Dogs

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN The Netherlands.
MOST SUITED AS Sheepdog and family pet

SIZE
The shoulder-height is 57 - 62cm (221/2 -241/2in) for dogs and 55 - 60cm (211/2 - 231/2in) for bitches.

COAT
There are three different types of coat for the Dutch Shepherd: short-haired (silver and gold streaks), rough-haired (blue-grey pepper-and­salt-coloured, or silver and gold streaked), and long-haired (silver and gold streaked).
With all varieties, dogs for the show ring should not display too much white on their chest and feet.

CARE REQUIRED
Both short- and long-haired coats require regu­lar grooming with brush and comb, to remove dead a loose hairs.
The rough-haired coat should never be brushed, although combing is fine, but in moderation, otherwise the coat suffers. Always use a coarse comb. Have the coat plucked by a dog salon twice a year. The hair can be clipped in a few places as a finishing touch and the excessive hair in the ears should be removed.

CHARACTER
This affectionate dog is eager to learn, intelli­gent and obedient, sober, very loyal to its hand­ler and family, incorruptible, active, lively, and alert.

TRAINING
Dutch Shepherds are happy to be all-round dogs. They can and will learn new commands quickly. In certain branches of sport such as a­gility, fly-ball, and obedience competitions, they can eclipse their rivals. The short-haired type is the most usual sort for defence/police dog trials.

SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
Dutch Shepherds enjoy the company of their own kind and get along fine with other ani­mals. Provided children allow the dogs to have peace, they can also make good play-mates for children.
Unwanted visitors are halted in their tracks, while known family friends will be greeted enthusiastically.

EXERCISE
It is good for this breed to let them regularly run beside the cycle, or take it into the woods or open countryside where it can run to its heart's content. Because Dutch Shepherds want to work, it is advisable to drill them at least twice per week to keep them both physically and mentally fit.