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Dutch Shepherd (Hollandse Herdershond)
Medium Breed
The Dutch Shepherd is a magnificent breed with a friendly and loving temperament towards their family and an energetic nature which means it is always ready to play.
Breed standards
Country of origin
The Netherlands
Weight
29.5 30.5 kgs/65-67 lbs (standards may vary)
Height
Males 57-62 cm/ 22 3/4 - 24 3/4 Inches; Females 55-60 cm/ 22 24 Inches (Standards may vary)
Coat
Three coat varieties: Short coat: Coat all over the body is hard with a woolly under coat. Long coat: Coat all over the body is long, straight and close lying as well as harsh to the touch. Rough coat: Coat all over the body is thick, rough and harsh with a dense woolly undercoat.
Markings
Short coat — Brindle on a brown or grey ground, Long coat — Brindle on a brown or grey ground, Rough coat — Blue-grey and pepper-and-salt, silver or gold brindle. Black mask on the short and long coat varieties
Lifespan
12-14 years
They are very intelligent and are talented guard dogs, recognising a stranger or a possible threat to their family. They are also talented at agility trials, obedience trials, as well as being fantastic herders, guardians and companions.
Temperament
The Dutch Shepherd is a very obedient, agile and happy breed of dog. They love their family and are very loyal to them. They are suspicious of strangers and are known to readily fulfil their police dog and army patrol duties. They also work as an excellent guard dog. They are easy to train and require socialising from a young age to ensure compliance.
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PoorChildrenGood
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VeryCombativenessNot very
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VeryDominanceNot very
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Not veryFriendlinessGood
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Not veryIndependenceVery
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LoudNoiseQuiet
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Not veryTrainabilityVery
Good to know
The Dutch Shepherd is an excellent guard dog who remains very affectionate and totally loyal to their family whilst remaining suspicious of strangers. The Dutch Shepherd was originally bred as a herding breed and flock guardian.
- A very good versatile working dog
- Performs well as a guard dog
- Makes a good companion
- Requires sufficient daily exercise
- Better suited to country life than city life
- Long and short haired require regular grooming, the wire hair needs trimming and stripping