The Dutch Shepherd is a breed renowned for its intelligence, courage, and exceptional skills. These qualities make it an ideal companion for a variety of security and rescue tasks. Its protective nature and willingness to work make it a highly efficient dog in high-risk situations. Affectionate, obedient, intelligent, alert, reliable, and brave are some of the qualities that make the Dutch Shepherd puppy an excellent companion animal. It is always willing to carry out the tasks entrusted to it since it has the characteristics of a herding dog. It is very attached to its owners and has a hard time being alone. On the other hand, its great sensitivity can lead it to distrust strangers and become aggressive, which is why it is also an excellent guard dog.
Learn more about this popular breed if you plan to welcome them.
History of The Dutch Shepherd Puppy
Since the Middle Ages, these dogs have been used to help farmers control livestock, pull small carts, and guard the home. The Dutch Shepherd puppy variety is closely related to other Western European herding dogs, such as the German or Belgian. It is even believed that the Dutch and Belgians share common ancestors and were part of the same breed before the Netherlands and Belgium established their borders.
The standard was set at the end of the 19th century and, although all coat shades were initially permitted, they were later limited to brown and black. By the mid-20th century, the Dutch Shepherd variety was on the verge of extinction. On the one hand, modernization in the fields; on the other, the advent of the Second World War. Although the breed managed to recover thanks to the efforts of Dutch kennel clubs, today it remains a breed that is difficult to find.
Appearance of the Dutch Shepherd Puppy
Medium size, medium build, muscular, and strong body structure. With great endurance, lively temperament, and intelligent expression.
Dutch Shepherd Breed Behaviour
Loyal and reliable, always alert and independent. A dog that is very devoted to its owner and very cautious with people it doesn’t know and good at working with livestock. [/fancy_box]
Cranial Region
Skull: flat
Head: good proportion to the body. It is elongated and without wrinkles; dry, with flat cheeks and without having pronounced cheekbones.
Facial Region
Nose: straight and parallel to the top line of the skull.
Truffle: black.
Muzzle: Longer than the forehead.
Lips: Firm and pigmented.
Jaw/Teeth: Strong, scissor-like bite, white teeth.
Eyes: dark color and medium size, almond-shaped.
Neck: Short and dry, gradually inserting into the body.
Body
The Dutch Shepherd dog breed has a strong and muscular body.
Back: firm and straight
Loin: Strong and short
Croup: sloping and not too short
Chest: arched and deep
Tail: drooping and not extending past the hocks, with a slight curve at the end.
Forequarters
Shoulders: Strong and well-muscled
Forearm: Strong and long, the bone is very solid but not heavy
Elbows: Well attached
Hindquarters
Thigh: well developed and muscular,
Knee: hard and resistant.
Leg: strong and resistant, since it is pushed with the hind legs.
Hock: none.
Feet: oval and close together, with the toes slightly arched.
Movement: free, smooth, and flexible, without exaggeration in the reach or push.
3 Types of Coat
English: The collar, breeches and tail should be feathered and visible. These are close-fitted, wooly undercoats.
Short: smooth, close-fitting, rough to the touch, without curls, with a woolly undercoat.
Hard: Dense, hard, and unruly with a woolly undercoat all over the body except the head. The coat should be tight.
Color: Brindle, golden, and silver.
Size and Weight
Males: 57-62 cm, 29-30 kg
Females: 55-60 cm, 26-29 kg
Temperament and Personality
These dogs are very docile, loyal, and attached to their family, especially to the person who trained them and spends the most time with them. They have a friendly character and like to please, so it is very easy to live with them. They love to play and spend time having fun, so they will get along very well with children of all ages. In addition, they are very tolerant.
Training and Exercise
Another good preparation for life with a Dutch Shepherd puppy is to think about training. Even as a puppy whether your dog is cute, chews on your shoes, or looks at you sadly while eating, set limits from the start and make it clear that he must obey your commands. If your dog has already picked up bad habits, it will be very difficult to break them when he is an adult. Be persistent and teach him the most important rules of coexistence from a young age. Violence and excessive severity will not teach this sensitive dog anything; on the contrary. The greatest successes will come with positive reinforcement. Offer him incentives to cooperate and convince him that obeying is worth the effort.
Caring and Maintenance Tips
Short-haired dogs need to be brushed once a week, although, during the molting season in spring and autumn, you should do it continuously. Long-haired dogs need two to three brushes a week, while wire-haired dogs do not need to be brushed as often. However, they should go to the groomer every 4 or 5 months. Baths should only be given when necessary, as excessive washing damages the natural layer of fat that protects their skin.
Health Problems and Diet
Dutch Shepherds are generally in very good health, with a lower incidence of genetic diseases than other herding breeds. However, some conditions to be aware of include hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as hypothyroidism, especially in the long-haired variety.
Retinal dysplasia is a condition that is more common in wire-haired cats. It is a hereditary condition that affects blood flow to the eye and in the most severe cases can lead to glaucoma or blindness.
Feeding Your Dutch Shepherd Puppy
When it comes to food, this breed is not very demanding either. Of course, this does not mean that you can give it just anything. After all, food greatly influences the healthy development of the dog. But what food should you give it? What is the best food for a Dutch Shepherd? There are no generalizations on this subject, as the needs of each dog are as varied as their character. Therefore, the choice of food must take into account several factors: size, weight, age, health status, activity level, etc. To find out what nutrients your dog needs and what they contain, look at nutritional tables or talk to your vet. All dogs need plenty of meat (at least 70%), lots of vegetables (approx. 20%), few grains (less than 10%), and no sugar. In addition, they should always have fresh water available.
How to Find the Ideal Breeder
To find one, it is worth doing a lot of research. Check out dog sporting centers and forums, and ask someone who owns a Dutch Shepherd puppy. Perhaps someone can recommend a breeder to you.
Of course, none of this replaces the first meeting with the breeder, which is a decisive moment. Not only should you like the breeder, but he should also be willing to let you take a look at his work. Don’t be afraid to ask him lots of questions. After all, you should know where your new friend came from and how he spent his first few weeks of life. Responsible breeders are happy when buyers think long and hard before buying a Dutch Shepherd puppy. After all, they too want their babies to end up in good hands. So don’t be surprised if the breeder asks you a lot about your life circumstances and experience with dogs. Consider this a good sign.
What to do before buying a puppy
Preparations for the arrival of your puppy should be just as thorough as choosing a breeder. Make the most of the wait to get everything ready. Buy the necessary accessories, prepare his sleeping place, and puppy-proof your floor. With such a whirlwind, you can be sure that a vase or two will break. Find out about courses for puppies and young dogs and check out dog sports centres in your area. The breeder will probably be able to help you and give you all kinds of tips for living with your Dutch Shepherd puppy.
Conclusion
Proper care and a balanced diet are essential for your dog’s health. However, his happiness does not depend on the brush or the contents of the bowl. To satisfy a Dutch Shepherd puppy, it must be properly activated physically and mentally. As a shepherd dog, it needs to work. This does not mean that it has to be trained as a guide dog or police dog, although it is excellent at this.
Dog sports or joint activities, such as cycling, jogging, or playing in nature, are ideal to stimulate him. If you don’t like to move and just want to go around the block when the sun is shining, this dog is not for you. He is too active and temperamental to match your preferences. On the other hand, if you want to do things with him and have time for his training and education, he will be a faithful and tireless friend.
