Dutch Shepherd

The Dutch Shepherd is a versatile herding and working breed from the Netherlands, recognised by its brindle coat and kept today for herding, police and dog sport.

History

It began as an all-round farm dog in the Netherlands — herding sheep, guarding the yard and pulling carts — and as that rural life faded it found a second career in police and protection work, where its trainability keeps it in demand. It comes in short, long and rough-haired coats.

Temperament

The breed is known for being intelligent, energetic and biddable, closely bonded to its handler and eager to work. It is alert and lively, and needs both body and mind occupied.

Care and training

It needs a great deal of exercise and mental work and excels at training and dog sports, taking eagerly to a job. Grooming depends on the coat, with the short variety the easiest to keep.

Health

The breed is comparatively sound, having stayed close to its working roots; noted tendencies include hip dysplasia, an inherited eye condition and, in some lines, a muscle disorder. These are patterns for the breed rather than a verdict on one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.