DUTCH SHEPHERD
Herding Dog Group
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Copyright 1995, United Kennel Club, Inc.
January 1, 2007


History

The Dutch Shepherd, native to Holland, was originally a sheepdog, and was also used by Dutch farmers as a general purpose farm dog. Currently enjoying a resurgence in popularity in its homeland, it is also being used as a companion and guard dog.

The Dutch Shepherd is very similar in coat types and physical characteristics, except for color, to the Belgian Shepherd Dog. The brindle color pattern is the only acceptable pattern in the Dutch Shepherd.

The Dutch Shepherd was recognized by the United Kennel Club on January 1, 1995.

The Dutch Shepherd is a medium-sized, well-proportioned, well-muscled dog, with a powerful, well-balanced structure, an intelligent expression and a lively temperament. He is alert, devoted to his owner, obedient, and eager to please and oblige. He is a good guardian, is very faithful and reliable, undemanding, with plenty of stamina, is vigilant, active and is gifted with a typical shepherd temperament. He may be somewhat reserved and should be well socialized.

The length of the body exceeds the height, at the withers, in a ratio of 10:9.

The Dutch Shepherd has three coat types: short coat, long coat, and rough coat.

The size of the head is in proportion to the body. It is wedge-shaped, smooth, and dry. The skull is flat. The muzzle is slightly longer than the skull. The top of the muzzle is straight and runs parallel to the top of the skull. There is a slight stop. The lips are tight.

The head of a rough-coated dog appears to be more square, but this is an illusion.

TEETH - A full complement of strong, white teeth meet in a scissors bite.

Faults: Overshot bite. Undershot bite.

NOSE - The nose is black.

Fault : A nose that is not black.

EYES - The dark, medium-sized, almond-shaped eyes are placed somewhat obliquely.

Faults: Round eyes. Bulging eyes.

EARS - The triangular-shaped ears are small rather than large. Placed on top of the head, they are carried somewhat forward and firmly erect.

Faults: Soft ears. Spoon-like ears. Cropped ears.

The neck is clean and not too short. It flows gently into the backline.

The powerful, well-muscled forequarters have good bone. The shoulders lay well back against the brisket. The upper arm is of good length.

FORELEGS - The forelegs are straight, with sufficient spring to the slightly sloping pasterns.

The body is firm. The ribs are well-sprung. The chest is deep, but not narrow. The underline of the brisket flows gradually into the underline.

The short back is straight and powerful. The firm loins are neither long nor shallow. The croup is not short, nor does it slope excessively.

The powerful, well-muscled hindquarters have good bone. Stifle angulation is normal, without exaggeration.

HIND LEGS - The hock is moderately angled, enough so that the rear pastern is perpendicular to, or slightly less than, the ischium. There are no dewclaws on the hind legs.

The firm feet have well-arched, close-knit toes. The pads are firm and dark. The nails are black.

When at rest, the tail hangs straight or is gently curved, reaching to the level of the hock. When the dog is in action, the tail is carried gracefully upwards. It never curls up over the back nor falls sideways.

Faults: Curled tail. Docked tail.

SHORT COAT

The outer coat is rather hard, smooth, and close-lying all over the body A too-short coat is not desired. There is a woolly undercoat. A ruff, trousers, and feathered tail are clearly evident.

LONG COAT

The long, sturdy hair is straight and close-lying all over the body There are no curls or waves. There is a woolly undercoat.

The head, ears, feet, and the hind legs below the hock are covered with short, dense hair. There is no feathering on the ears. The back of the forelegs are feathered, which gets shorter toward the feet.

The tail is well-covered with long hair.

ROUGH COAT

The entire body is covered with a rough, harsh, tousled outer coat. There is a dense, woolly undercoat. The hair on the head forms eyebrows, which must be strong and off-standing. The hair on the cheeks and ears is less strongly developed. Both the upper and lower lips must be well-covered with hair, forming a moustache and a beard.

Well-developed trousers are preferred. The tail is abundantly feathered.

Must be brindle. Brindle is defined as a black or very dark streaked or striped effect, with hairs of a lighter background color.

Very small white accents may occur on the breast and/or on the feet.

SHORT COAT & LONG COAT

Brindle, on either brown or gray ground; and brindle all over the body, including the collar, trousers, or tail. A black mask is preferred.

ROUGH COAT

Brindle, on either brown or gray ground; and brindle all over the body, including the collar, trousers, or tail. A black mask is preferred. Compared to the other coat types, the brindle is less pronounced in the outer coat.

Faults (all coat types): Too much white on the breast. Too much white on the feet. Wrong colors. Mis-markings.

Serious Faults: White stripes or white spots on any part of the body other than the breast or feet.

Height range for males is from 22½ to 24½ inches. Height range for females is from 21½ to 23½ inches.

Movement is smooth, supple, and normal. The legs are not brought forward in a tied way, neither floating not far-reaching.

Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Solid black body patches. Albinism.