Brindle Wolf Starhawk, "Taka"
Dutch Shepherd
(longhair variety)
A less common coat variety of the Dutch Shepherd, the longhaired Dutch is often a softer, less intense dog than his shorthaired counterpart. Currently the Dutch Shepherd is still categorized in AKC's Miscellaneous class. A capable, biddable herding dog, the longhaired Dutch Shepherd excels in various sports and tasks.
History
The Dutch Shepherd is a lively, athletic, alert and intelligent breed, and has retained its herding instinct for which it was originally developed. Having an independent nature, it can be slightly obstinate and have a mind of its own. Since its original duties were to keep flocks of sheep in a particular location, it is able to run all day, and that is reflected in its physique and structure. The Dutch Shepherd was discovered as a naturally occurring shepherd's dog living in rural areas. It was developed as an all-purpose farm dog, working originally as a farm guard, drover, and livestock dog. A well known dog fancier wrote about the Dutch Shepherd in 1910: "...bearing a great resemblance to the wolf." Of course this is not entirely true, but it is another aspect that shows that the Dutch Shepherd still has many of the characteristics of its wild forebears. Although it is not a widely known breed, the Dutch Shepherd is a loyal companion and competent working dog used for obedience, dog sports, herding, tracking, search and rescue, and as a police dog. (American Kennel Club, 2020)
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By the mid-1930s, the longhaired variety was declared extinct. The only appearances of longhairs were by-products of shorthair breedings. Dr. Van de Akker, in his desire to own a longhair, worked in secret to revive the variety by traveling the countryside looking for farmers' dogs with correct type. Dr. Van de Akker bred and sold dogs throughout the wartime, and in 1951 presented three long hairs of his breeding program at a show. And so the longhaired variety was entered again into the studbook. (American Dutch Shepherd Association, 2018)
Coat
The dog is shown in natural coat without excessive grooming. Whiskers are present in all coat-types. The long hair coat is long, straight, and well fitting, harsh to the touch, without curls or waves also with a woolly undercoat. The ruff and breeches are distinct and the tail abundantly coated. The head, ears, feet and hind legs below the hocks are short and densely coated. The backsides of the forelegs show a strongly developed coat, the feathering shortening in length towards the feet. There are no fringes at the ears. (American Dutch Shepherd Association, 2018)
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These guys are relatively easy to keep, coat-wise. Bath, force-dry, brush, and you're good to go. If you want to show, handlers need not fret about trimming furnishings, shaving, or plucking. I bathe in rough-coat shampoo then spritz with a spray conditioner while drying.
What I want interested buyers to Understand
This breed is still classified and shown in AKC's Miscellaneous, which means the parent club is still making moves towards full recognition, which will move the Dutch Shepherd into the Herding Group. Because of this, I encourage and highly recommend that puppy buyers join the American Dutch Shepherd Association. This keeps Dutch owners updated on breed news, holds breeders and show exhibitors to a higher standard, and shows the AKC that the parent club is stable and united.
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Due to low numbers in our coat variety, I recommend considering giving back to the breeding community given your dog passing required health testing, is titled, and is of stable temperament. This is not a requirement, but we are few, and I hope to influence others to help keep the fluffies alive.
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If you are buying a puppy from me, I require that all my puppies title in both conformation and some sport (I do not dictate the sport). If your dog likes to swim and fetch, hit the dock five times and boom - dock diving title. If you and your dog have nice obedience, get in the rally ring three times with a passing score of 70 or above? Easy Rally Title. Your dog lights up when something zips around really fast - easy Fast Cat title. Agility? They can do it. Bite sports? Yep. Herding? Of course.