The Dutch Shepherd Dog Breed Standard
American Dutch Shepherd
INTRODUCTION - The American Dutch Shepherd Dog is actually the beginning of a breed derived from the Working Dutch Shepherds from Holland. The Working Dutch Shepherd is bred to do Police Type Work. Found working for the Dutch Police and in the Sport of KNPV. In the last few years the popularity of this breed has grown and Dutch Shepherds are entering into the United States on a regular basis. The Working Dutch Shepherds were mostly seen working for US Military and then discovered by our Police Agencies. They have recently become popular in Protection Dog Sports and found to be a great Personal Protection and Family Dog.
There seems to be a split in Holland and has been for years. Most FCI registered dogs are bred in a totally different way than the working KNPV dog. The ADSC was set up for the Working Dog. KNPV and Police Type Dogs, but all Dutch Shepherds are welcome.
The Standard of the American Dutch Shepherd Dog is not the same as the FCI. The size was set by what is preferred to compete in KNPV or to become a Police Dog. The standard is loose as our main goal is not Type, it is to maintain the Workability of the Breed. This has been done in Holland for years and is no big secret. They have bred Dutch Shepherds for a Working Police Type Dog. Although Type is not of the greatest concern, Structure is. The Dutch Shepherd dog must have Sound Structure and no disabilitating faults.
The ADSC Breed Standard was set up to Maintain the Police Type Dog as in Holland.
GENERAL APPEARANCE - A well-proportioned, well muscled dog of powerful, well balanced build, with an intelligent expression and lively temperament. The Dutch Shepherd is known to be longer than tall, but not angulated.
VARIETIES - There are 3 Varieties, distinguished by coat type. The ADSC registers the Varieties as one breed, stating coat type on each individual dogs registration papers.
* Short Hair SH, * Long Hair LH, *Rough or Curly Hair RH
SIZE - Males & Females (the standard size preferred to compete in KNPV)
HEIGHT FROM THE WITHERS at least 21 5/8" tall and not taller than 27 9/16"
COLOR - Brindle Preferred, but others accepted.
CHARACTER - The Dutch Shepherd is intelligent, affectionate, obedient, tractable, alert, faithful and reliable. They have great stamina, are vigilant, active and gifted with the true Shepherd Dog Temperament.
The Dutch Shepherd is affectionate and loyal towards the whole family, however it will reserve its highest loyalty for one member. They are excellent family protectors and very trainable as a Police Service Dog.
The Dutch Shepherd can have a will of its own, but is very trainable when the owner is the "leader of the pack".
They are a dog that loves to work and needs to work. If left alone to much a Dutch Shepherd will create it's own kind of work, which may be hazardous to your belongings. They have energy and they need to use it.
If you don't like a dog that likes to be with you than the Dutch Shepherd Dog is not for you.