Dutch Shepherd

The Dutch shepherd is a loyal, intelligent, and energetic dog, known for its versatility and work ethic. They make excellent working dogs and companions.

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Dutch Shepherd Breed overview

The Dutch Shepherd is a medium-sized dog bred for farm work, herding and as a companion. The breed is known for its athletic ability, intelligence, toughness, and loyalty. They are highly trainable and excel in obedience, agility & protection fields.

Their breed can be distinguished by its sharp, triangular ears and bright, almond-shaped eyes that are set wide apart. They have a lean, muscular build and come in three different coat types including short, long, and wire-haired. They are a resilient breed that can handle physically demanding work or exercise.

Dutch Shepherds have a similar appearance to the Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd breed but they have a unique brindle coat pattern that is more rare in other breeds.

Height:
21-25 inches
Weight:
50-70 lbs
Life expectancy:
12-15 years

What To Expect When Caring For a Dutch Shepherd

Nutrition

Dutch Shepherds should be fed a high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. Puppies will require puppy food and frequent feedings throughout the day, while adult dogs may need to be fed more or less depending on their activity levels and metabolism.

Owners should be careful not to overfeed them since they can easily gain weight. Treats should be given in moderation and used as positive reinforcement during training.

Grooming

The grooming needs of Dutch Shepherds varies depending on their coat type. Long-haired Dutch Shepherds require more frequent brushing to prevent matting and tangling of hair while the rough-haired variety should only be brushed occasionally.

Owners should also trim their nails regularly, clean their ears, and bathe them when needed. Dental care is also important to prevent dental problems like tartar and plaque buildup.

Training

Dutch Shepherds are extremely intelligent and trainable dogs. They respond well to positive reinforcement techniques that focus on rewarding good behavior and ignoring bad behavior, rather than using physical punishment or force.

Their training should start at an early age and should include socialization with people, other dogs, and various environments. They excel in obedience, agility and protection-type training due to their natural drive, determination, and focus.

Health

Dutch Shepherds are generally a healthy breed with few major health concerns. However, they are prone to epilepsy and hip dysplasia, so it's important to have them screened and tested for these conditions before breeding or adopting.

Owners should also be aware of certain environmental factors, such as hot weather and prolonged exposure to the sun which can cause skin issues such as rashes.

Exercise

Dutch Shepherds require moderate to high levels of exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. As an active breed, they enjoy running, hiking, and playing fetch. A minimum of 60 minutes of exercise per day is recommended.

They also benefit from obedience and agility training, which helps to keep them mentally stimulated. Dutch Shepherds excel in various sports like Dock Diving, Flyball, Schutzhund, and Agility.

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Dutch Shepherd Traits & Characteristics

The male Dutch Shepherd stands 22-24 inches tall, and the female is slightly smaller, 21-23 inches. In general, they weigh between 50 and 70 pounds. They have an agile and lean build and are well-muscled. Their head is shaped like a blunt wedge, and their ears stand upright, pointing forward.

They have a unique coat that comes in three varieties - short-haired, long-haired, and rough-haired. All three varieties come in shades of gold or silver brindle, sable brindle, and solid black or blue.

Their lifespan is 11-14 years and they do not have any major breed specific health concerns.

Affection

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

independent lovey-dovey

Dutch Shepherds are highly affectionate towards their human families. They love to spend time with their owners and are highly loyal. They love to be petted and snuggled, and will show their affection with lots of tail wagging and cuddles.

Children

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

not suitable for kids great with kids

Dutch Shepherds are generally great with kids. They have high energy levels and love to play, which makes them great playmates for active children. They are also very tolerant and patient, which means they can handle even rowdy kids with ease.

Dogs

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

not dog friendly very dog friendly

Dutch Shepherds are generally very friendly towards other dogs. They are sociable and love meeting new dogs, and will usually do well in dog parks or other social settings. However, they can be a little territorial around their own homes, so early socialization is key.

Strangers

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

Dutch Shepherds are generally friendly towards strangers, but they can be a little reserved at first. They are very loyal and protective of their families, and may need some time to warm up to new people. Early socialization and training can help to minimize this behavior.

Playfulness

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

laid-back very playful

Dutch Shepherds are extremely playful and love to engage in games with their humans. They have high energy levels and need plenty of exercise and stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They make great playmates for kids and other dogs, and will always be up for a game of fetch or chase.

Alertness

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

less alert very alert

Dutch Shepherds are highly alert and vigilant, and make great watchdogs. They are always on the lookout for potential threats, and will bark if they sense any danger. They are also highly intelligent, which makes them great candidates for various working roles, like police and search and rescue dogs.

Adaptability

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

less adaptable very adaptable

Dutch Shepherds are generally adaptable and can do well in a wide range of environments. They can handle both city and country living, and can be suited to apartment living as long as they get enough exercise. However, they may get bored or anxious if left alone for too long.

Shedding

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

no shedding hair everywhere

Dutch Shepherds can shed quite a bit, especially during the spring and fall shedding seasons. They have a short, dense, weather-resistant coat that requires regular grooming to keep it in top condition.

Grooming

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

low maintenance high maintenance

Dutch Shepherds have a short, dense, double coat that requires regular grooming to keep it shiny and healthy. Brushing once or twice a week is usually enough to keep their coat in top condition, but they will require more frequent brushing during shedding season. Their nails should also be trimmed regularly.

Drooling

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

dry mouthed heavy drooler

Dutch Shepherds are not known for excessive drooling, but they can be a little slobbery at times, especially if they get excited or are eating messy treats. It's always a good idea to keep a towel handy if you have a Dutch Shepherd in the family.

Size

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

very small very large

Dutch Shepherds are medium-sized dogs, typically weighing between 50 and 70 pounds. They have a lean, muscular build and a short, dense coat. They are athletic dogs that require plenty of exercise and stimulation to stay happy and healthy.

Energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

couch potato high energy

Dutch Shepherds have high energy levels and need plenty of exercise and stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They thrive on physical activity, and love to run and play. They make great running and hiking companions for active humans, and love to play games like fetch and frisbee.

Exercise

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

low exercise needs high exercise needs

Dutch Shepherds have high energy levels, and as such, they need plenty of exercise and stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They should be taken on daily walks and given opportunities to run and play. They make great jogging or hiking companions, and love to play games like fetch or frisbee.

Working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

not suitable for working great for working

Dutch Shepherds are highly intelligent and excel in various working roles, like police work, search and rescue, and as guide dogs. They are always eager to please and are highly trainable. However, they do require significant exercise and stimulation to maintain their focus and work ethic.

Hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

Dutch Shepherds can be trained to be effective hunting dogs, but they are not typically used for hunting roles. They have a high prey drive and love to explore and track scents, which can make them good candidates for hunting training if desired.

Vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

low-drive high vigor

Dutch Shepherds have high levels of physical stamina and endurance. They have a lean, muscular build and are highly athletic dogs. They require plenty of exercise and stimulation to maintain their high energy levels and keep them happy and healthy.

Health

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

less healthy very healthy

Dutch Shepherds are generally healthy dogs, but can be prone to certain health conditions. They may be at risk for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and eye problems. Regular vet check-ups and appropriate health screening can help to catch and treat these issues early on.

Obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

Dutch Shepherds are high-energy dogs, and as such, they are not typically prone to obesity. However, as with any dog, it is important to feed them a healthy, balanced diet, and to monitor their weight and body condition regularly. They should also be given plenty of opportunities for exercise and play to help maintain a healthy body weight.

Cold

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

Dutch Shepherds have a dense, weather-resistant coat that can help protect them against cold weather conditions. However, they are not cold-tolerant dogs and can become uncomfortable or even ill if exposed to excessive cold. They should always have access to warm, dry shelter during cold weather months.

Heat

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

Dutch Shepherds can tolerate heat fairly well, but they do require extra cooling and hydration during hot weather months. They have a short, dense coat that doesn't protect them from the sun, so they should always have access to shade when outside. They should also be walked and exercised during cooler times of the day to prevent overheating.

Apartment

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

Dutch Shepherds can do well in apartments as long as they get enough exercise and mental stimulation. They have high energy levels, so they will need to be taken on daily walks and given plenty of playtime. They should also have access to a safe, secure outdoor space to run and play.

Wanderlust

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

less likely to wander very likely to wander

Dutch Shepherds can be prone to roaming or wandering. They have high energy levels and may try to run off if not properly exercised or stimulated. They should always be kept on a leash when out in public, and should have a secure, fenced area to run and play in at home.

Sensitivity

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

less sensitive very sensitive

Dutch Shepherds are generally not overly sensitive dogs, but they do require firm, consistent training to bring out their best behavior. They respond well to positive reinforcement training, but may become anxious or stressed if subjected to harsh or negative training methods. They are highly trainable and eager to please, and will respond well to a calm, consistent, and patient training approach.

Separation

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

Dutch Shepherds can become anxious or destructive if left alone for long periods of time. They are highly social animals and need plenty of human interaction and stimulation to remain happy and healthy. If you work long hours, a Dutch Shepherd may not be the right breed for you.

Barking

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

quiet very vocal

Dutch Shepherds can be vocal dogs, and may bark to alert their humans of potential danger. They are not excessive barkers, but will bark if they feel their territory is being threatened. Early training and socialization can help to minimize this behavior.

Mental

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

Dutch Shepherds are highly intelligent and require a lot of mental stimulation and engagement to stay happy and healthy. They love to learn new commands and behaviors, and thrive on tasks and challenges. They make great working dogs, and excel in roles like police work, search and rescue, and as guide dogs.

Novice_owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Dutch Shepherds can be a good choice for novice dog owners, as long as they are willing to put in the time and effort required to properly train and socialize them. They are highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them easy to train. They can make great family pets and working dogs, but may require more experienced handling if used in certain roles.

Trainability

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

difficult to train easy to train

Dutch Shepherds are highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement training, and can learn a wide range of commands and behaviors. They are often used as working dogs, and excel in various roles like police work, search and rescue, and as guide dogs.

Affection

independent lovey-dovey

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

Dutch Shepherds are highly affectionate towards their human families. They love to spend time with their owners and are highly loyal. They love to be petted and snuggled, and will show their affection with lots of tail wagging and cuddles.

Children

not suitable for kids great with kids

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

Dutch Shepherds are generally great with kids. They have high energy levels and love to play, which makes them great playmates for active children. They are also very tolerant and patient, which means they can handle even rowdy kids with ease.

Dogs

not dog friendly very dog friendly

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

Dutch Shepherds are generally very friendly towards other dogs. They are sociable and love meeting new dogs, and will usually do well in dog parks or other social settings. However, they can be a little territorial around their own homes, so early socialization is key.

Strangers

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

Dutch Shepherds are generally friendly towards strangers, but they can be a little reserved at first. They are very loyal and protective of their families, and may need some time to warm up to new people. Early socialization and training can help to minimize this behavior.

Playfulness

laid-back very playful

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

Dutch Shepherds are extremely playful and love to engage in games with their humans. They have high energy levels and need plenty of exercise and stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They make great playmates for kids and other dogs, and will always be up for a game of fetch or chase.

Alertness

less alert very alert

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

Dutch Shepherds are highly alert and vigilant, and make great watchdogs. They are always on the lookout for potential threats, and will bark if they sense any danger. They are also highly intelligent, which makes them great candidates for various working roles, like police and search and rescue dogs.

Adaptability

less adaptable very adaptable

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

Dutch Shepherds are generally adaptable and can do well in a wide range of environments. They can handle both city and country living, and can be suited to apartment living as long as they get enough exercise. However, they may get bored or anxious if left alone for too long.

Shedding

no shedding hair everywhere

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

Dutch Shepherds can shed quite a bit, especially during the spring and fall shedding seasons. They have a short, dense, weather-resistant coat that requires regular grooming to keep it in top condition.

Grooming

low maintenance high maintenance

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

Dutch Shepherds have a short, dense, double coat that requires regular grooming to keep it shiny and healthy. Brushing once or twice a week is usually enough to keep their coat in top condition, but they will require more frequent brushing during shedding season. Their nails should also be trimmed regularly.

Drooling

dry mouthed heavy drooler

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

Dutch Shepherds are not known for excessive drooling, but they can be a little slobbery at times, especially if they get excited or are eating messy treats. It's always a good idea to keep a towel handy if you have a Dutch Shepherd in the family.

Size

very small very large

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

Dutch Shepherds are medium-sized dogs, typically weighing between 50 and 70 pounds. They have a lean, muscular build and a short, dense coat. They are athletic dogs that require plenty of exercise and stimulation to stay happy and healthy.

Energy

couch potato high energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

Dutch Shepherds have high energy levels and need plenty of exercise and stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They thrive on physical activity, and love to run and play. They make great running and hiking companions for active humans, and love to play games like fetch and frisbee.

Exercise

low exercise needs high exercise needs

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Dutch Shepherds have high energy levels, and as such, they need plenty of exercise and stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They should be taken on daily walks and given opportunities to run and play. They make great jogging or hiking companions, and love to play games like fetch or frisbee.

Working

not suitable for working great for working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

Dutch Shepherds are highly intelligent and excel in various working roles, like police work, search and rescue, and as guide dogs. They are always eager to please and are highly trainable. However, they do require significant exercise and stimulation to maintain their focus and work ethic.

Hunting

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

Dutch Shepherds can be trained to be effective hunting dogs, but they are not typically used for hunting roles. They have a high prey drive and love to explore and track scents, which can make them good candidates for hunting training if desired.

Vigor

low-drive high vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

Dutch Shepherds have high levels of physical stamina and endurance. They have a lean, muscular build and are highly athletic dogs. They require plenty of exercise and stimulation to maintain their high energy levels and keep them happy and healthy.

Health

less healthy very healthy

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

Dutch Shepherds are generally healthy dogs, but can be prone to certain health conditions. They may be at risk for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and eye problems. Regular vet check-ups and appropriate health screening can help to catch and treat these issues early on.

Obesity

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

Dutch Shepherds are high-energy dogs, and as such, they are not typically prone to obesity. However, as with any dog, it is important to feed them a healthy, balanced diet, and to monitor their weight and body condition regularly. They should also be given plenty of opportunities for exercise and play to help maintain a healthy body weight.

Cold

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

Dutch Shepherds have a dense, weather-resistant coat that can help protect them against cold weather conditions. However, they are not cold-tolerant dogs and can become uncomfortable or even ill if exposed to excessive cold. They should always have access to warm, dry shelter during cold weather months.

Heat

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

Dutch Shepherds can tolerate heat fairly well, but they do require extra cooling and hydration during hot weather months. They have a short, dense coat that doesn't protect them from the sun, so they should always have access to shade when outside. They should also be walked and exercised during cooler times of the day to prevent overheating.

Apartment

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

Dutch Shepherds can do well in apartments as long as they get enough exercise and mental stimulation. They have high energy levels, so they will need to be taken on daily walks and given plenty of playtime. They should also have access to a safe, secure outdoor space to run and play.

Wanderlust

less likely to wander very likely to wander

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

Dutch Shepherds can be prone to roaming or wandering. They have high energy levels and may try to run off if not properly exercised or stimulated. They should always be kept on a leash when out in public, and should have a secure, fenced area to run and play in at home.

Sensitivity

less sensitive very sensitive

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

Dutch Shepherds are generally not overly sensitive dogs, but they do require firm, consistent training to bring out their best behavior. They respond well to positive reinforcement training, but may become anxious or stressed if subjected to harsh or negative training methods. They are highly trainable and eager to please, and will respond well to a calm, consistent, and patient training approach.

Separation

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

Dutch Shepherds can become anxious or destructive if left alone for long periods of time. They are highly social animals and need plenty of human interaction and stimulation to remain happy and healthy. If you work long hours, a Dutch Shepherd may not be the right breed for you.

Barking

quiet very vocal

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

Dutch Shepherds can be vocal dogs, and may bark to alert their humans of potential danger. They are not excessive barkers, but will bark if they feel their territory is being threatened. Early training and socialization can help to minimize this behavior.

Mental

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

Dutch Shepherds are highly intelligent and require a lot of mental stimulation and engagement to stay happy and healthy. They love to learn new commands and behaviors, and thrive on tasks and challenges. They make great working dogs, and excel in roles like police work, search and rescue, and as guide dogs.

Novice_owners

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

Dutch Shepherds can be a good choice for novice dog owners, as long as they are willing to put in the time and effort required to properly train and socialize them. They are highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them easy to train. They can make great family pets and working dogs, but may require more experienced handling if used in certain roles.

Trainability

difficult to train easy to train

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

Dutch Shepherds are highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement training, and can learn a wide range of commands and behaviors. They are often used as working dogs, and excel in various roles like police work, search and rescue, and as guide dogs.

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History of the Dutch Shepherd

Dutch Shepherds are a breed that originated in the Netherlands. They were bred to help manage and herd flocks of sheep, which was a common occupation in the area. The breed has been around for over 100 years.

During World War II, the breed suffered a significant decline in numbers, but it rose again in popularity in the post-war years, thanks in large part to the efforts of dedicated breeders who worked to restore the breed.

Today, Dutch Shepherds are popular police and military dogs, as well as beloved pets and sports dogs.

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Dutch Shepherd Puppies

Dutch Shepherd puppies should be bought from a reputable breeder who does genetic testing and screens the parents for health problems. They are a very active and intelligent breed, so they require proper socialization and training from an early age.

Their coat type can vary based on their genetics, with long-haired Dutch Shepherds requiring more grooming and care. Their training should be based on positive reinforcement techniques that reward good behavior and never use physical punishment or force.

They are a very social breed and should be given plenty of opportunities to socialize with people and other dogs. A well-trained and socialized Dutch Shepherd can make an excellent companion and working dog.