Coat and color
Three coats, one pattern: brindle explained
The Dutch Shepherd comes in short, long and rough coats, and brindle is the only pattern the standard accepts.
The three varieties
| Coat | Description | Upkeep reported by Wikipedia |
|---|---|---|
| Short-haired | Close coat with a woolly undercoat (UKC) | Occasional combing, daily brushing during spring and fall shedding |
| Long-haired | Long coat, also with a woolly undercoat (UKC) | Roughly weekly grooming, more depending on work and terrain |
| Rough-haired | Dense woolly undercoat with a harsh, tousled outer coat (UKC) | Weekly thorough brushing plus hand-stripping of dead hair twice a year |
What brindle means here
The UKC standard states that brindle is the only acceptable pattern, on either a brown or gray base, and prefers a black mask. Very small white accents on the breast or feet are allowed, while white stripes or spots elsewhere are a serious fault. Wikipedia adds that the breed was limited to brindle in 1914 to tell it apart from similar-looking German and Belgian shepherds.
Choosing a coat for your life
- Short coat: lowest upkeep, but still sheds seasonally.
- Long coat: more grooming and more debris after outdoor work.
- Rough coat: the most hands-on care. Wikipedia also notes that rough-haired dogs should be screened for goniodysplasia before breeding.
Coat is the easy part of the decision. Next, read about how rare the breed is.
Quick answers
Does coat type change temperament?
The sources used here do not claim it does. Judge each dog individually.
Is a silver or gold brindle correct?
Wikipedia describes brindle over a golden or silver base, and the UKC lists brown or gray bases. Check the exact wording of the standard a registry uses.
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