As its name suggests, this breed of dog originated in Holland, where it was used by shepherds to guide flocks so that they did not cross boundaries related to plantations and irrigation, in addition to serving as a watchdog at the time to alert farmers of any danger they detected.
Despite this, his skills were not only used for farms and agricultural operations. Because of its versatility, the Dutch Shepherd has also become popular as a police dog.
Types of Dutch Shepherd Dogs
There are three varieties of Dutch Shepherd depending on the type of coat it has
- Dutch Shepherd Longhair: Its legs, both front and back, have a long, smooth coat.
- Dutch Shepherd Shorthair: The texture of his coat is stronger.
- Dutch Wirehaired Shepherd: His coat is rough to the touch.
In all three cases, the Dutch Shepherd usually has a brindle coat, which in turn mixes gold and silver tones, while its muzzle appears as a black mask.
Character and Behavior of the Breed
Given that the Dutch Shepherd is the result of decades of continuous selection to make a stronger and more resistant dog, this breed of dog is characterized by the fact that it is very active. That is to say that its energy level is inexhaustible. It therefore needs daily exercise.
On the other hand, it should be noted that it is a loyal, docile and affectionate dog that also learns very quickly. It is also known to be a family breed, attached to both children and the elderly, with whom they are very patient. They also generally get along well with other animals, which makes it easier for them to live together.
Training and Education Tips
Being an intelligent and attentive dog, it is not difficult to teach a Dutch Shepherd any command, so much so that it is often trained to participate in agility circuits.
However, one of the things to keep in mind when training this type of dog is that, due to its guarding nature, it may be wary of visits from strangers. Therefore, it is important to socialize him properly and get him used to being in contact with new people.
In addition, his training will serve to stimulate him physically and mentally.
The Dutch Shepherd Puppy
An important part of training a Dutch Shepherd puppy is to keep in mind that he is an energetic dog who is always looking for stimuli. That’s why it’s essential to keep him fit and properly entertained with walks and dog toys that tap into his potential.
How to Feed a Dutch Shepherd According to Its Age?
The Dutch Shepherd’s diet must be adapted to his needs at each stage of his life:
Puppy
It is important to remember that the care given at this stage determines its development. It is therefore advisable to choose a food formulated for puppies that meets their energy needs with high quality proteins, vitamins, minerals, calcium and phosphorus, among other ingredients.
Adult
As an adult, the Dutch Shepherd’s needs change. The food offered to him must therefore contain essential amino acids that strengthen his natural defenses.
Senior
During this stage, the Dutch Shepherd’s physical activity will be reduced, so it is recommended to offer him a diet that avoids excess weight.
There you are! Do you have or are you planning to adopt a Dutch Shepherd? Let us know in the comments below.
