Breed library

Dutch Shepherd

Also known as Dutch Shepherd Dog, Hollandse Herdershond.

Dutch Shepherd photograph.
Luna-orig-modified.Feb 2019.DSC 4339-SharpenAI-Softness.jpg - CaroleField. CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Luna-orig-modified.Feb_2019.DSC_4339-SharpenAI-Softness.jpg. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0. License: CC BY-SA 4.0.

Breed overview

The Dutch Shepherd (Hollandse Herder) is a herding dog of Dutch origin. They were used by shepherds and farmers who needed a versatile dog that made few demands and was able to adapt to a harsh and meager existence.

  • Breed type: dog breedBreed reference breed kind.
  • Country of origin: NetherlandsBreed reference country of origin.

Breed facts

  • The Dutch Shepherd was discovered as a naturally occurring shepherd's dog type living in the rural parts of the historic region of the Netherlands (which includes the modern-day Kingdom of the Netherlands).
  • In 1914, it was decided to allow only brindle to distinguish the breed from the then-similar German Shepherd and Belgian Shepherds.
  • The breeds eventually diverged into the six distinct breeds as they are known today.
  • The Dutch Shepherd remains nearly the same dog it was more than 100 years ago.
  • The Dutch Shepherd (Hollandse Herder) is a herding dog of Dutch origin.

Size and appearance

The Dutch Shepherd on average weigh between 50 - 70 lb and the height varies between 55 and 63 cm (approximately 22 to 25 inches tall at the withers). Depending on the coat, the breed can be distinguished as short-haired, long-haired, or rough-haired. Short-haired: All over the body, quite hard, close-fitting, with woolly undercoat. Ruff, breeches and tail plume are clearly visible.

  • Body mass reference: 30 - 40 kgAdult breed reference quantity from the article infobox. Original value 30 - 40 kg. Unit conversion where applicable: 1 inch = 2.54 cm; 1 pound = 0.45359237 kg. Original field and references are retained in the revision-pinned article evidence.
  • Height reference: 55 - 60 cmAdult breed reference quantity from the article infobox. Original value 55 - 60 cm. Unit conversion where applicable: 1 inch = 2.54 cm; 1 pound = 0.45359237 kg. Original field and references are retained in the revision-pinned article evidence.
  • Height reference: Up to 60 cmBreed reference height. female, maximum.
  • Height reference: 55 cm or moreBreed reference height. female, minimum.
  • Height reference: 57 - 62 cmAdult breed reference quantity from the article infobox. Original value 57 - 62 cm. Unit conversion where applicable: 1 inch = 2.54 cm; 1 pound = 0.45359237 kg. Original field and references are retained in the revision-pinned article evidence.
  • Height reference: Up to 62 cmBreed reference height. male, maximum.
  • Height reference: 57 cm or moreBreed reference height. male, minimum.
  • Coat layers: double
  • Coat length: short
  • Coat length: long
  • Coat texture: straight
  • Height category: tall
  • Weight category: large

Personality and behavior

Dutch Shepherds are traditionally used as herding and working dogs, known for their high activity levels and independence. The breed is highly trainable and frequently utilized In obedience and working trials. Due to their working ancestry, they are characterized by a distinct herding drive and the ability to work independently on assigned tasks.

  • Attachment and attention seeking (C-BARQ mean): 2.29 / 4Owner-reported attachment and attention seeking factor mean for US reference population Dutch Shepherd.
  • Chasing (C-BARQ mean): 2.26 / 4Owner-reported chasing factor mean for US reference population Dutch Shepherd.
  • Dog-directed aggression (C-BARQ mean): 1.08 / 4Owner-reported dog-directed aggression factor mean for US reference population Dutch Shepherd.
  • Dog-directed fear (C-BARQ mean): 0.55 / 4Owner-reported dog-directed fear factor mean for US reference population Dutch Shepherd.
  • Energy (C-BARQ mean): 2.84 / 4Owner-reported energy factor mean for US reference population Dutch Shepherd.
  • Excitability (C-BARQ mean): 2.27 / 4Owner-reported excitability factor mean for US reference population Dutch Shepherd.
  • Familiar-dog aggression (C-BARQ mean): 0.54 / 4Owner-reported familiar-dog aggression factor mean for US reference population Dutch Shepherd.
  • Non-social fear (C-BARQ mean): 0.49 / 4Owner-reported non-social fear factor mean for US reference population Dutch Shepherd.
  • Owner-directed aggression (C-BARQ mean): 0.15 / 4Owner-reported owner-directed aggression factor mean for US reference population Dutch Shepherd.
  • Separation-related problems (C-BARQ mean): 0.67 / 4Owner-reported separation-related problems factor mean for US reference population Dutch Shepherd.
  • Stranger-directed aggression (C-BARQ mean): 0.87 / 4Owner-reported stranger-directed aggression factor mean for US reference population Dutch Shepherd.
  • Stranger-directed fear (C-BARQ mean): 0.56 / 4Owner-reported stranger-directed fear factor mean for US reference population Dutch Shepherd.
  • Touch sensitivity (C-BARQ mean): 0.66 / 4Owner-reported touch sensitivity factor mean for US reference population Dutch Shepherd.
  • Trainability (C-BARQ mean): 2.99 / 4Owner-reported trainability factor mean for US reference population Dutch Shepherd.

Exercise and activities

Dutch Shepherds are an active and versatile breed. They compete in dog agility, obedience, rally obedience, flyball, dock jumping, disc dog, tracking, herding, search and rescue, nosework, and weight pulling, along with protection sports such as Schutzhund, French Ring, Belgian Ring, mondioring, PSA, and others. In the Netherlands, they are still employed as herders and this instinct is still strong in the breed. Internationally, the Dutch Shepherd is best known for use in law enforcement under the KNPV program. The Koninklijke Nederlandse Politiehond Vereniging (KNPV), or Royal Dutch Policedog Association, was founded in October 1907, as an organization to oversee and test dogs for their suitability for police work. Dutch Shepherds with KNPV titles are sought-after candidates throughout the world for police and military use, as well as sport competitors and personal-protection dogs. The KNPV began a dog registration program in 2014 for KNPV member dogs, making registration mandatory for all dogs born after 1 April 2013.

Training and enrichment

Care planning: choose one everyday skill to practice and keep a record of each session. Note the cue, the reward your dog enjoys and what went well. Rotate familiar games and new activities, and use your notes to choose the next small step.

Coat and grooming

The short-haired variety needs occasional combing, with the exception during the shedding period in the spring and fall when a daily thorough brushing is needed. The long-haired variety needs to be groomed about once a week, or more frequently depending on work and environment. The rough-hair variety needs to be thoroughly brushed once a week, and twice a year the dead hair will need to be hand stripped.

  • Coat layers: double
  • Coat length: short
  • Coat length: long
  • Coat texture: straight
  • Grooming frequency: weekly brushing
  • Grooming frequency: daily brushing
  • Shedding pattern: seasonal

Health and lifespan

Care planning: keep your dog's veterinary records, health-check dates and agreed care plan together. Add reminders for appointments and record changes you want to discuss at the next visit. Use the linked breed organizations and original references to explore their current health resources.

Living with this breed

Care planning: compare this profile's adult dimensions, coat care and available activity information with your household's routine. Make a shortlist, plan who will handle daily care and save the questions you want to ask a breed club, rescue or breeder.

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Breed history

The Dutch Shepherd was discovered as a naturally occurring shepherd's dog type living in the rural parts of the historic region of the Netherlands (which includes the modern-day Kingdom of the Netherlands). When the first breed standard was written in 1898, the coat could be any colour. In 1914, it was decided to allow only brindle to distinguish the breed from the then-similar German Shepherd and Belgian Shepherds. The breeds eventually diverged into the six distinct breeds as they are known today. The Dutch Shepherd remains nearly the same dog it was more than 100 years ago. It is distinguished from the Belgian Shepherds and German Shepherd by the details specified in the breed standard, primarily of the head.

Clubs and further reading

Sources

  1. Dutch Shepherd - WikipediaWikipedia contributors Retrieved 2026-10-14.License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted excerpts from Wikipedia contributors, Dutch Shepherd, revision 1379500708. CC BY-SA 4.0. Formatting, citations and selection changed. Source history: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dutch_Shepherd&action=history
  2. Wikidata structured breed dataWikimedia contributors Retrieved 2026-10-14.License: CC0 1.0. Wikidata contributors (CC0).
  3. National C-BARQ breed and all-breed means from USA.PLOS ONE / Figshare Retrieved 2026-10-14.License: CC BY 4.0. Bohland, Kyle R.; Lilly, Meghan Leanne; Herron, Meghan E.; Arruda, Andréia G.; O’Quin, Jeanette M. (2023). National C-BARQ breed and all-breed means from USA.. PLOS ONE. Dataset. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0289356.s003 CC BY 4.0. Selected rows and field names adapted; values unchanged.
  4. File:Luna-orig-modified.Feb 2019.DSC 4339-SharpenAI-Softness.jpgWikimedia Commons Retrieved 2026-10-14.License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Luna-orig-modified.Feb 2019.DSC 4339-SharpenAI-Softness.jpg - CaroleField. CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Luna-orig-modified.Feb_2019.DSC_4339-SharpenAI-Softness.jpg. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0.
  5. Palipaws everyday care planningPalipaws Retrieved 2026-10-14.License: Palipaws original factual summaries. Palipaws. Original care-planning text, separate from breed measurements and licensed article summaries.
  6. AKC national parent club directoryAmerican Kennel Club Retrieved 2026-10-14.License: Factual reference only. Names and verified external links only. No source descriptions, logos or endorsement reused.