HISTORY OF THE
DUTCH SHEPHERD
Breed History
It is said that the Dutch, Belgian and German Shepherd Dogs resemble each other and are closely related. The differences, especially between the Dutch and Belgian, are very small. Sometimes people say that the difference is artificial and they really belong to the same breed.
The Belgian Shepherd dog comes from the Northern provinces of Belgium which borders the province of Nord-Brabant in the Netherlands. It is said that the Shepherds from the Netherlands and Belgium had crossed the borders and a significant relationship developed through the centuries. At present there is a greater difference between the Dutch and Belgian Shepherd, but at one point they may have been varieties of the same breed. Now breeders speak more of the differences than the resemblance's.
At this time the most notable difference between the Dutch and Belgian Shepherd is the color. At one point in time there were fawn Dutch Shepherds along with the many different color brindles seen today. This is shown in the Kennel Club Belge stud book 1933 to 1937. There is a preference for a black mask, but not a necessity.
White Crow
At the beginning of this century most Dutch Shepherd dogs were predominantly white. In that period the first standard was drafted in which was written that dogs that were white or mostly white were ruled out from breeding. This decision, taken in 1909 was hasty: it decreased the number of dogs for breeding making the base to small and, which caused problems to the build up of the breed. the dark colored dogs were the white crows! During the development of the breed, the German Shepherd, the Lakenois and Tervuren were used. As of today there is still much white seen on the feet, faces, chests and tails.
Character
The Dutch Shepherd was originally bred to keep cattle together and herd sheep and was quick to react to changes in situations. As the need for herding deminished the Dutch Shepherd was given other tasks in order not to become extinct.
Short Hair
The short hair Dutch Shepherd is an active, alert an courageous dog. He is intelligent and is a quick learner. He is generally good friends in a family with children and get along well with other pets, but tends to have a special person. years ago the Dutch Shepherd was said to be "sharp", meaning he may bite quickly. The average Dutch Shepherd now is more tolerant but did not loose its courage.
The Dutch Shepherd has proven to be a great utility dog and are often trained as Police dogs. At present they are becoming more popular in the KNPV in Holland. In the United States they have been found to be excellent Police dogs and are showing up in Schutzhund and French Ring Sport. Most Dutch Shepherds found in the KNPV have short hair and are not FCI registered.
The Long Hair
The long hair has a little different background and a different more. moderate character. There were not many long haired Dutch Shepherds in the Netherlands. In 1937 the long hair was said to be extinct. Two long hairs were found and without much history of their lineage, many surprises were found in the off-spring. There was a strict selection of dogs bred and after a number of years, in-breeding problems developed. They tried cross-breeding with the short haired Dutch Shepherds, but thought this brought undesirable qualities. In 1987 the long hair was bred to a beautiful Belgian Tervuren male with good health, coat, body structure and character. The off -spring were bred back to the long haired Dutch Shepherds and the quality of the long hair became better.
Wire Hair (Rough or Curly Hair)
Information not found. If you have any information regarding this Variety please contact the American Dutch Shepherd Club.
