Discover the Dutch Shepherd FCI Dog Breed

The Dutch Shepherd FCI dog breed is a highly intelligent and energetic breed that excels in herding and working roles. They are known for their agility and obedience.

Their short, dense coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

The Dutch Shepherd FCI is a medium-sized breed, with males weighing between 60-80 pounds and females weighing between 50-70 pounds.

The Dutch Shepherd's physical characteristics are quite impressive.

The head is wedge-shaped, smooth, and dry, and is in proportion to the body.

The forequarters are powerful and well-muscled, with good bone and shoulders that lay well back. The upper arm is of good length.

The Dutch Shepherd comes in several different colors, including brindle, gray brindle, silver brindle, gold brindle, blue gray, and salt and pepper.

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The Dutch Shepherd is a medium-sized dog, with a well-proportioned and well-muscled body.

They are slightly longer than tall, with the length of the body exceeding the height at the withers in a ratio of 10:9.

Their coat can come in a variety of colors, including brindle, gray brindle, silver brindle, gold brindle, blue gray, and salt and pepper.

The Dutch Shepherd has three different coat types: short, long, and wire-haired.

Their coat should be close to the body, with a dense undercoat everywhere except on their head.

Their head is wedge-shaped, smooth, and dry, with an intelligent expression that's hard to miss.

They have a powerful, well-balanced structure that's just as impressive as their looks.

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The forequarters of a subject are a key area of focus. The powerful, well-muscled forequarters have good bone.

Good bone structure is essential for overall health and stability. The shoulders lay well back, allowing for a balanced and efficient movement.

A well-proportioned upper arm is also crucial. The upper arm is of good length, providing a solid foundation for movement and action.

The hind legs of this breed are a notable feature, with a powerful and well-muscled build.

The hock is moderately angled, which allows the rear pastern to be perpendicular to, or slightly less than, the ischium.

Good bone structure is evident in the hindquarters, giving the legs a sturdy foundation.

There are no dewclaws on the hind legs, a characteristic that's worth noting when considering the breed's overall physical characteristics.

The tail is an important feature to consider in evaluating a dog's physical characteristics. At rest, it hangs straight or is gently curved, reaching the level of the hock.

A dog's tail should be carried gracefully upwards when in action. This is a sign of a healthy and confident canine.

A curled tail is considered a fault, and it's not a desirable trait in a dog.

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The Dutch Shepherd FCI has a distinctive coat type known as the Rough Coat. This coat is characterized by a rough, harsh, and tousled outer layer.

The entire body of the Dutch Shepherd FCI Rough Coat is covered with this rough outer coat. A dense, woolly undercoat lies beneath it.

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The hair on the head of the Dutch Shepherd FCI Rough Coat forms strong and off-standing eyebrows. This is a crucial feature of the breed.

The hair on the cheeks and ears of the Dutch Shepherd FCI Rough Coat is less developed than the eyebrows. However, it's still an important part of the breed's overall appearance.

Both the upper and lower lips of the Dutch Shepherd FCI Rough Coat must be well-covered with hair, forming a moustache and a beard. This completes the breed's rugged and robust look.

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The Dutch Shepherd is a relatively low-maintenance breed, but they do require regular grooming. For long-haired dogs, brushing or combing the coat once or twice a week is sufficient, while short-haired dogs can get by with grooming every two weeks.

To keep your Dutch Shepherd's coat in good condition, regular trimming is also necessary. Rough-haired dogs should have their coat trimmed twice a year, while loose hair should be removed regularly during the shedding season in spring and fall.

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Daily grooming is essential during shedding season, and it's also a good idea to check your dog's eyes and ears regularly for foreign bodies or dirt. Foreign bodies should be removed carefully to avoid injury or inflammation, and dirt can be easily removed with a soft cloth.

In addition to grooming, regular check-ups with your vet are crucial to ensure your Dutch Shepherd's health. Visits to the vet and vaccinations are advisable, as well as regular deworming or parasite treatment.

Here's a list of essential accessories for your Dutch Shepherd:

The Dutch Shepherd is a very competent dog that excels in agility, obedience, guard work, herding, catch, and field trailing.

He requires a good deal of mental and physical stimulation, and is happiest when working. This means he needs plenty of exercise and mental challenges to keep him engaged.

The Dutch Shepherd is friendly, playful, and full of energy, but can also be cunning and outsmart his owner if given the opportunity. He's great with children as long as they treat him with respect.

He's a loyal breed that will be devoted to his owner, obedient, and eager to please. He's also a good guardian and is very faithful and reliable.

The Dutch Shepherd is a medium-sized breed that needs space to run around and exercise. He's not suited for small apartments or isolated kennels.

He's a late maturing breed that only reaches full growth and stability at three to four years of age. This means consistent and sensitive training is essential to bring out his best qualities.

The Dutch Shepherd is a persistent breed that thrives on mental and physical challenges. He's always alert and watchful, making him a great companion for active families.

He's not the right breed for inexperienced dog handlers, as he requires a firm but gentle hand to bring out his best behavior.

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The Dutch Shepherd FCI is a versatile breed with a rich history. They originated in the Netherlands in the 19th century as a herding dog.

These dogs were bred to be intelligent, energetic, and loyal companions. They excel in various roles, from herding to guarding.

The FCI recognizes the Dutch Shepherd as a distinct breed with its own breed standard.

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The Dutch Shepherd is a dog breed native to the Netherlands. It has both regional and genetic roots with the Belgian Shepherd Dog.

The Dutch Shepherd originated in the southern part of the Netherlands in the early 1800s. Brabant, a region that bordered Belgium, was home to the largest population of Dutch Shepherds.

The breed's original purpose was as a farm dog, guard dog, cart dog, herder, security, or police dog. This versatility made it an excellent all-around working dog.

The Dutch Shepherd was used as a herding dog for flocks of sheep until the 19th century. It was able to work well with other dogs when herding larger flocks.

The breed was also used to patrol field and road boundaries to keep flocks of sheep away from the fields. As a herding dog, it drove cows to be milked and pulled milk carts.

In addition to herding, Dutch Shepherds were also used as farmyard and guard dogs. They alerted people to approaching strangers and kept chickens out of vegetable gardens.

The Dutch Shepherd was first shown at a dog show in Amsterdam as early as 1874.

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The rare breed has a unique history that dates back to the 19th century.

They originated in England and were initially bred for their distinctive appearance and hunting abilities.

Their short stature and muscular build made them well-suited for navigating dense forests and rugged terrain.

The breed was highly valued for its intelligence and loyalty, often serving as companions to wealthy landowners.

Despite their popularity, the breed's numbers began to decline in the early 20th century due to a combination of factors, including disease and cross-breeding with other dogs.

Their short coats require minimal grooming, but regular exercise is essential to maintain their physical and mental health.