I recently returned from an amazing vacation in the Netherlands . It did not take me long after my arrival in Holland to realize that I would not miss
having dogs around. There were dogs every where.
Dutch people are very active and I would estimate that 75%
of the people I saw out walking, hiking and biking had dogs with them. They
came in all shapes and sizes and seemed to vary in breeds depending on what
part of the country we were in. I spent
the most time in the central region of Holland
near Nijkerk. Here the Belgian Tervuren is apparently very popular. I saw at
least 20 of them during my stay. In Canada I have not seen that many in
all my years at the vet clinic. They are very athletic dogs and I assume that the
biking enthusiasts choose the breed for their ability to run alongside the
bikes for kilometre after kilometre. If the cyclists did not have a dog running alongside them, it was
not unusual to see smaller breeds with them on the bikes. I saw one Mom with a
basket for her dog and a child at the front with two older children on the
back. Amazing how they get around.
In the northern province
of Friesland the hunting
breeds are very popular, especially bird dogs. I saw Gordon, Irish and English
setters as well as many Labradors . We also got
to see a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon (right), a breed developed in Holland . Not only are there thousands of sea
birds here but also a large population of wild pheasants.
We also saw a beautiful Keeshond (top left) which is also a breed
native to the Netherlands .
In one of the fishing towns I also saw a very cute
Schipperke (left). I always thought this breed was also developed in Holland
but apparently they are from Holland's neighbour, Belgium
The other thing that I really loved was that all of the dogs
were on leash, except the field dogs in Friesland .
In Holland you are also permitted to have your
dog on the bus or train. They have to pay 3 Euro, but many people do this. You
are also allowed to have your canine friend go to dinner with you. I know there
are some places in Canada
that this can happen but I think it is uncommon. It certainly does not happen in Durham region. I think I
read somewhere that the only place dogs are not allowed are in the
museums.
I did miss Kenzie while I was away but certainly saw a lot
of dogs for my daily dog fix.
Diane McGill
Technician
Bowmanville Veterinary Clinic