The Dutch sheepdog, also known as the Dutch Sheepdog, is native to the Netherlands. There are three types of local sheepdogs in the Netherlands. One is the long-haired type. The coat of this sheepdog is relatively rough, long and straight, and naturally hangs down on both sides of the body. There is also a short-haired type, the coat of this shepherd dog is fine and dense. The third type is the bristle type, which is rougher and tougher and of medium length. The habit of classifying by hair like this began to take shape at the dog show more than a hundred years ago. So now everyone agrees with this classification. In the Netherlands, the short-haired sheepdog has the largest number and the widest range, the wire-haired type is relatively rare, and the long-haired type is even rarer.

First, the historical origin of the Dutch Shepherd

The Dutch Shepherd originated in the Netherlands in the eighteenth century, although it is related to the German Shepherd There is a closer blood relationship, but it is significantly more similar to the Belgian Groanda Shepherd, which is more distantly related. In fact, except for the color, the Dutch Shepherd and the Belgian Shepherd are judged on the same criteria. of. The Belgian Shepherd is widely recognized in Northern Europe and the United States, but the Dutch Shepherd has not attracted enough attention from countries and regions outside the Netherlands, and its number is limited, with about 400 registrations per year. . Nonetheless, the Dutch Shepherd's outstanding herding ability and quick reflexes are highly prized. It can be adapted to a variety of purposes, such as farm escort, grazing, car towing, sentry, search and ambulance, etc. These sheepdogs with different coats were bred widely in the southern part of the Netherlands and neighbouring Belgium in the early 19th century.

Second, the appearance characteristics of the Dutch Shepherd

1. Overall

Male Dutch Shepherd height 22.5-24.4 inches (57.0-62.0 cm) at the shoulder, female The Dutch Shepherd is 21.7-23.6 inches (55.0-60.0 cm) tall at the shoulder. Weight Range: Male Dutch Shepherds weigh 55.1-66.2 lbs (25.0-30.0 kg) and female Dutch Shepherds 50.7-61.7 lbs (23.0-28.0 kg). And the Dutch Shepherd is very agile, graceful, and light-hearted. The range of movement can neither be too rigid nor too exaggerated.

2. Head

The muzzle of the Dutch Shepherd's skull is horizontal to the topline, and the skull is slightly flat. The nose is always black, and the nostrils give a prominent impression. The muzzle is slightly longer than the skull and should be flat. Lips are tense. Teeth strong and neat, with a scissors bite. The eyes are dark, medium in size, almond-shaped and slightly slanted rather than round or bulging. The ears are triangular erect ears that grow on the top of the head.

3. Body

The neck should not be too short without fat. The body is muscular and well-proportioned. The back is short, straight and powerful. The loin is well muscled and of moderate length. The hips should never be too short or too sloping. Ribs are elastic. The chest is broad and deep, and the abdomen is tightened. When resting, the tail hangs down and the tip of the tail is slightly rolled up. When exercising, it should be upturned gracefully and must not be curled horizontally.

4. Limbs

The forerunner is strong, with good muscles and bones, and overall straight. The forelegs are well muscled, slender and parallel. The hindquarters are strong and powerful, and well muscled and boned, forming a normal angle. The feet are round, with relatively small claws and no residual toes. The stop is slightly arched, the claws and pads are black, and there are protective hairs between the toes.

3. How to raise the Dutch Shepherd

The Dutch Shepherd puppies must eat for about ten minutes each time. Leave it on for the second meal. The food and water basins they eat must be clean, hygienic and non-toxic. Provide them with drinking water in a timely manner. Puppies within three months should be fed four times a day. Those with poor appetite can feed the poor ones first, and then feed the good ones, and add food one by one. Do not add too much, otherwise it will cause their disgust. Four to six months of feeding three times a day, food should be increased. After six months, it can be fed twice a day, and the diet can be gradually adjusted to the adult dog's diet. Eight-month-old Dutch Shepherds grow very quickly and require a lot of nutrients, so they can follow the puppy's diet for a while longer.