Learn More About Hollandse Herdershond (Dutch Shepherd Dog)

Summary

The Hollandse Herdershond, or Dutch Shepherd, is a medium-sized breed characterized by its athletic build, alertness and adaptable nature. Its body is slightly longer than it is tall, with well-developed muscles, giving it excellent physical conditioning and flexibility. Its eyes are almond-shaped and medium-sized, giving it an intelligent and alert expression. The ears are erect and rather small in relation to the head. The Dutch Shepherd belongs to FCI Group 1, which includes herding and driving dogs. In terms of coat types, there are three lines: short-haired, long-haired and wire-haired, each with its own unique characteristics. While the short-haired line has a smooth, shiny coat that lies close to the body, the long-haired line is characterized by its long, straight and well-fitting coat. The rough-haired line, on the other hand, has a dense, rough and wiry coat.

Character

The Dutch Shepherd is known for its friendly and even-tempered temperament. He is intelligent, eager to work and very people-oriented. As a real all rounder, he is suitable both as a family dog ​​and as a working dog for various tasks. He is characterized by his high learning ability and his adaptability. Whether as a companion dog, in dog sports or as a service dog, the Dutch Shepherd always shows full commitment. The Dutch Shepherd is an active and energetic dog that needs lots of exercise and mental stimulation. His intelligence and desire to please make him an excellent candidate for various dog sports and training games. He also has a strong protective instinct and is always vigilant without being aggressive. In terms of temperament, the Dutch Shepherd can be described as lively and alert. He is known for his loyalty and his need to be integrated into the family. He gets along well with children and can also get along well with other dogs and pets. His intelligence and willingness to please make him easy to train, and he learns quickly and retains what he learns well. However, he tends to be very attached to his people, so he should learn to stay alone sometimes. The Dutch Shepherd typically does not exhibit strong hunting or prey catching behavior unless encouraged or not properly controlled. Therefore, it is important to start appropriate training early to prevent unwanted behavior. It should be noted that despite his friendly nature, he is a working dog that requires mental and physical challenges to be happy and content.

What to Expect

Dutch Shepherds are intelligent dogs with lots of energy. They must be exercised according to their type and are not beginner dogs.

Care

The Hollandse Herdershond is an active and energetic dog that needs lots of exercise and mental stimulation. For this reason, it is less suitable for keeping in a small apartment or in the city. He needs space to play and run, ideally in a safe garden. Children are usually not a problem for the Hollandse Herdershond. He is a loyal and protective dog that can fit in well with families with children. However, some supervision should always be given as he could accidentally knock over smaller children due to his size and temperament. He usually gets along well with other pets, including cats, especially if he is used to them from an early age. However, initial encounters should be carefully monitored.

Training & Education

As a working dog, the Hollandse Herdershond has a high level of drive and quick comprehension. It is therefore ideal for various dog sports such as obedience, agility, flyball and protection dog training. The breed requires a lot of mental and physical exercise, but it's important to watch out for the signs of overwhelm. An overly stimulated or overworked dog can lead to undesirable behavior. It should also be noted that this breed has the potential to become a "ball junkie." to become. It is therefore important to control play with the ball and to ensure that the dog also has other forms of activity. Because of his hard work and intelligence, it is important that the Hollandse Herdershond learns to control his impulses and develop a certain tolerance for frustration. Training should always be positive and reward-focused to promote learning and build a strong bond between dog and owner.

Nutrition & Grooming

A balanced diet is vital to the health and well-being of the Hollandse Herdershond. As with any breed, his diet should consist of high-quality proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. The exact nutritional needs vary depending on the dog's age, size, weight, activity level and health status. In terms of care, the intensity varies depending on the type of fur. Short-coated dogs only require weekly brushing, while the long-haired and wire-haired varieties require more thorough grooming to prevent matting. The dogs of this breed have an undercoat that protects them from cold weather, so they also cope well with the German climate. However, it should be noted that they can shed more heavily during the seasons between summer and winter.