We at Baden K-9 and Tactical Schools have been blessed in having had the opportunity to work in so many different ways with our Dutch Shepherds Dogs. We have taken our dogs to many different countries and have found these “Hollanders” to be both willing and able on a myriad of tasks. In Israel with less than 24 hours to climatize from the cold North American early winter weather, these dogs put both heart and mind into every exercise we under took. Even in the Middle East the natural camouflage of their coats broke down the visibility problem faced in such theaters. Like ghosts, they blended and bled into shadows and rocks. They proved to all that observed they could turn on the speed as well as the calm day after strenuous day. The elite teams of soldiers and security professionals could only smile during bus extraction as the dogs propelled over backs and through windows and doors to get the job done. Slowly and silently they indicated on explosives sets time after time under heavy stress and the heat of the land.

From Israel we spent time in the tropical jungles of Central America. In a land of Army Ants and Howler Monkeys these amazing “Dutchies”once again overcame the natural obstacles that were so alien to both dogs and handlers. If you have never heard the Howler Monkeys in the wild believe me they can startle a person. At times they can become aggressive as well. The dogs remained calm and under control. In a river while doing exercises one morning one of the handlers noticed a large log that seemed to be floating against the current. The log turned out to be a rather large crocodile. This type of stress just can’t be found in North America. Snakes, both constrictors and venomous, were common place as well. In a land were the moist hot jungle eats a G.P.S in a few hours the dogs would back track us out of triple canopy jungle everytime.

Back in our own land we were requested to come and show our dogs to the military. In the middle of a drought in one of the hottest summers in years we arrived at a very secure base. In fact we signed under the secrecy act to not discuss or reveal where we were. For this amazing opportunity we took with us dogs that were 8 months and 7 months of age to put on what we were later told was the most impressive demonstration these people had ever witnessed. We deployed from helicopters with dogs that had never seen let alone entered one of these noisy egg beating roller coasters. The training of both dogs and handlers took over and it became an impressive spectacle of genetic prowess. It also forged a friendship between our team and theirs. Once more the ability and natural camouflage in the Dutch Shepherds Dog was made very apparent to all. Our kinship with this breed was established long ago and we have placed many dogs in many Police Departments and private homes over the years.

Perhaps the very best description to give to pay honor to these dogs is this one. After arriving back home from working in very live conditions. Mosquito bitten and tick ridden. Handlers looking forward to a first night in a safe place and upon a real bed. My Grandson ran up to these tiger striped four legged warriors and through his arms around their necks of muscled steel. These dogs of war that had worked so very hard and in brutal conditions. Wagged their tails and licked his young face and hands.

Long ago these dogs worked beside Dutch Farmers and under the skies of a hardy proud land. I think they would very much be proud that their honest desire and need to breed an exceptional dog is still proving its worth in so many places to so many people today. Many people including myself have described this dog as having the ability of the Malinois with the character of the German Shepherds Dog. I no longer think this is true.

The Dutch Shepherds Dog stands out for the simple reason he is unique to his other herding breeds. He stands on his own ability, or should I say abilities. Bold and calm. Loyal even unto death. Never a quitter nor shirker, no matter how tough the road. It has been both a pleasure and an honor to share our lives with these dogs. It is our responsibility to insure that future generations will have the same opportunity as we have had. From a land known for flowers, windmills and cheese perhaps the most important contribution to the outside world is the breed that is lovingly known as the Hollander, the dog we know as the Dutch Shepherds Dog. Unlike us in North America the people of Holland put more credibility in the dogs ability than in his papers. Now as more and more people push to register these dogs they are being bred for paper not ability in some hands. These papers instead of being a life giver may very well become a death certificate to this breed. In the same manner in which they have promoted the downfall of many, many other breeds. In talking to a well-known breeder from Holland this is felt by many whom love the breed there. As they seek to educate and save a breed that popularity is pushing towards registry anger has in many cases turned to frustration. Yet I am sure the calm stubbornness of the Dutch will somehow prevail, and the breed will survive in many cases.

We have sent trained dogs into Iraq this past year. Several more are destined to go in the fall. Again a tribute to a people and a breed. Our future seems to be showing the same promises as our past.

We will be this summer teaching and training S.W.A.T and E.R.T Teams in the valuable use of dogs in their operations. You can be certain we will be giving floor time to the Dutch Shepherds Dog. As trainers we often stand in the light of accomplishment boasting our merits. I will concede that the human factor should take some credit in the outcome of what we call training. Yet without canine ability there can be no performance. It is the natural ability and desire, which is the base fiber of all dog/man teams. We can not train what is not there to begin with. The opportunity to spend both nights and daylight with these dogs has enabled us to build both a strong bond and deep respect for this breed. They out think, out move and out perform us. Yet they give center stage to us, and protect our stand there. These are more than just dogs. They are comrades and it is with that relationship we continue our journey. In these dogs still lives the character of the people responsible for them. That I hope will remain for all time.
© Mike McConnery 6/1/2004

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