Herding dogs of Dutch descent include the Dutch Shepherd. They were utilized by farmers and shepherds who required a flexible dog.
Morphology
The height of the Dutch Shepherd ranges from 55 to 63 cm, and the usual weight is between 23 and 32 kg. The breed can be classified as short-haired, long-haired, or rough-haired according to the type of coat. From a near-white, light sand tint to chestnut red, the basic color is golden or silver. The ruff, breeches, tail, and tail fin all prominently display the brindle. The mask should be black. It is undesirable to have excessively white markings on the feet or chest.
Care as a Pet/ In Captivity
Exercise
This breed requires 30 to 60 minutes of daily activity, including good walks. Since Dutch shepherds excel in dog sports competitions like agility, nose work, and obedience, they should ideally live with a household that gives them the opportunity to “work”. Since these shepherds enjoy running, a game of frisbee will be greatly appreciated. They are typically reserved and tranquil around the house and aren’t thought of as high maintenance when they receive the right amount of mental and physical stimulation.
Grooming
With the exception of the shedding seasons in the spring and fall, when a daily thorough brushing is required, the short-haired breed only sometimes need combing. Depending on the job and surroundings, the long-haired species may require grooming more regularly than once per week. Once a week, a thorough brushing is required for the rough-haired variety, and hand-stripping of the dead hair is required twice a year.
Diet and Nutrition
Like any dog, your Dutch shepherd needs to be fed a high-quality, sensible portion-controlled diet. If they lead an especially active lifestyle, you might want to think about feeding them a diet that is richer in protein or that is made specifically for dogs that are active.
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