GROUP 5 - WORKING DOGS

Brief History
As the name suggests, a herding dog of Dutch origin. Used by shepherds and farmers who needed a versatile dog that was able to adapt to a harsh and meagre existence. In more recent times, they have been used as search and tracking dogs, as well as guide dogs for the blind. However, a strong, innate herding instinct remains.

Average Life Span
When considering a dog, please realise that you are taking it on for its lifetime.
The average life span is 12 to 15 years.

Temperament
The Dutch Shepherd is loyal and reliable, always alert, watchful, active and intelligent. He is not a breed who is instantly affable with strangers and visitors. It may take some time to earn his trust.

General Breed Description
A medium sized dog, with lots of endurance, a lively temperament and an intelligent expression. Golden or silver brindle in colour, usually with a black mask. Golden can vary from light sand coloured to chestnut red. This dog is relatively rare in Australia, with very few in the country. As with any “working” breed, socialisation and training whilst young would be a must.

Coat and Care Requirements
The breed comes in three coat varieties – short, long and wire haired. Regular grooming will keep his coat in good condition.

Size
Height: Males 57 to 62cms, Females 55 to 60cms.

Health
All breeds have individual health issues. When speaking to breeders it is recommended you enquire about breed’s health and what health testing the breeder does. The Dutch Shepherd is generally a healthy breed, however health conditions do occur occasionally.

Suitability
The Dutch Shepherd is an excellent watchdog, and very loyal to their families. As with all breeds, they should always be supervised when with children. The breed is usually fine with other dogs, providing early socialisation training has been undertaken. A very rare breed in Australia, it may take considerable effort and waiting to secure a Dutch Shepherd.

In Conclusion
Now you know a little more about this breed. If you have decided this is the dog for you and wish to investigate further, please contact the Breed Club or Dogs Victoria. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog events where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the breed and its needs. With any breed of dog, it is important to research and determine suitability for your lifestyle before committing to a puppy which will be a part of your family for many years to come.

Whilst many breeds are recommended for families, it is imperative that when children are with dogs they are supervised at all times. Basic obedience training is a vital part of dog ownership.

Dogs Victoria is about the responsible ownership of all dogs and in particular the preservation of pure breeds.

Link to Dogs Australia Breed Standard:  https://dogsaustralia.org.au/breed/detail/86