Dutch Shepherds were originally bred as sheepdogs and their appearance is very well-structured. Because these dogs were used as protection dogs, they have a very well-balanced structure. These dogs are very alert, active, and a perfect fit as a family Protection Dogs. Although these dogs started off as farm dogs, this breed acts as an outstanding companion and protector of families. Let’s find out different aspects of the Dutch Shepherd’s appearance.
General Appearance
Dutch Shepherd has a very lively and intelligent appearance which settles well with its guarding nature. The body of this dog is well-muscled, which gives it the look of a smart protection dogs. This dog has alert expressions and charming looks.
Different Dutch Shepherd Coats
This breed has three distinguished varieties including long haired, wire haired, and short haired. The color of the coat in all three varieties remains the same with brindles ranging from shades of golden and silver.
Long Hair
Long-haired Dutch Shepherds have long hair all over the body. This type of hair is straight, harsh to the touch, and well-fitted over a wooly undercoat. The tail of a long-haired Dutch Shepherd is fully coated with hair and its ears, head, and feet have densely coated short hair. The hind legs below the hocks are also densely coated with short hair. The coat on the backside of the forelegs is abundantly coated and hair gets shorter towards the feet.
Short Hair
A short haired Dutch Shepherd’s body is completely covered with short, hard, and closely fitted hair. The coat is not too short and has a woolly undercoat. Ruff, tail plume, and breeches can be seen clearly on a short-haired Dutch Shepherd.
Wire Hair
Rough haired Dutch Shepherd has a dense disarranged woolly coat over a dense undercoat. The entire body except the head is covered with a dense coat. A rough or wire haired Dutch Shepherd has two thick and distinct eyebrows, and its upper and lower lip is covered with hair. The beard is also very distinct feature in a Dutch Shepherd. The head and the cheeks have little hair and a square-like appearance of the face. The tail is thickly covered with hair and the color of the brindle is not very well-defined due to its disarrayed coat.
Brindle Color
The color of the brindle falls between the shades of golden and silver. The brindle is prominent on the body, on the tail, breeches, and in the ruff. The golden colored brindle varies from light-sand to chestnut red. Black brindle is not a distinct color of Dutch Shepherds, that’s the reason it is not desirable. However, a black colored mask is considered to be acceptable. A Dutch Shepherd also doesn’t have clear white marking on the feet or chest.
A Dutch Shepherd has a normal sized neck without any folds. Its appearance is strong and its head is in a good proportion of the body. Its body is firm and has a slight tuck up belly. This dog has an appearance that settles well with its image.