TOP 10 Dutch Dog Breeds List

10) Kooikerhondje
This is very interesting dog breed. Why? Because of their purpose. They are the only dog breed, next to the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, that is used as a so called decoy dog. They were used to lure ducks into cages, that were built along canals and wetlands. And how did they do it? They used their well feathered big tail. The ducks are curious and they are following the wagging while tail to the trap.

9) Schapendoes

Energetic hard worker, that is the Schapendoes, also known as Dutch Sheepdog. As you can probably guess, their original purpose is to herd the flock. During the second world war, the breed went almost extinct, but they were saved by the breed club, that was founded in 1947. The distinctive mark of Shapendoes is its wavy coat, which is protecting the dog from bad weather.

8) Saarloos Wolfdog

A Dutch cross between the German Shepherd and an Eurasian grey wolf – that is a Saarloos Wolfdog. Dutch breeder mr. Saarloos believed, that German Shepherds became too domesticated and he wanted to breed back the GSD so it became better working dog. He started the breeding in 1935. Well, in reality, he probably did not bred a better worker than the original GSD, but the Saarloos Wolfdog is a popular family companion who love outdoors and has energetic, independent, devoted and reliable personality.

7) Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Some people say that the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a Dutch breed and some say it is a German breed. It is because the man who developed the dog was Eduard Karel Korthals – a dutch breeder, but he established his breeding kennel club in Germany. I think we can say that this is both – German and Dutch breed. The Wirehaired pointing Griffon is a loyal, gentle, intelligent and proud breed.

6) Drentse Patrijshond

This is a quite rare dog breed, but it is an extraordinary retriever and pointer. They always have white medium length coat with brown or orange markings. Today, they are mostly used as companion dogs, but they still have very high prey drive, but when they are at home, with their family this is completely friendly and devoted companion.

5) Keeshond

Previously known as the Dutch Barge dog, the Keeshond was often times seen on barges sailing in the canals and rivers of Netherlands. They belong to the Spitz family and their closest relatives are the German Spitzes. They have the typical fox like or wolf like appearance and very dense double coat. The Keeshond is very playful, intelligent, eager to please and quite active dog breed.

4) Stabyhoun

One of the rarest dog breed in the world, the Stabyhoun is considered a national treasure of Netherlands. It is another hunter hailing from netherlands, especially skilled at catching moles. It is a very active dog who wants to have some kind of a job in its life, they also excell at dog sports like agility, obedience, frisbee or flyball.

3) Markiesje

This is a dog that is known as amazing companion and it was also the purpose they were bred for. It was a companion dog for Dutch royal and noble ladies. But dont be fooled by that, companion dog is not the same thing as a lap dog, the Markiesje is an active companion who is always ready for a long walk or jog. This is also pretty alert breed that can make good watchdog.

2) Wetterhoun

The breeds name can be translated as a Water dog and indeed, this breed was used for hunting small animals and waterflow. They were especially good at hunting otters. They have thick water resistant coat, which enables them to hunt in cold water for a very long time.

1) Dutch Shepherd

And of course, i could not forget probably the most popular of all Dutch dogs, the Dutch Shepherd. This is an incredibly active and hard working dog, originally used as independent herder. But it is extremely versatile breed and they can be used for more purposes, for example for police work or guarding. This is an alert, independent, intelligent, loyal and intuitive breed. They are also one of the most trainable dogs in the world. They truly love to work and you should give them some job to do. Daily longer training sessions or task oriented playtime are great to exercise them mentally and physically.