AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL KENNEL COUNCIL 1 DRAFT ONLY Extended Breed Standard of the DUTCH SHEPHERD Produced by Australian National Kennel Council Standard Adopted by FCI 2010 Standard Adopted by ANKC 2010 FCI Standard 233 Breed Standard Extension adopted by the ANKC 2010 Copyright Australian National Kennel Council 2010 Country of Origin: The Netherlands
2 Extended Standards are compiled purely for the purpose of training Australian judges and students of the breed. In order to comply with copyright requirements of authors, artists and photographers of material used the contents must not be copied for commercial use or any other purpose. Under no circumstances may the Standard or Extended Standard be placed on the Internet without written permission of the Australian National Kennel Council. HISTORY OF THE BREED The Dutch Shepherd is an old herding breed of Dutch origin. In the old days shepherds and farmers needed a versatile dog, a jack-of-all-trades, with few demands and adapted to the harsh and meager existence of that time. The Dutch Shepherd dog started out in the southern part of the Netherlands as an all purpose farm dog in the late 1700s. It was expected to guard the farm, herd sheep, pull carts, as well as perform other menial tasks. It became popular several decades later throughout Holland and many surrounding countries because it was so easily trainable, obedient, energetic and amiable.. From those working dogs the Dutch Shepherd Dog as we know it today was created. This background also explains the character traits which have been well preserved. The Dutch Shepherd or Hollandse Herder as it is known in its homeland, the Netherlands, is an FCI registered breed. The official breed club (Nederland s Herdershonden Club ) was founded in the Netherlands in 1898, and similar to the Belgian Shepherd, the Dutch Shepherd comes in different varieties. The three varieties are - short coat, long coat and rough coat. The short coat and long coats come in either gold or silver brindle while the rough coat can come in gold and silver brindle as well as salt and pepper. In the late 1800 s there was not as much to distinguish between the Belgian, German and Dutch Shepherds as there is today. They were all shepherd dogs and while they were different in a many respects, they were also cross-bred with each other on occasions. Some of the early German Shepherd dogs were brindle in colour and after a few years into the breed s development the brindle colour was taken out of the gene pool. It wasn t until the 1890 s that these three breeds went their separate ways and became breeds of their own right, and hence, the Dutch Shepherd became the brindle shepherd dog of Holland.
From 1898 to 1914 there were many changes in the breed standard of the Dutch Shepherd. Although things settled down after this point there were still a few changes that would happen. After the first and second world wars the numbers and condition of the Dutch Shepherds was under threat (as were most dogs) so they again out crossed to the Belgium Shepherd dog to bring in new blood. Around the time of the First World War there were also some crosses to the German Shepherds but the results were disastrous, so any future crosses were only made to the Belgium Shepherd. So after over 100 years of development and refinement we have today the modern Dutch Shepherd Dog. The search for quality working dogs for police, military and high level competition has led to a large demand for the Dutch Shepherd and as such this breed will become a far more common site in the different service departments around the world, just as it has in its homeland of Holland. BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY: 3 Originally the main function of the Dutch Shepherd Dog was that of a shepherd s dog in the countryside. From early times, the Dutch had an arable culture that was, among other things, maintained by flocks of sheep. The dogs had to keep the flocks away from crops, which they did by patrolling the borders of the road and the fields. They also accompanied the flocks on their way to the common meadows, markets and ports. At the farm, they kept the hens from the kitchen garden; they herded the cows together for milking and pulled the milk carts. They also alerted the farmers if strangers entered the farmyard. Around 1900, sheep flocks had for the greater part disappeared in the Netherlands. The versatile skills of the Dutch Shepherd Dog made him suitable for dog training, which was then starting to become popular. Thus he started on a new career as a police dog, as a search and tracking dog and as a guide dog for the blind. He is however, still capable of herding sheep. The breed s first standard dates from 12 June 1898.
4 Figure 1- Illustration of excellent Dutch Shepherd. GENERAL APPEARANCE : A medium sized, middle weighted, well-muscled dog of powerful and wellbalanced structure. A dog with lots of endurance, a lively temperament and an intelligent expression. Depending on the coat the breed is distinguished in the following varieties; short, long and wire haired. The Dutch Shepherd is a medium-sized, well-proportioned, well-muscled dog, with a powerful, well-balanced structure, an intelligent expression and a lively temperament. He is alert, devoted to his owner, obedient, and eager to please and oblige. He is a good guardian, is very faithful and reliable, undemanding, with plenty of stamina, is vigilant, active and is gifted with a typical shepherd temperament. The Dutch Shepherd has three coat types: short haired, long haired, and wire haired. The fine proportions and proud carriage of head convey an impression of graceful strength. Not only a sheep dog, but a guard dog.
5 IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS: Important proportions: The length of the body (from point of shoulder to point of buttock) exceeds the height at the withers at a ratio of 10.9 as suits a trotting dog. The proportion of the length of the skull to the muzzle is 1.1. The length of the body, from point of shoulder to point of buttock, exceeds the height at the withers, approximately at a ratio of 10:9, as suits a trotting dog. The proportion of the length of the skull to the muzzle is approximately 1:1. Allowing, however, for the muzzle to be slightly longer than the skull. BEHAVIOUR/TEMPERAMENT: Very loyal and reliable, always alert, watchful, active, independent, with persistence, intelligence, prepared to be obedient and gifted with true shepherding temperament, The Dutch Shepherd Dog works willingly together with its owner and deals independently with any task which is assigned to him. When herding larger flocks he must have the capacity to work together with several other dogs. Wolves live in packs with a leader. The other members of the pack each have their own place: their rank. The Dutch Shepherd Dog tends to respect rank. It is not a dog for everyone because it needs clear leadership. If the handler does not take charge, the dog probably will. One cannot blame the dog for this, since some level of independence was desirable in light of its former tasks. The dog s character traits call for a consistent upbringing. It is, however, not necessary to treat the dog harshly. It is handler sensitive, responding to the tone of his handler s voice as well as his mood. A strong no is almost always sufficient to control the dog. The Dutch Shepherd Dog is suited for a large range of activities and sports,
such as obedience, agility and herding, The Dutch Shepherd Dog tends to learn quickly which can cause signs of disinterest. For that reason it is recommended that the handler tries to keep the training as varied as possible. 6 He may be somewhat reserved and should be well socialized. The breed is wary, neither timid, nervous nor aggressive Figure 2 Long Coat. Excellent type The standard calls for intelligence. This should not be underestimated. A story is told of a Dutch Shepherd Dog, who returned an entire flock of lambs to the farmer who had just sold them, after which they had been taken elsewhere. It takes an admirable and intelligent dog to be able to do that!
7 Figure 3 Female Short Coated. Too long in back. HEAD AND SKULL: Head in good proportion to the body. Seen from above and in profile it is wedge-shaped. Its shape is rather elongated, without wrinkles; dry, with flat cheeks and no pronounced cheekbones. Because of the coat, the head of the wirehaired variety appears to be more square, but this is an illusion. Skull: Flat. Stop: Slight, though clearly present Nose: Black. Muzzle: Slightly longer than the flat forehead. Bridge of the muzzle straight and parallel to the top line of the cranial region. Lips: Tight and well pigmented. The size of the head is in proportion to the body. It is wedge-shaped, smooth, and dry. Head finely chiselled, long but not excessively so. Skull and muzzle equal in length, resulting in the muzzle being slightly longer than the flat forehead. There is a slight stop The flat skull is of medium width in proportion to length of head, forehead flat, centre line not very pronounced; in profile, parallel to imaginary line extending muzzle line. Muzzle of medium length tapering gradually to nose, The nose is black. Any other coloured nose is regarded as a fault. The lips are tight. Well-flared nostrils are an important characteristic. Arches above eyes not prominent, muzzle finely chiselled under eyes. Cheeks quite flat but well muscled. The head of a rough-coated dog appears to be squarer, but this is an illusion.. All external mucous membranes highly pigmented.
8 EYES: Dark coloured and medium sized. The eyes are almond shaped and slightly oblique. The eyes should not be set too wide and should not protrude. Medium size, neither protruding nor sunken, Almond-shaped, preferably dark brown; black rimmed eyelids. Direct, lively and enquiring look. Round or bulging eyes are regarded as faults. Figure 4 Correct proportions
9 EARS: Medium sized. When the dog is alert, the ears are carried high and erect Distinctly triangular appearance, stiff and erect, set high, moderate length with external ear well rounded at base. Ears Medium sized, however, small rather than large. Placed on top of the head, they are carried somewhat forward and firmly erect Soft, cropped and spoon like ears are all regarded as faults. Figure 5 Light eyes. Ears too big MOUTH:
10 Scissor bite, strong, regular and complete. Wide, lips thin-textured, very firm, strongly pigmented. Strong white teeth firmly set in well developed jaws. Scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Over and undershot bites are regarded as a fault. NECK : Not too short, dry, without folds and gradually flowing into the body The neck is clean and not too short. It flows gently into the backline. Very supple. Neck slightly elongated, well muscled and without dewlap, broadening slightly towards shoulders. Nape very slightly arched. FOREQUARTERS : The forelegs are powerful, of good length, well muscled. The bone is solid but not heavy. Always generally showing a straight line, but with sufficient suppleness of pastern. Shoulders: Shoulder-blades well joined to the body and well sloping. Upper arm: Approximately equal length to the shoulder blades and well angulated with the connecting bones. Elbow: Well attached. Withers distinct, strongly boned throughout with wiry, powerful muscle structure. Shoulder blades long and oblique, firmly attached, flat, forming such angle with humerus as to enable elbows to work easily. The upper arm is of good length and at least equal to the length of the shoulder blade. Forelegs long, well muscled, parallel and straight. Pasterns strong, short and with sufficient spring to the slightly sloping pasterns. Carpus clearly defined. Dewclaws permissible..
11 Figure 5 Correct type of female BODY : Firm but not coarse. Top line: There is a smooth, gentle transition from the neck to the top line of the body, in which head and neck are carried in natural pose. Back: Straight and firm. Loin: Firm, neither long nor narrow. Croup: Slightly sloping, not short. Underline and belly: Slight tuck up. Chest: Deep and long enough, not narrow, ribs slightly sprung. Fore chest: Fairly well developed. Body powerful but elegant. The length of the body, from point of shoulder to point of buttock, exceeds the height at the withers, approximately at a ratio of 10:9, as suits a trotting dog.. Chest deep and well let down. Ribs moderately well sprung. Upper line of body straight, level, broad and powerfully muscled. Belly moderately developed neither drooping nor unduly cut up continuing lower line of chest in a graceful curve. Croup very slightly sloping, broad but not excessively so. The croup should not be short. Skin springy but quite taut over whole body
12 Figure 6- Good type of male HINDQUARTERS : The hind legs are powerful and well muscled. The bone is solid but never heavy. Not excessively angulated. Thigh and lower thigh: Of approximately equal length. Hock: Perpendicular below the point of buttock. Dewclaws: None present Well muscled and powerful. Good but not excessive angulation; hocks well let down. Viewed from behind, legs parallel. The hock is moderately angled, enough so that the rear pastern is perpendicular to the ischium (buttock). There are no dewclaws on the hind legs.
13 FEET : Oval. Well knit, toes arched. Black nails and elastic dark pads.. The firm feet have well-arched, close-knit toes. The pads are firm and dark. The nails are black. Figure 7- Long coat male TAIL : At rest, hanging straight down or with a slight curve. Reaches to the hock. In action, carried gracefully upwards, never curled or carried sideways. Firmly set, strong at base, of medium length. When at rest, hangs down, with tip slightly bent backwards at level of hock; when moving it should lift accentuating curve towards tip, never curled, nor bent to one side. Tip may be carried slightly higher than topline. Curled or docked are both faults
14 GAIT/MOVEMENT : The Dutch Shepherd Dog is a trotter with free, smooth and supple movement, without exaggerated drive or stride. Movement is smooth, supple, and normal. The legs are not brought forward in a tied way, neither floating nor far reaching. The movement should be brisk, free and even. COAT : Short Hair: All over the body, quite hard, close-fitting, not too short coat, with woolly undercoat. Ruff, breeches and feathered tail plume must be clearly visible.. Hair very short on head, exterior of ears and lower parts of legs. Shorter on rest of body, thicker around neck where it resembles a ridge or collar, beginning at base of ear and extending to throat. Hindquarters fringed with longer hair. Tail thick and bushy. Coat thick, close of good firm texture with woolly undercoat, neither silky nor wiry..
15 Figure 8 Correct outline short coat Long Hair: All over the body, long, straight well fitting, harsh to touch, without curl or waves and with a woolly undercoat. Distinct ruff and breeches. Tail abundantly coated. Head, ears and feet and also the hind legs below the hocks are short and densely coated. The backsides of the forelegs show a strongly developed coat, shortening in length towards the feet, the so called feathering. No fringes at the ears. Outer coat long, straight and abundant. Texture of medium harshness. Not silky or wiry. Undercoat extremely dense. Hair shorter on head, outside of ears and lower part of legs. Opening of ear protected by hair. Hair especially long and abundant, ruff-like around neck, particularly in males. Fringe of long hair down back of forelegs, long and abundant hair evident on hindquarters and tail. Males longer coated than females.
16 Figure 9 Correct outline long coat Wire Hair: Dense, harsh tousled coat and a woolly, dense undercoat all over the body except for the head. The coat should be close. Upper and lower lip should be well-covered with hair, the whiskers and beard, and two well defined, coarse rough eyebrows that are distinct but not exaggerated. Furnishings are not soft. The hair on the skull and on the cheeks is less strongly developed. In profile it seems as if the head has a more square appearance. Strongly developed breeches are desirable. Tail is covered all round with hair. The brindle colour may be less pronounced because of the tousled coat. The wire hair coat should be hand plucked on an average twice a year. Harsh, wiry, dry and not curly. Any sprinkling of fluffy fine hair in locks in rough coats is undesirable. Length of coat about 6 cms (21/2 ins) on all parts of body. Hair around eyes but
17 not to obscure them. Muzzle hair not so long as to make head appear square or heavy. Tail not plumed. Figure 10 Correct outline wire coat COLOUR : Brindle: The basic colour is golden or silver. Golden can vary from light sand-coloured to chestnut red, The brindle is clearly present all over the body, in the ruff, breeches and tail. Too much black is undesirable. A black mask is preferable. Heavy white markings on chest or feet is not desirable Brindle. The basic colour is golden or silver. Golden can vary from light sand- coloured to chestnut red. The brindle is clearly present all over the body, in the ruff, breeches and tail. Too much black is undesirable. A black mask is preferable. Heavy white markings on chest or feet is not desirable. Too much white on chest or on feet; white stripes or spots in any other part of the body. Wrong colour, mismarking. Too much black in the topcoat. These are all regarded as faults.
18 SIZE Height at the withers: Dogs: 57-62 cm. Bitches: 55-60 cm. FAULTS : Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the functional health and welfare of the dog. DISQUALIFYING FAULTS: Aggressive or overly shy. Lack of breed type Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioural abnormalities shall be disqualified N.B.: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum, Figure 11 Typical of the breed
19 JUDGING THE DUTCH SHEPHERD Start by judging the dog s dimensions and weight. The male should stand between 57 and 63 cms high at the shoulder (females 55-60 cm.) and weigh an average of 30 kg (females slightly less). The dog should be about as long from chest to hindquarters as height at the withers. The dog's limbs should be sturdy, though not thick. The feet should be relatively small with fur between the toes. The nails should be long and prominent, though this breed will not have dewclaws. Both the chest and belly are deep, the chest stopping at the elbows at the dog s forelegs. The tail should hang down to about the hock when the dog is standing. Examine the dog s head. The head should be very similar in shape to the head of a German Shepherd. The skull should be wedge-shaped with a long muzzle pointed slightly along the top edge of the nose. The tongue of the Dutch Shepherd is abnormally long. This breed has a habit of letting the tongue loll out of the mouth. One aspect of the head that differentiates it from the German Shepherd is the ears. A Dutch Shepherd s ears stand close to the top of the skull and are very narrow at the base. The ears should be of moderate size. These ears are always held rigid, coming to sharp points. Look at the dog s coat. There are actually three subspecies of this breed divided by the length and quality of the coat. One has short, uniform and coarse hair; another has long, uniform and coarse hair. The third has wiry hair of unequal length, giving it a patchwork appearance. The colouring of all three types clearly marks out the breed. The dog will have a brindle or patchwork series of colors including grey, yellow, silver, red, gold and blue. The overall appearance of the coat and the colour resembles a hyena. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Translated by: N.H.C. (Nederlandse Hredershonden Club) Holland