Dutch Shepherd health: what owners should know

The Dutch Shepherd is considered one of the sounder working breeds, largely because it has been bred for function. Known issues include hip and elbow dysplasia and, in the rough-haired variety, goniodysplasia, an abnormality of the eye's drainage angle linked to glaucoma. Some lines also report thyroid problems. Responsible breeders hip and elbow score both parents, have eyes examined and can show working or sport titles.

Look after the athlete: warm up before sport, keep your dog lean and check feet and nails after hard sessions. See a vet promptly for lameness lasting more than 48 hours, or for a red, cloudy or painful eye and unusual squinting, which in rough-coated dogs can be an early sign of a serious eye problem.