THE DUTCH SHEPHERD
One Breed with Three Coat Varieties
M any people recognize the Dutch Shepherd as the brindled shepherd dog, but few people know that there are three different coat varieties. Since 1898, the Dutch Shepherd has been recognized as one breed with three distinct coat varieties. The varieties include the Shorthaired, Longhaired, and Roughhaired Dutch Shepherd. These three varieties are all Dutch Shepherds, and under their coats, they are the same dog and judged according to the same standard for structure and function. However, even though the varieties are the same breed, the coat varieties should not be crossbred. Given the differences in the coats, it is important for judges to really “put their hands the dog” so that they can feel what is under the coat, allowing the judge to feel and compare the structure of the different varieties relative to the standard. The dog is shown in natural coat without excessive grooming. Whiskers are present in all coat-types.
BY KENT RUPPRECHT
THE SHORTHAIRED DUTCH SHEPHERD VARIETY The Shorthaired Dutch Shepherd is the most common variety and has gained great popularity as a police dog. The short-hair coat is uniformly quite hard, close fitting, and not too short, with a woolly undercoat. The ruff, breeches, and tail plume are clearly vis- ible. The Shorthaired Dutch Shepherd is brindled, with the base color either golden or silver. The golden color can vary from light sand color to chestnut red. The brindle may be black or a dark brown, and is clearly present all over the body and in the ruff, breeches, and tail. A small amount of white on the chest or toes is permitted.
SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, NOVEMBER 2021 | 283
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