Also called Barge Dogs, these dogs were first documented in Holland. They would guard the barges that went along the Rhine. The breed survived being lambasted in political cartoons of the Patriot Party in that country, but when the party lost, many owners got rid of their dogs. That, combined with larger barges that needed larger dogs, allowed the dog’s numbers to shrink drastically. By the 20s, the dog had made its way to England, where it flourished once again.
This is a fantastic family dog. It is a good guard dog, but very sensitive to the needs of its owners. They will play all day long and be patient with children and other animals. While it is loving, it may have a tendency to bark.