The Long Coat Dutch Shepherd

The Dutch Shepherd, also known as the Hollandse Herdershond, is a medium-sized shepherd dog valued for its intelligence, loyalty and quick reflexes. Having been bred for their working ability, their build and mental capacity remain fairly consistent, but the length and colour of their coats can vary greatly from dog to dog. The breed's coat comes in three varieties: short, long and wire. The short and long coat varieties each have a very straight, coat that should lay close to the body, with the long variety being obviously longer. The wire coat variety has a thick, rough, medium-length coat. Unlike the German Shepherd, who's long-coated varieties lack an undercoat, all Dutch Shepherds have a thick undercoat, regardless of their coat's length.

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Grooming a long coat Dutch Shepherd is typically no more trouble than grooming a short coat. Both require about the same amount of regular brushing to remove loose hairs. Without regular grooming, a longer coat may become matted more easily, but both varieties should be groomed regularly regardless of this fact. Grooming the wire coat variety can be more involving, as brushing can ruin the undercoat. Wire coat dogs often require professional grooming.

Outside of The Netherlands, the Dutch Shepherd has yet to reach the level of popularity enjoyed by other working breeds such as the German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois. However, the Dutch Shepherd is a strong, versatile breed. They are excellent Guard Dogs and Protection Dogs. Aside from the excess grooming required of the wire coat variety, the length of coat should make no difference to their working ability. Each variety has a thick, weather-proof undercoat that makes them suited for work in a variety of conditions.

Grooming Your Guard Dog

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The grooming requirements of a dog are largely dependent on both the breed, and the type of coat. For your dog guard, grooming will be largely based on these two factors. However, considering that the German Shepherd and the Belgian Malinois are two of the most common breeds used as guard dogs, and that both share nearly identical grooming requirements, the following grooming tips should apply to the many guard dog owners with either of these two breeds.

Both the German Shepherd and the Belgian Malinois are considered relatively low-maintenance breeds of dog. Of course, this does not mean that regular grooming can be completely avoided. Both breeds will shed lightly year-round. It is advised that you brush your guard dog at least twice a week to prevent the fur from matting. Both of these breeds also shed seasonally.

This means that twice a year, over the course of a couple weeks, they will shed profusely in order to rid themselves of their winter or summer undercoat, and allow the next season's undercoat to grow in. This may be a good time to bathe your dog. Baths should only be given once or twice per year in order to prevent the natural oils in the fur and skin from drying out. The removal of fur during seasonal shedding can sometimes be made easier when the fur is almost, but not completely, dry after bathing.

Keeping your guard dog well groomed is essential to keeping it healthy, strong and able to defend. With just a little effort, you can keep your dog's coat healthy and clean.