The Dutch are a nation of dog lovers, in much the same way as the British or the Germans are, and as a result their dog breeds are drawn from very similar pools. There are few tasks that need to be done in the Netherlands that don’t have a dog strongly associated with them, with small companion animals and enthusiastic farmyard terriers also represented. The Dutch are very proud of their national breeds, to the extent that many of the dogs in this list are unfortunately rather uncommon outside of their country of origin.
Dog breeding in the Netherlands is regulated by the Dutch Kennel Club, the Raad van Beheer op Kynologisch Gebied in Nederland, established in 1902.
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Drentsche Patrijshond
Size: Medium/Large
Height: 55-63 cm (22-25 inches)
Weight: 22-33 kg (48-73 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Medium and dense; in white with dark brown markings
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Group: Gun dog
Personality
In the Netherlands the Drentsche Patrijshond is as much prized as a family pet as it is a valued hunting companion. They are devoted, affectionate and sociable dogs who love spending time with humans, be they family members or strangers. Their gentle and patient nature also makes them extremely suitable dogs for people with children. Drentsche Patrijshonds are intelligent and eager to please dogs who are keen and able to learn new skills, making them easily trainable. The only potential problems to keeping one as a family pet is their demand for plenty of daily exercise and their strong desire for regular human companionship.
Dutch Shepherd
Size: Large
Height: 55-62 cm (22-24 inches)
Weight: 30-40 kg (66-88 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short, long or rough; in brindle
Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
Group: Herding dog
Personality
Known in Dutch as the Nederlandse Herdershond, the Dutch Shepherd is an athletic, lively and very intelligent dog with a strong natural herding instinct. While they are generally eager to please, Dutch Shepherds can occasionally prove obstinate and single-minded, meaning that ease of training shouldn’t necessarily be taken for granted. This said, they are reliable, affectionate and loyal creatures who love – and love to spend time with – people. On the whole this breed makes an outstanding family pet; an obedient, gentle dog who gets along well with children and other animals. However, they will require a great deal of exercise and companionship.
Dutch Smoushond
Size: Small
Height: 35-43 cm (14-17 inches)
Weight: 8-10 kg (18-22 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Shaggy and coarse; in white to fawn
Life Expectancy: 13-14 years
Personality
Bred to hunt mice and rats, these small dogs are friendly, cheerful animals noted for their fearlessness. Unlike a lot of dogs of their size and type, the Dutch Smoushond tends to be calm and obedient rather than yappy or stubborn. However, they are very determined and courageous dogs who will stand their ground and never run away. The Smoushond is a gentle, easygoing and affectionate breed noted for their kinship with children. However, they are not good dogs to keep around smaller animals on account of their high prey drive.
Keeshond
Size: Medium
Height: 40-48 cm (16-19 inches)
Weight: 15-20 kg (33-44 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Long and fluffy double coat; in shades of grey with cream legs
Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
Group: Carriage dog
Personality
Otherwise known as the Wolfspitz, the Keeshond is the only breed of German Spitz to not have been developed in their homeland. Indeed, the Keeshond is one of the Netherlands’ proudest cynological achievements and most beloved breeds of dog. Originally kept to run alongside canal boats, the Keeshond is now exclusively kept as a companion animal. They are a fun, clownish, inquisitive breed who are extremely affectionate towards their people, although they can be wary of strangers. Intelligent and playful, the Keeshond is also quick to learn and easy to train.
Kooikerhondje
Size: Small
Height: 35-40 cm (14-16 inches)
Weight: 9-11 kg (20-24 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Long and fine; in red and white
Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
Group: Hunting dog
Personality
Also known as the Dutch Spaniel, Kooikerhondje literally translated means “duck catcher’s small dog”. The diminutive Kooikerhondje is a typical hunting dog: lively, determined and energetic when outside but at home transformed into a calm, faithful and easygoing companion. They are intelligent and affectionate dogs, although their independent, active streak means they will never become true lap dogs. Their size, obedience and tendency to be quiet also makes them ideal dogs for people who live in small houses or in flats. They will, however, require regular off-lead exercise to deplete their energy stores.
Markiesje
Size: Small
Height: 34-39 cm (13½-15½ inches)
Weight: 6-8 kg (16-18 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short and shiny with long fringes; in solid black with white markings
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Group: Companion dog
Personality
Otherwise known as the Dutch Tulip Hound, the Markiesje is one of the Netherland’s most traditional dog breeds. They have always been bred for companionship rather than for work and as such have a strong desire to be at their owner’s side for as much of the day as possible. Markiesjes are bright, cheerful and versatile dogs who are happy to try anything, so long as their people are there with them. They are a very active breed who particularly love long walks and are therefore ideal for active owners.
Saarloos Wolfdog
Size: Very Large
Height: 60-75 cm (24-30 inches)
Weight: 30-45 kg (66-99 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short and dense; in grey, red or white, or a mixture of the three
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Group: Domesticated wild dog
Personality
The Saarloos Wolfdog originally descended from an encounter between a domesticated German Shepherd with a Siberian Grey Wolf in 1935. The resulting puppies were subsequently bred with further German Shepherd dogs, eventually producing this peculiarly intelligent, curious and sensitive dog that is devoted to their owner but rather suspicious of strangers. Provided a Saarloos Wolfdog considers you to be part of its pack, however, it will be extremely affectionate, playful and loyal. They are generally extremely calm and even-tempered dogs, but their size and demanding personalities mean they are not recommended for inexperienced owners.
Schapendoes
Size: Small/Medium
Height: 40-50 cm (16-20 inches)
Weight: 12-25 kg (26-55 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Long and shaggy; in any colour, pattern or combination
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Group: Herding dog
Personality
Otherwise known as the Dutch Sheepdog, the endearingly shaggy Schapendoes is an intelligent, cheerful, lively and brave dog. Their energetic and spirited personality makes them ideal family pets for active families. The Schapendoes is a funny, friendly people pleaser, easy to train and good with children. Their high demand for exercise, companionship and regular grooming are the only potential stumbling blocks.
Stabyhoun
Size: Medium
Height: 48-53 cm (19-21 inches)
Weight: 20-25 kg (44-55 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short, soft and silky with long fringes; in black and white or brown
Life Expectancy: 13-14 years
Group: Hunting dog/Farm dog
Personality
The spirited, friendly and obedient Stabyhoun is an extremely versatile dog who makes an outstanding family pet. They have a kindly, patient and tolerant temperament that makes them good with people, children, strangers and other pets. Their intelligence and eagerness to please also makes them highly trainable. However, they are dogs who demand a great deal of exercise, play, companionship and mental stimulation: as such, they are recommended for owners who will be able to respond to their Stabyhoun’s devotion in kind.
Wetterhoun
Size: Large
Height: 55-59 cm (21½-23 inches)
Weight: 25-35 kg (55-77 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Thick and curly, short and smooth on the head and legs; in black, brown, black and white or brown and white
Life Expectancy: 12-13 years
Group: Water dog
Personality
Also known as the Otterhoun or Frisian Water Dog, the Wetterhoun has much in common with the Stabyhoun, its close cousin from the Friesland province of the northern Netherlands. They are brave, loyal, obedient, intelligent and tolerant dogs who make excellent family pets. Full of fun, play and personality, the Wetterhoun is an undyingly loyal companion who will happily spend all day by their owner’s side. However, they do not particularly enjoy spending time alone, preferring instead to always be at the centre of the action. As a result, they are recommended for active owners with the time and ability to take their dog everywhere.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Size: Large
Height: 51-61 cm (20-24 inches)
Weight: 29.5-34 kg (65-75 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Medium, harsh and wiry with a soft undercoat; in grey with brown markings
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Group: Gun dog
Personality
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a typical gun dog: energetic, devoted and determined in the field they transform into calm, friendly, loyal and gentle family pets in the home. Extremely amicable and sociable, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon loves to meet new people and is happy to spend time with both children and other animals. They are a hardworking and active breed, whose needs for exercise, mental stimulation and companionship are their only demanding characteristics. They make exceptional family pets.