Dutch Shepherd
Complete Breed Guide
"I work hard, therefore I play hard!"
Quick Facts About Dutch Shepherds
Herding
42–75 lbs
21–25"
No
Based on current listing prices on Puppies.com. Results may vary.
Overview
The Dutch Shepherd is an active and alert breed who can fill a number of roles, such as farm herder, agility expert, guard dog, and more. They are built for work, have a variety of coats, and adapt well to many environments.
The Dutch Shepherd is a medium-sized herding dog, known for their extensive use in farming and police forces. They are active and intelligent dogs that can perform a variety of tasks and endure the tough circumstances that work may put them in. They love to play and can make good family pets, and they enjoy the company of a pack of other Dutch Shepherds or their pack family.
Temperament and Behavior
The Dutch Shepherd really loves a great workout. This well-rounded breed is competent, obedient, and responsive. They take their jobs seriously, and they have a strong pack mentality. The Dutch Shepherd likes to know his place in the family and when they do, they will make excellent companions. They have a strong character and will certainly warn you of strangers and work tirelessly beside their owners.
Coat & Grooming
The Dutch Shepherd coat comes in three different varieties, short, long, and wired. Usually their coats are brindle gold or silver, usually with black markings of some kind around the face. No matter the coat, they only need to be bathed when necessary to protect the natural oils of their coats. The long and short varieties need regular brushings to remove dead hairs, and the wired coat requires a professional plucking twice a year.
Lifestyle & Living Conditions
Dutch Shepherds aren't a great fit for first time dog owners. This dog needs a strong but fair leader, that is willing to take the time to train and socialize them with humans. Dutch Shepherds need a good amount of daily exercise, so if you’re a runner, they will gladly be your jogging buddy! They can adapt to life in an apartment, as long as they get a good amount of exercise everyday. They are good with families, but they need training in order to know that humans take the top of the rank.
Exercise & Activity
This dog loves to be on the go! The Dutch Shepherd is extremely smart, and they like to use their brains. They need lots of mentally and physically challenging games, so leaving them at home for long periods can prove stressful on this very active dog. Running, fetch, and obstacle courses are favorite activities that will help you wear them out.
Characteristics at-a-glance
Ratings are on a scale of 1–10, based on breed standards and typical temperament.
Dutch Shepherd FAQs
Common questions about the Dutch Shepherd breed, answered by our editorial team.
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