The Dutch Shepherd's body is rather muscular and symmetrical. The chest is deep. The dog's muzzle is long. The body is slightly longer than tall (at a ratio of 10 to 9).
Working Ability
The short-haired Dutch Shepherd is used extensively throughout Europe and the United States as a working dog, primarily in police service, although they are also used in search and rescue as well. One reason Dutch Shepherds are increasingly popular with police agencies is because they are smaller than German Shepherds, and therefore easier for handlers to pick up and carry, when duty necessitates doing so. The courage of Dutch Shepherds is quickly becoming legendary among police K9 handlers. Another reason for this increase in popularity is that the Dutch Shepherd breed has not been subject to extensive breeding for type as has the German Shepherd. This type of breeding can adversely affect the health and temperament of the individual dog as well as the breed. For example the preference for the German Shepherd's sloping back has resulted in a 10% incidence of hip dysplasia compared to a 1% incidence found among the Dutch Shepherd breed.