# Dutch Shepherd

Also known as: Hollandse Herder, Dutch Herder, Dutchie
- **Group:** Herding (FCI group 1)
- **Size:** Medium
- **Origin:** Netherlands
- **Height:** 55–62 cm
- **Weight:** 23–32 kg
- **Life expectancy:** 11–14 years
- **Temperament:** Intelligent, Active, Independent, Loyal, Alert
- **FCI standard:** No. 223

The Dutch Shepherd is a rare, brindle-coated herding dog from the Netherlands, valued for its versatility and work drive. It comes in short, long and rough coats and excels in police, sport and herding work.

## Overview

The Dutch Shepherd is a lean, athletic herder that began as an all-round farm helper in the Dutch countryside. Its brindle coat and sturdy build set it apart from similar shepherd breeds.

Today it remains uncommon, prized by handlers in sport, service and herding. It suits active owners who want a clever partner and have plenty of time for training and activity.

## History

The breed grew out of a naturally occurring shepherd type on Dutch farms, where dogs guarded flocks away from crops, herded cows, pulled milk carts and warned of strangers. The first standard appeared in 1898, and in 1914 brindle became the only accepted colour to set it apart from German and Belgian shepherds.

As sheep flocks vanished around 1900, the dogs moved into police, tracking and guide work. The Second World War nearly wiped the breed out, and after the war a few outside dogs were used to rebuild the gene pool. It is still rare today.

## Appearance

A medium-sized, well-muscled dog of balanced proportions, standing roughly 55 to 62 cm tall. The breed comes in three coat types: short, long and rough. Rough-coated dogs have a tousled look with beard and eyebrows, giving the head a squarer outline.

The coat is always brindle on a golden or silver base, ideally with a dark mask.

## Temperament

Dutch Shepherds are bright, independent and eager to work. They have a strong herding drive and can focus on a task for long periods. They bond closely with their people and tend to be watchful with strangers.

Without enough mental and physical work they can become restless or find their own jobs, so they do best with firm, consistent and positive training.

## Care and exercise

This is an active breed that needs plenty of daily exercise and real mental work such as obedience, tracking, agility or herding. Early socialisation is important.

Grooming depends on the coat. Short coats need occasional brushing, with more during seasonal moults. Long coats need weekly brushing, and rough coats need weekly brushing plus hand stripping twice a year.

## Health

Generally a healthy breed. Conditions seen include allergies, masticatory myositis, pannus, inflammatory bowel disease and an inherited inflammatory myopathy for which a DNA test exists. Rough-coated dogs should be screened for goniodysplasia, and hip and elbow checks are advised.

## Ratings (1 to 5)

- Energy: 5
- Exercise needs: 5
- Grooming: 3
- Shedding: 3
- Trainability: 5
- Barking: 3
- Good with children: 3
- Good with other dogs: 3

Page: https://techtools.cz/tools/dog-atlas/dutch-shepherd
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_Shepherd · https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q29114
Photo: Teunie at Dutch Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 3.0), https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hollandse_herder_korthaar.jpg
Profile written by an AI model from the sources above.