The Dutch Shepherd is often confused with the German Shepherd , but they are two distinct breed . like to German Shepherds , they do wish to go , jump , and play . If you ’re search for a dog that enjoy exercising , going hiking , and becomes your best friend , this could be the breed for you .

Origin and History

TheDutch Shepherdwas develop to be a shepherd ’s turn dog , assume on a range of tasks , including herding , pull handcart , and guard property . Originally , they were n’t much different from theirGerman ShepherdandBelgian Shepherdcousins . Over the retiring century , they have develop their own set of breed standards and have become notably different . They also tend to be more difficult to encounter than their sheepherder vis-a-vis .

As farming became less prevalent , Dutch Shepherds were no longer look at a necessity and their numbers declined . Many of them died of starvation , and those that did n’t were taken by the German military in World War II . After the warfare was over , breeders assay to re - build the breed by hybridise them with other mixed strain .

The Dutch Shepherd is still rare today , but due to their highly trainable nature , they are utilized in some military operations , the constabulary force , in hunting and rescue , and as guide on dogs for the blind . They ’re also love to contend in detent sports and keep to be useful on farms .

Dutch Shepherd in meadow

Breed Characteristics

The Dutch Shepherd is a rarified breed , but if you ’re quick to do some searching , they could be just what you ’re searching for .

General Appearance

light hair , wire hair ( also known as rough fuzz ) , and long hair are the three coat types of the Dutch Shepherd . The priming of the forgetful hair is fluffy . wire-haired terrier possesses a dense , coarse undercoat and a fuzzed undercoat . The long , straight hair is a little grating to the tactual sensation . The coat are designed to see a assortment of weather condition conditions .

virile Dutch Shepherds are slightly large than female , standing 22 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder on average , while female person are roughly 21 to 24 inches tall . The breed typically reach out a weightiness of 50 to 70 Cypriot pound .

Temperament

The Dutch Shepherd is fantastically patriotic and eager to please . They enjoy being alongside their fellow traveller or family and will happily go on any adventure you get them on . They are active dogs , but do n’t mind lounging on the sofa for a movie when their exercise needs are meet .

They have a potent desire to have a intent and will involve a job to do each day . Once they feel their work is done , they will want to relax and recharge . Their intelligence service level combined with their fond personality makes them an excellent comrade for someone on the go during the day and ready to decompress in the eventide .

If you live a more sedentary modus vivendi or if you plan to leave them at dwelling house for long time period of time , this is n’t potential the breed for you . The Dutch Shepherd developsseparation anxietyand may become destructive if they are n’t provided enough attention .

Dutch Shepherd on the edge of the woods in the autumn

They make fantabulous sentry go wienerwurst . They do n’t favor to be fast-growing , but will fiercely guard their family if they believe they ’re in difficulty . Due to this trait , they tend to be wary of strangers at first , but once someone starts coming around enough , they will memorize who is and is n’t permit within their district .

Training

The Dutch Shepherd is a very trainable domestic dog with a strong desire to please their owner . They pick up unexampled commands and tricks quickly . This strain call for a self - see flight simulator who can found limits , keep dog-iron engaged in learning , and establish a trusting relationship and strong adherence . other socializationtraining is vital for them to remain unagitated with fresh people , animals , and lieu .

Exercise Requirements

The Dutch Shepherd requires a minimum of one hour of exercise each day , but two minute is recommended for most dogs of this stock . you’re able to take them for a pass or a nudge , roleplay some secret plan , ortake them swim . They will happily join in on anything mentally or physically stimulating .

If you ’re going to be gone longer than carry , providing them with a puzzle toy to keep their judgment interfering is extremely recommended .

Health

In worldwide , Dutch Shepherds are a relatively healthy breed . There are isolate cases of hip dysplasia in Dutch Shepherds . However , this condition is far less common than it is in related breeds like German Shepherds .

Lifespan

The Dutch Shepherd has a comparatively foresightful life story span ranging from 13 to 15 yr .

Grooming

Both scant and long - hairy pelage demand brushing on a steady basis to remove idle hairs , particularly from the priming . The telegram - haired pelage should be groomed twice a year by a professional and should not be brushed , but can be combed now and again . bath Dutch Shepherds should only be done when absolutely necessary , as it eliminates the skin ’s natural oils . Check their ear and pare their claws as necessary , typically once every two to four weeks .

Fun Facts About the Breed

The universal public does n’t know much about the Dutch Shepherd in most cases , so most of what you find out is likely new . There are some interesting facts you may not know though , even if you are a Dutch Shepherd partizan , include :

Purchasing or Adopting a Dutch Shepherd

If you ’re looking for a Dutch Shepherd puppy , a good piazza to start is theDutch Shepherd Club of America . It has a breeder directory available as well as helpful tips on how to find responsible stock breeder with quality dogs . TheAKC Marketplacealso has a stock breeder search . Expect to pay around $ 1,000 to $ 2,500 , although high - ending , prepare dogs from booster dividing line can cost as much as $ 20,000 .

Rescue Organizations

If you would prefer a rescue dog , begin searchingSave - a - RescueandPetFinder . you may also contact these breed - specific Dutch Shepherd rescue constitution :

Is this the Right Breed for You?

If you ’re searching for a loyal companion to bide by your side on a regular basis , this could be the breed for you . On the other hand , if you are n’t go bad to be home for long periods of time throughout the day , this breed could become destructive and down . They demand continuous companionship , which is why they make such splendid police , military , and guide dog-iron . If you know you are n’t rifle to have much sentence throughout the 24-hour interval to bind and keep them meddling , you may want to take care into another stock .

A Dutch Shepherd walks over undeep water

Dutch Shepherd dog standing alert outdoors

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