Dutch Shepherd (Herder) - description, history of the breed

The Dutch Shepherd, called the dog breeder, refers to shepherd dogs, but due to her qualities she is often used as a service dog. Unfortunately, this breed is not widely spread and can be considered rare.

History of the breed

Actually, already from the name it is clear, in what country the Dutch Shepherd was formed. Photo of the dog you can see in the article.

It is difficult to say for what reason the breed was not spread. An amazing parallel, which the cynologists probably will never give an explanation, consists in recognizing and spreading the dog at home and unrecognized for its features. Probably, this situation can be attributed to the lack of clear divisions of sheep dogs: each country preferred its own variety. The second reason is concealed, probably in the unsightly form of a dog. Herder (the Dutch Shepherd) was solely a working dog, and in the selection criteria there were not external (external) qualities, but workers. The purity of blood was the second thing.

It is believed that the present form of the Dutch Shepherd dog began to recover only by the beginning of the 18th century. Although descriptions of this dog come across in documents dating to much earlier. Some call the Shetland ancestor Belgian ancestor , others German. In either case, both breeds are directly related to the formation of the Dutch Shepherd.

At exhibitions, the harder was listed as "local shepherd" or "local breed". This also indicates a low prevalence of the breed. The Dutch Shepherd received the recognized name in 1878. About some standard, it was not until 1935. It was then that the question was raised about the exterior and working qualities. But the official standard, adopted by the cynological organization FCI, was approved only in 1960.

Prevalence today

Surprisingly, since the sixties of the last century the situation with the breed has not changed. How common is the Dutch Shepherd today? Puppies of this breed often remain inside the country and rarely go abroad. That's why we have so few kennels dealing with herders.

To understand why the breed has not yet taken a worthy position in the world of working dogs is impossible. Over the past decades, the herders have assumed a more noble appearance, and in terms of working qualities and endurance they can even give a head start to German shepherds.

a brief description of

The Dutch Shepherd is considered a rural dog. Herders are very active and hardy. They are faithful, calm, affectionate with children. Very attached to the owners. In relation to other people's dogs can be aggressive.

The Dutch Shepherd is essentially a watchdog, but it is great for working in the police and army. Herder is an excellent choice for sports fans with a dog. This dog can be a companion, a watchman, a shepherd, and a guide. Practically universal. Well trained.

Exterior

A long, not massive head, which is slightly larger in coarse-wool dogs, with a slightly pronounced transition to the muzzle. Non-convex forehead. The dark part is somewhat shorter than the muzzle itself. The eyes are almond-shaped, of medium size, preferably dark. Small ears should be in a standing position. The shells "look" forward. Ears are triangular, the roundness of the tips is unacceptable. The case is strong enough, it is built proportionally. Ribs slightly convex. The chest is deep. Neck without visible suspension. The straight back is short, strong, with a good strong loin. The limbs are muscular. The backbone is sturdy. Paws rounded, arched, necessarily collected in a ball. Looseness of the pastern is not welcome. Pads with claws should be black. The low-set tail hangs freely (at the end - an easy bend) and touches the hocks (if the dog is not excited), in the movement can rise.

The most common type of herder is short-haired, having a thick undercoat. Stand out "tail feather", "collar", "pants".

The second species has a long but closely fitting, thick and straight coat. Waviness and curl are not welcome. The type of coarse hair coat is hard, wire-like, loosely adhering. Undercoat shaggy. The background color of the wire-haired dogs is gray-blue or the so-called "pepper-salt". Tiger is either golden or silver. In other species the main color is brown or gray, with vertical stripes. A black mask is welcome. The growth of males is up to 62 cm, the female - up to 60 cm.

Care

In nutrition, the herder (the Dutch Shepherd) is unpretentious, but like any dog, one should receive a sufficient amount of not only meat, but vitamins and minerals. The Dutchman has a seasoned immunity, but this does not negate the mandatory regular veterinary examinations and vaccinations.

The dog requires regular combing (at least once a week and every day - with molting). Haircut is contraindicated.

The preferred content is aviary. The living space should be thought out. Budku do warmed, without drafts. The concrete (cement) floors in the enclosure are inadmissible. Undesirable location in the direct sun (ideally - 50x50).

Daily walks are required (long walks).