The Dutch Shepherd or the Herder is a species of shepherd dogs. This breed originated from the Belgian Shepherd in the 18th century. Her homeland is Holland. For a long time the dog was used as a shepherd. She was very good at managing duties, as she was not characterized by fuss and aggression. In addition, the Dutch Shepherd is a very observant and responsible breed of dogs. Even leaving with the owner for a walk, she sort of grazes him, constantly running around. With the owner she is always affectionate, devoted to him, treats stranger people with suspicion and fear, but can not attack without reason. He is friends with any animals, including cats and other dogs.
This dog has never been fashionable. She looks like a wolf, does not have bright features of appearance. Inside the breed dogs are distinguished by the type of wool:
- short-haired (the most common);
- long-haired (very rare);
- coarse-wool.
Herder breed is rare, in Holland, for example, in 1998 there were less than 4000 individuals. Outside this country, the Dutch Shepherd is not known at all.
Maintenance and care
The Dutch Shepherd is unpretentious in care. The main condition of keeping the Dutch Shepherd is a great place to live. If the apartment is small, long walks in the open area will help, where the dog can run and enjoy freedom in full. Walking is recommended at least an hour in the morning and the same in the evening.
This is a very hardy breed, mobile, but at the same time obedient. Very good at training. Herder is a great hard worker. She sees the work as a game, every time very happy about the new task. A Dutch shepherd can have many specialties - a bodyguard, a lifesaver, a conductor, a dog can work in search and catch criminals. The Dutch Shepherd catches new knowledge quickly. But, undoubtedly, to grow a specialist dog, you need to work hard and hard on it, it needs a lot of work.
You should take care of the Dutch Shepherd's coat carefully enough. To bathe the dog is recommended as rarely as possible, if you can not do without a bath, then you should use special means for washing. Wool must be combed regularly, but at least once a week, during moult, this procedure is carried out even more often. You can not shear herder.
The Dutch Shepherd not only gives the impression of a healthy dog. She is such and is, her good immunity is a gift of nature. To keep it, you need to monitor the food, do not feed from the table, and consult a veterinarian who observes the dog. In any case, it is always better to choose industrial feeds that can be varied with animal and vegetable fats, protein, fresh and boiled vegetables, cereals, greens. Whether vitamins and trace elements are necessary or not - the expert will prompt, having examined an animal. Feed them a dog, because it seems to you that it can not have beriberi, preparations
The Dutch Shepherd almost has no genetic diseases, all her other illnesses are similar to those of her close relatives - German, Belgian and other sheepdogs.
How to name the Dutch Shepherd, the owner will decide, of course, independently. Here are a few options: Alf, Betty, Judy, Dana, Lord, Knave, can be named according to the color of the wool - Black, Chernysh, temperament - Brave, Wind, size - Baby, Krepysh, you can borrow the name from your favorite movie, cartoon or books - Dingo, Beam, Mukhtar. Or why not call the dog named after the famous Dutch artist - Vincent ?!