Hollandse Herder Dog Breed: History, Traits, and Care

The Hollandse Herder is an ancient dog breed that originated in the Netherlands over 500 years ago, with a rich history that dates back to the 16th century.

This breed was originally bred to herd cattle and horses, and its intelligence, agility, and strong work ethic made it an ideal companion for farmers and shepherds.

The Hollandse Herder is a medium-sized dog with a muscular build, weighing between 40-60 pounds and standing between 20-23 inches tall at the shoulder.

They have a distinctive coat that is typically black and white, with a rough, wiry texture that requires regular grooming to prevent matting.

A unique perspective: Lapponian Herder

The Hollandse Herder has a long and varied history as a working dog on farms and in rural areas. They were used for tasks such as herding sheep, guarding children and livestock, and even pulling carts.

The breed's origins date back to the time when farmers needed a dog that was robust, adaptable, and low-maintenance. This background explains the Hollandse Herder's characteristic traits, which remain largely unchanged to this day.

By the 1930s, the breed's numbers had declined significantly due to the disappearance of sheep herds in the Netherlands. The long-haired variant of the breed was almost extinct by this point.

To save the breed, efforts were made to locate and crossbreed remaining Hollandse Herders with other breeds, such as the Mechelse Herder and the Laekense Herder. This helped to boost the breed's numbers and ensure its survival.

The Hollandse Herder's role as a working dog has largely been replaced by machines and other technology, but the breed is still used today in search and rescue operations and by various emergency services.

The Hollandse herder is a type of herding dog that belongs to the hoedende herdershonden group. They're known for their unique way of herding sheep, where they walk alongside the flock rather than behind it.

This allows the sheep to graze in peace, and the Hollandse herder is able to keep the flock together by finding boundaries and walking back and forth along them. Their intelligence and agility make them well-suited for this task.

The Hollandse herder is a medium-sized dog with a sturdy build, weighing around 28 kilograms for males and 23 kilograms for females. They're relatively small, with males reaching a height of 57-62 centimeters and females reaching 55-60 centimeters.

Their lifespan is relatively long, with an average lifespan of 12 years. This is a significant advantage for dog owners who want a loyal companion that will be by their side for many years to come.

The Hollandse Herder is a highly intelligent breed that can learn quickly, but it does require clear leadership and guidance.

This breed is known for its strong work ethic and is often used in various dog sports, such as agility and flyball.

The Hollandse Herder has a strong instinct to follow orders and is easily trainable, making it a great breed for first-time dog owners.

However, if not provided with enough mental and physical stimulation, it can become bored and restless.

A Hollandse Herder is best suited for an active owner who can provide it with regular exercise and training.

Its loyal and trustworthy nature makes it an excellent companion and working dog.

The breed's friendly and enthusiastic personality makes it a great addition to any family.

Early training and socialization are crucial for a Hollandse Herder to develop good behavior and prevent unwanted traits.

Its intelligence and loyalty also make it a popular choice for roles such as police and guide dogs.

The Hollandse Herder's physical appearance is quite impressive. In 1875, the first official breed description was given, marking the beginning of the breed's standardized characteristics.

The breed has undergone changes over the years, with the original standard dating back to 1898 when the Nederlandse Herdershonden Club was founded. This club helped establish the breed's foundation.

Initially, there were six hair varieties, but in 1906, this number was reduced to the current three: Korthaar, Langhaar, and Ruwhaar. These three varieties are the only ones recognized today.

The Hollandse Herder is a medium-sized dog with a balanced and robust build, indicating its athletic and energetic nature. Its head is pointed with a flat skull.

A distinctive feature of the breed is its upright ears, which are triangular in shape. The long tail reaches the hocks and stands upright when the dog is active.

The Hollandse herder is a versatile dog breed that helped farmers on the countryside with tasks like herding sheep, guarding chickens, and pulling a dog cart to transport goods.

Originally, the breed was nearly extinct in the early 1900s because sheep farming was no longer a necessity.

The breed's survival is a testament to the efforts of breeders who searched for remaining Hollandse herders on the countryside.

The Hollandse herder is a versatile dog breed that helped farmers in the countryside by herding sheep, guarding chickens, and even pulling a dog cart to transport goods. This background gives us insight into the breed's character.

They were a crucial part of farm life, and their tasks were essential to the daily operations of the farm. The Hollandse herder was a hard worker.

By the early 1900s, the breed was on the verge of extinction due to the decline of sheep farming. It's a testament to the breed's resilience.

However, a concerted effort was made to preserve the breed by searching for remaining Hollandse herders on farms and in rural areas.

The Hollandse Herder is a breed of dog that originated in the Netherlands, and understanding its background is essential to appreciating its characteristics and needs.

The Hollandse Herder is a herding breed, which is evident in its name and purpose.

In the FCI classification, the Hollandse Herder falls under the Herdershonden en Veedrijvers group, specifically FCI-rasgroep 1.

This breed was developed to herd livestock, and its intelligence, energy, and strong work ethic make it well-suited for this task.

As a gezinshond, the Hollandse herder is a great addition to any family. He's enthusiastic around people he knows and can be a bit reserved around strangers.

He's generally great with kids and prefers people to other animals. A socialization training will help your Hollandse herder get along with other pets.

His herders instinct can sometimes get the best of him, and he might chase people or moving objects outside. He's also prone to barking at visitors or passersby.

It's essential to never leave your Hollandse herder alone with kids, as both can be unpredictable and accidents can happen.

With proper training and patience, you can teach your Hollandse herder to stay alone at home for longer periods. This requires building up his independence gradually.

As an active breed, the Hollandse herder loves going for walks, playing games, running, and even swimming. Not every dog will enjoy water activities, but the Hollandse herder is definitely up for a splash.

The Hollandse herder is a high-energy breed that requires plenty of physical activity to stay happy and healthy. This breed was originally bred to herd sheep, so it's no surprise that they need to keep moving.

They thrive on activities that allow them to run and play freely, such as going for a long walk or jog. If you're an active person, your Hollandse herder will love joining you on your outdoor adventures.

However, it's essential to remember that Hollandse herder puppies need to be handled with care. Excessive play, such as chasing after a ball, can put too much strain on their developing bones and joints.

So, what kind of activities are suitable for your Hollandse herder? Consider activities like running alongside your bike, agility training, or simply playing fetch in a secure area.

The Hollandse Herder's vacht is quite unique and requires regular care to keep it looking its best. The frequency of vachtverzorging depends on the type of vacht your Hollandse Herder has.

For kortharige Hollandse Herders, a quick kamming session every now and then is enough to remove loose hair. However, during the rui, they need to be brushed or kammed daily. To make this process easier, use a herdersharkje to remove loose undercoat and a special hondenshampoo for washing.

Langharige Hollandse Herders, on the other hand, require more attention when it comes to vachtverzorging. They need to be brushed at least once a week, with extra attention paid to areas where the vacht tends to mat, such as behind the ears, in the armpits, and around the tail. During the rui, daily vachtverzorging is necessary to prevent matting.

Ruwharige Hollandse Herders lose very little hair during the rui, but they do require regular grooming. Their vacht should be coarsely kammed, and they should be plucked or stripped every 2-4 months. This can be done at a trimsalon or AniCura dierenkliniek.

To keep your Hollandse Herder's vacht healthy and looking its best, it's essential to brush them regularly. Kortharige and langharige Hollandse Herders need to be brushed several times a week, while ruwharige Hollandse Herders only need to be brushed occasionally.

Here's a rough guide to the frequency of vachtverzorging for each type of Hollandse Herder:

Remember to wash your Hollandse Herder regularly, especially if they get dirty during playtime. Use a pH-neutral shampoo to maintain the integrity of their vacht, and avoid washing them too frequently.

The Hollandse Herder is a highly trainable breed. They thrive on structure and clear communication, making them a great fit for first-time dog owners.

Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them quick learners. With consistent training and positive reinforcement, they can master a wide range of commands and behaviors.

Early socialization is key, starting from an early age to expose them to various environments, people, and other animals. This helps prevent anxiety and aggression issues later on.

They excel in agility and obedience training, using their athleticism and focus to perform complex tasks. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are essential to keep them engaged and happy.

Consistency is crucial in their training, with clear rules and boundaries established from the start. Avoiding harsh corrections and punishment helps build trust and fosters a strong bond between dog and owner.

The Hollandse Herder is a medium-sized dog with a muscular build.

Reuen, or male Hollandse Herders, typically stand between 57 and 62 cm tall.

Teven, or female Hollandse Herders, are generally a bit smaller, ranging from 55 to 60 cm in height.

Male Hollandse Herders usually weigh around 28 kg.

Female Hollandse Herders typically weigh around 23 kg.

A healthy Hollandse Herder can live up to 12 years old.

It's essential to be aware of some health issues that this breed is prone to.

As a responsible owner, you want to be on the lookout for potential health problems.

Some health issues that Hollandse Herders may have a higher chance of include certain aandoeningen.

To keep your Hollandse Herder happy, healthy, and looking great, proper care and attention are necessary.

You'll need to prepare yourself for what your specific dog needs, as every dog is unique.

A healthy Hollandse Herder can live up to 12 years.

One of the things you'll want to be aware of is that Hollandse Herders have a higher chance of certain health issues.

You should be on the lookout for these potential health problems as a responsible owner.

To keep your Hollandse Herder happy, healthy, and looking its best, it's essential to provide the right care. This means being prepared to meet its specific needs.

Good care starts with proper nutrition, as every dog requires different food. It's crucial to research and choose the best diet for your Hollandse Herder.

Regular grooming is also vital to keep your dog's coat clean and healthy. A Hollandse Herder needs regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling of its fur.

To ensure your dog gets the exercise it needs, you should consider its age and health status. A Hollandse Herder requires regular physical activity to stay happy and healthy.

It's also important to provide your Hollandse Herder with mental stimulation to prevent boredom and stress. Providing toys and engaging activities can help keep your dog's mind active.

By following these simple steps, you can provide your Hollandse Herder with the care it needs to thrive.

When buying a Hollandse Herder, you can expect to pay around €500 on average from a reputable breeder. The cost is dependent on the dog's popularity and scarcity.

Be cautious of very cheap Hollandse Herders, as they are often not purebred and may have health issues.

The Hollandse Herder is a rare breed of dog originating from the Netherlands.

The breed's name translates to "Dutch Herder" in English.

It was developed to herd sheep and other livestock.

The Hollandse Herder is a medium-sized dog with a muscular build.

Its coat is short and smooth, with a variety of colors including black, white, and tan.