causes that can lead to this; in 30% of cases this is heredity and in the other 70% are wrong movements such as climbing stairs and other unnatural movements probably the cause. If you feel that your dog is suffering from this, please contact your vet immediately.
Did you know?
The Dutch Shepherd Dog has a natural vigilance, which can be traced back to his activities more than 100 years ago. At that time, this breed was a sheep-driver but also the guardian angel of the inhabitants of his yard. He notifies his owners if there is an intruder and can sense well whether a person brings good or bad intentions.
Dog training for this breed
The Dutch Shepherd Dog, like all other sheepdogs, is an energetic and fanatical animal. Therefore, try to make sure that your dog gets enough exercise and tasks. This will make sure he won’t get bored and that he will be in a good mood. There are several dog training programs in the Netherlands for this breed and your dog will certainly appreciate this.
Dutch Shepherd Dogs, because of their smart and vigilant nature, are also ideal for training (preparing for) such as police dog, rescue dog and guide dog for the blind. Finally, it is always wise to enroll a puppy in puppy classes. With the Dutch Shepherd Dog you have brought a real worker into your home and it is important to get the most out of it, both for you and for your dog. In such a course, you as the owner learn how to gain insight into the behaviour of the dog and you will gradually see the mutual communication between dogs.
For the puppy it is also important that he learns in a safe way, by doing this together with other puppies they will not easily feel overwhelmed which makes them more sure of themselves. Of course, by working with your dog from day one, a pleasant dog-owner relationship is created and the puppy receives the proper education and training which makes it an even greater pleasure to have a Dutch Shepherd Dog as a pet.
What does a Dutch Shepherd dog cost?
A Dutch Shepherd Dog puppy costs around $1200,-. The price can vary because they are very popular but also because of the decreasing quantity. Always pay attention to where your puppy comes from. With a certified breeder you know for sure that the mother dog is well taken care of and does not have to carry a litter more than a few times. But it’s also about your personal feelings, so make sure you look at several breeders.
How much exercise does this breed need?
Three times a day a walk of 10 minutes will not suffice for this breed. Think more about the hours of exercise your dog will need every day. Seize every opportunity there is, preferably together, to exercise. By doing this you will build a better relationship with your dog, he will appreciate this togetherness enormously. You can let your dog run next to you while you are cycling or let him run with you when you are jogging. Long walks are also good, and if you have a large yard, give your dog the freedom to use it.
Recognition in the United States
This dog breed is officially recognised in the United States of America, this can be found on the official website of the American Kennel Club. This means that it is a healthy dog breed that may be bred with and that can participate in various sporting events.
Do you already own a Dutch Shepherd Dog or are you planning to purchase one?
The Dutch Shepherd Dog is an alert and independent dog that likes to keep an eye on its owner. Originally, it is a dog that was engaged in shepherding tasks and it still enjoys doing this to this day. He does not like to sit still and loves a lot of movement. It is a Dutch breed that we can all be very proud of. Do you have a Dutch Shepherd Dog and would you like to share your story? You can do so below in the comments.
