The Netherlands is a country full of history and legacy. From world-famous art to delicious food to amazing landscapes – there’s something for everyone in this small European country. The country is also home to some pretty unique Dutch dog breeds that are sure to make any animal lover’s heart melt.
From the energetic and friendly Dutch Tulip Hound to the regal and dignified Keeshond, these Netherlands dog breeds are sure to win you over.
So whether you’re looking for a new furry friend or just want to learn more about some of the world’s most interesting dogs, read on for everything you need to know about Dutch dog breeds.
Contents
- Keeshond
- Bouvier des Flandres
- Dutch Smoushond
- Saarloos Wolfdog
- Wirehaired Griffon
- Stabyhoun
- Dutch Shepherd
- Dutch Tulip Hound
- Drentse Patrijshond
- Dutch Spaniel
- Conclusion
10 Dutch Dog Breeds
Keeshond
The Keeshond (plural Keeshonden) is a breed indigenous to Holland. It has double layers of black and white fur and resembles the species of the Spitz family. During times of political unrest, the residents saw them in the Dutch barges moving from canals to rivers of the Netherlands. Since then, they have become a symbol of the patriotic faction.
These dogs have a mask pattern that makes them look like they are wearing spectacles. Also, they come in gray, cream, and black colors and weigh 35 to 45 pounds.
Keeshond is very friendly and affectionate. Their intelligence, obedience, and easy training make them great pets. With a good daily walk or run, Keeshond would love to rest in your lap for the rest of the day.
Bouvier des Flandres
The Bouvier des Flandres is a herding dog native to Flanders, Belgium. Before World War-I, their job was to help in farming, such as cart pulling, sheep herding, and cattle droving.
However, today people keep them as police dogs, guard dogs, and pets. Appearance-wise, they are fawn, dark gray, brindle, or black. They have a robust body structure and a rugged coated body.
Their most prominent features are the stunning head, a heavy mustache, and a beard. Also, they have a friendly, protective, and loyal nature. Their characteristics make them good pets as well as good guard dogs.
Dutch Smoushond
Dutch Smoushond (Hollandse Smoushond, Dutch Ratter) is one of the smallest dog breeds. It belongs to the group of Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid, and Swiss Mountain Dogs. This breed is native to the Netherlands and only exists there.
Due to its presence only in the Netherlands, people around the globe consider these dogs rare. This dutch terrier weighs only 20 pounds. One can recognize them through their yellow-colored rough and hairy body.
Dutch Smoushond have short yet broad heads with high triangular ears. The character of this breed is cheerful and friendly. Their jolly nature makes them good pets for families to keep.
Saarloos Wolfdog
Saarloos Wolfdog (Saarlooswolfhond in Dutch) is a wolf-dog breed from the Netherlands. This breed is a cross between a German Shepherd and a Siberian gray wolf. Their bodies are strong and muscular, and their coat and gait are similar to those of wolves.
Having a short and dense coat provides them excellent protection from the weather. In addition, they have wolf-like heads and expressions. You can find them in three colors, i-e, red, white, and wolf-gray.
Furthermore, the male dog is 25 – 30 inches tall, whereas the height of the female is 23 – 27 inches. They weigh up to 100 lbs. Despite being part of the wolf family, they are gentle and affectionate when raised in the right environment.
Wirehaired Griffon
Wirehaired Griffon, known as Korthals Griffon, is a medium-sized Holland dog. A harsh coat protects them in dense undergrowth or around water. In terms of appearance, there is a steel gray coating with brown markings on them.
Other colors include chestnut brown, white and brown, and white and orange.
Moreover, they have large heads and long necks. Their eyes are round, surrounded by brows, and complemented by a beard. Furthermore, their nose is brown, and their body looks sturdy and muscular.
Not to mention, they have low shedding and hypo-allergenic coats. So, people with allergic reactions to pet hair can have dogs of this breed. Last but not least, they love to spend time with their owners and be somewhere within their vicinity.
Stabyhoun
Stabyhoun (Frisian Pointer) is among one of the rarest dog breeds in the Netherlands. It hails from the Frisian forest region in the southeast of the Netherlands.
Gentle and always ready to please, they’re the most playable pets. They enjoy having various physical activities.
Stabyhoun come in white and black coats with a stunning black head and white-tipped tail. Yet, you may come across the less common Stabyhouns with brown and white coats.
The rarest ones come in orange and white coats. They have muscular bodies and well-rounded ribs with tucked bellies. Not to mention, their length is greater than their height.
Historically, people used them for hunting small game, foxes, and birds. Their owners use them in almost all activities, such as obedience, hunting, and frisbee. If you want to glimpse this breed, you can find them in the United Kingdom, North America, and Scandinavia.
Dutch Shepherd
Dutch Shepherd is another rare Netherland dog breed. A glance at this breed may confuse you with the German Shepherd. However, both have different natures and physical appearances.
Originally, Dutch Shepherds were herding and farming dogs. Back in the old days, people used dogs of this breed to guard their crops against the attack of hens and various other birds and animals. On the other hand, Dutch Shepherd is a brilliant, loyal, and amazingly self-reliant dog.
No matter the situation, they are always ready to help and please. If you want, you keep them as your watch guards.
Apart from their temperament, they come in golden, silver, and light sand to chestnut red colors. Their coats can be classified as short, long, or rough-haired. In addition, they are bulky yet smaller in height and have rectangular heads.
Dutch Tulip Hound
Dutch Tulip, also known as Markiesje, is among the oldest Dutch hound breeds. Several paintings that date back to the 17th and 18th centuries have a picture of a dog resembling Markiesje. However, as per current knowledge, this breed was first bred in the mid-1970s.
These dogs are not the same as those who enjoy spending time on their owners’ laps. Instead, they like to go for long walks and runs. Due to their active and alert nature, they act as watchdogs. If you want, you can introduce them to other pets, such as cats so that they can accept each other.
Their fine physique and medium length make them one of the most appealing types of dogs. They have a single-layer coat of black fur with a few white markings. You may notice feathering on this breed’s ears, tail, and hind legs as well.
Drentse Patrijshond
As the name indicates, the Drentse Patrijshond hails from the Dutch province of Drenthe. Some people call them Dutch Partridge Dogs. They are white with brown and orange spots. A single color spot can be seen on the back of their tail.
Moreover, these dutch hunting dogs are excellent retrievers and work perfectly with hunters. They are incredibly brilliant, loyal, and easy to train. With their cute actions, they love to please their owners.
The Dutch Patridge is an excellent house pet if it gets enough exercise it needs. Taking them out for a walk or run helps improve their mood. At the end of a tiring day, they enjoy relaxing with their family.
Dutch Spaniel
The Dutch Spaniel, known as Kooikerhondje (Duck catcher’s dog), is another dog to consider. Back in the 17th and 18th centuries, they were popular for their appearance in the paintings of Jan Steen and Rembrandt.
Yet, this breed is still unknown in countries such as Canada and Scandinavia. If you want to see them, the United States is the best place to go.
In terms of appearance, they are small, pleasant, friendly, and quiet. Aside from their intelligence, alertness, and eagerness to please their owners, they are excellent companions.
Dutch Spaniels don’t like to involve with strangers at first, but once you treat them well, the trust and love will be there forever.
Wrapping Up
If you’re looking for a furry friend that’s a little bit out of the ordinary, then you’re in luck. The Netherlands is home to several unique dog breeds that are sure to capture your heart. From the playful Dutch Tulip Hound to the Bouvier des Flandres, there’s a breed to suit every personality.
So why not take a look at some of these unique Dutch dogs and see which one is the perfect match for you?
