The history of the Dutch Shepherd Dog goes back approximately 100 years, when they were used on Dutch farms to herd flocks, guard livestock against predators, and to generally make themselves useful in any capacity. The breed was fairly common at that time, but after the Second World War, their numbers dwindled to near extinction. Many were taken to be used as service dogs, and those that were left died of starvation. A handful of Dutch breeders were determined to see the breed survive, and thus began a whole new line, descendants of the dogs we see today. The first breed standard was created in 1898, and since they were still so rare, any coat colour was accepted. In 1914, when their numbers began to increase, the standard was changed to allow only brindle, and variations of it, to be accepted. This was done largely to distinguish the Dutch Shepherd Dog from the German and Belgian Shepherd. The most notable difference in physical appearance is the Dutch Shepherds ear set, which is closer to the top of the skull than in the other two breeds. Another unusual feature of this dog is its abnormally long tongue, which has a tendency to loll out of the mouth. Appearance The Dutch Shepherd Dog is medium-sized, standing from 21 to 24 inches tall, and generally weighs about 60 pounds. It is slightly longer than it is tall, with a deep chest, strong loins, and a short powerful back. The coat comes in three different types: short, long, and rough. The Dutch Shepherd also appears in a variety of colours: brindle, grey brindle, salt and pepper, blue grey, gold brindle, and silver brindle. Read more about the Dutch Shepherd Dog description of breed...
Posted on: Sat, 01 Nov 2014 13:01:14 +0000
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