Looking for your next agility dog or maybe just a playmate for your fry ?
reckon no further than the Dutch Shepherd ; these unbelievable dog can do both !
Even though the Dutch Shepherd may not be as famous as some of its well - known Shepherd cousins , they are in fact one of the healthy and easygoing Shepherd hotdog to cultivate .
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Behind their almond - shaped brown eyes is a loyal , authentic and affectionate booster for life .
This lively and gumptious dog is suited to any active family with children or even sporty singletons .
Unlike most dog breed , the Dutch Shepard still close resemble its ascendant back in the 1800s , remain read to determine out why .
Dutch Shepherd Dog Breed Overview
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Dutch Shepherds are an all - around friendly dog , bonding well with children , other weenie and even menage pets .
The safety gadget dog in them can make them incertain of strangers , however , this can be superintend with other and frequent socializing .
With lots of push and brains , this eager to please dog is a joy to civilize .
This makes them great work andiron , complete for legerity and obeisance competitions ! Or maybe you ’re just calculate for a fellow traveller ? With a fun - loving and loyal personality they will soon become part of the home .
The Dutch Shepherd was historically used for herding sheep and cows , unsurprisingly Kennel Clubs classify them under the herding group , as are their Shepherd cousins .
More lately , they are some of the expert canines for fight crime and are part of many police lookup and rescue teams .
Kennel Club Recognition and Pedigree
The United Kennel Club and the FCI recognise the Dutch Shepherd as a herding dog .
This breed is yet to be recognized by the American Kennel Club in a specific breed class , however , they do classify them in the many-sided class because their turn and popularity have significantly increased in the United States .
Some prescribed strain clubs include :
Breed Origin
The Dutch Shepherd originates from the Netherlands , where in the 1800s it began to diverge from its first cousin , the German and Belgian Shepherds .
earlier used as multi - purpose farm dog for herding and livestock control ( i.e. celebrate chickens out of gardens ) they found their vocation as military and guard Canis familiaris .
This talented blackguard virtually became out , but , with its adaptable skill they were quickly picked up as idealistic constabulary and military bounder .
Since its first breed measure ( date stamp back to 1898 ) , this dog has changed very little , unlike their Shepherd cousins who have been mixed with many breed .
It was also in 1898 that it made its first appearance in the US .
Dutch Shepherd Puppies
If you are attend to adopt , or grease one’s palms , make certain they have not been crossed with another Shepherd hound as they can have similar look to their cousins . They should always have a brindle coating .
The typical price for a Dutch Shepherd puppy is around $ 1,000 to $ 1,500 USD .
Litter sizes can vary from 6 - 10 puppies .
However if you opt for espousal , terms can swan from anywhere between $ 50 to $ 500 USD .
If you are face for a Dutch Shepherd delivery there are two organizations you may reach :
A distinctive 8 - week - previous puppy will matter between 11 to 17 pounds and should be no taller than 9″.
They are normally full grow at around two eld of long time and mentally ripen around three
Dutch Shepherd Temperament
The Dutch Shepherd dog is ferociously loyal and will tie closely with you and your family .
Keep in mind , this dedication , mixed with their in high spirits intelligence agency can have anxiousness and ennui when left alone . So think about doggy day care if you mean to leave them for long hours .
Fancy taking up a new sport ?
The Dutch Shepherd is energetic , and enthusiastic to work , with plenty of staying power which makes them the perfect playmate for lightsomeness .
We can guarantee you will get exhausted before they do !
They have an autonomous nature , meaning on social occasion they can be obstinate and have a mind of their own therefore unassailable leaders is key .
Compatibility with Families
course very favorable with all creatures big and small , Dutch Shepherds will show mountains of dear and affectionate to any child , brute or pet that they are familiar with .
They are generally alert around stranger which can make them a little standoffish but once introduced , a well - socialise Shepherd will presently welcome them into his home plate .
low wild animals , like squirrels or lapin , may catch the tending of this herding breed . But with not an aggressive bone in its body a biz of pursual is the most that will happen .
Good socialization and breeding will ensure unwanted behavior do n’t fall out allowing you and your family to soak up the love and savour this faithful associate .
Historically guard dog , this dog wo n’t waver to warn any unknown they ’re on their territory .
However , they are n’t famed for bark unlike some small and toy strain .
know for their instinctual herding skills , differentiating between a forbidding and non - threatening situation possibly a little difficult for them .
Do n’t be surprised if you receive them carry after the casual squirrel .
A rattling timbre in the Dutch Shepherd is their veneration for their proprietor . Once that bond is made between proprietor and dog it is virtually unbreakable .
They have been known to give their own lives for their love ones .
Dutch Shepherd Size and Appearance
Dutch Shepherd Size
They are classify as a average - sized dog , with male person reach a maximal height of 24.5″.
female person are usually an inch or two short .
Both sexual activity average out anywhere between 40 and 75 pounds .
Dutch Shepherd Appearance
Often confused as a brindle tinge German Shepherd , this is actually the first clue you are looking at a Dutch sheepherder : the brindle coat is unique to the Dutch Shepherd .
They are smaller and thick in size compare to their cousins too .
As you could imagine work for the constabulary , this powerful breed has a muscular material body to match .
They are well proportioned , with a Italian sandwich - shaped caput , almond centre and pointy triangular spike . The distance of their body should be slightly longer than they are high-pitched .
Color
The brindle colouring material can either come in atomic number 79 or silver , which can seem in a form of shades .
The Au can range from a swooning sandy color to a deep red , while the silver can appear more or less dark .
As they appear in a monochrome light grey , grim Dutch Shepherds go against strain criterion but are becoming more popular .
They have three different types of pelage types ( all with a wooly flat coat ):
Grooming Requirements
All three coating types of the Dutch Shepherd shed , but as expected the long - haired Dutch Shepherd will molt more .
brush absolute frequency change depending on the pelage type :
As their coats are water insubordinate , bathing only postulate to be done when require , so after a academic term of rolling around in the clay .
Make nail checking apart of your grooming routine , looking at the duration of the nail every week and trimming when necessary .
Cleaning their tooth a few times a calendar week can annul dental and mucilage issues . But above all , a goodly mouth set about with a good for you diet !
Dutch Shepherd Complete Care Guide
Food and Dietary Requirements
Lots of Energy Department usually mean lots of running and feeding !
As an active dog spawn the Dutch Shepherd requires a well - balanced , high protein diet . This can be met with a high - quality ironical feed formulate for intermediate - sized gymnastic dogs .
They will eat between three to four cups of kibble per daylight .
Puppies want four repast per day spread out throughout the day to annul bloat .
At 6 months sometime this can be reduced to three meals , and then at 12 calendar month , reduce their provender down to 2 meal .
Once to the full grown , three cupful of dry food spread out in two meals is sufficient .
Exercise Requirements
gumptious and Intelligent !
Dutch Shepherds need a mix of genial and strong-arm stimulation .
Their favourite practice session is to run , persist and run some more !
Mix this with a determination , or mental stimulation , and you might have a chance of weary them out . Try act frisbee , fetch or flyball for at least 30 to 60 minutes a twenty-four hours .
Long walks , runs and hike are also great forms of exercise .
Just remember to bring a bowl and some piddle for you both on those hot days !
Letting them off 3 should n’t be a job as they are very sociable and great around other dogs . As with any Canis familiaris , on trio is best around route as they can be driving .
On rainy solar day and lazy days it ’s large if you have a railyard so they can flow around and still get their day-by-day exercise .
Training Requirements
Dutch Shepherds are the smarty - pants out of all the shepherd dogs .
Coming out top - of - form when it comes to obedience , agility and herding .
With such a high IQ , positive reinforcement is the mode to go . They will chop-chop pick up which deportment result in a delicacy and lots of praise .
Mentally exhilarating games are the good !
keep them occupied with puzzle games will avoid them getting bored and trim back destructive behaviour .
If you visualise something a little more competitive , agility games are full of merriment and will serve you gain trust and bond with your dog .
Socialization should start as a puppy ( before they reach 10 week ) .
Getting them intimate with the out-of-door world is key for a well - equilibrate pawl .
want of socialization in Dutch Shepherds who are course sovereign and powerful can potentially terminate with an aggressive and fearful heel .
Known Health Problems
compare toGerman Shepherds , the Dutch Shepherd suffers with the least wellness progeny .
This comes from its tenuity and rigid genteelness rules resulting in limited hereditary disease .
However , as they are part of the Shepherd breed family the number one emergence to count out for is hip dysplasia .
compare to the 19 % probability German Shepherds have of acquiring this condition , Dutch Shepherds have between a 5 % to 8 % chance of hip dysplasia and a 3 % fortune of develop elbow joint dysplasia .
Eye issues such as Goniodysplasia are possible ; this is where a build up of fluid within the eye can in extreme cases , cause blindness .
Another coarse heart issue is Pannus where a grey - pinkish motion picture overlay the heart , if left untreated , it will also lead in sightlessness .
Summary: Is the Dutch Shepherd the Right Dog for You?
Dutch Shepherds are no couch Solanum tuberosum , so if you are front for a dog to view goggle box with , they are not for you !
These loveable heel do ask a quite a little of exercise , they are very voguish and sluttish to coach so anyone willing to put in the effort will spring a warm and lasting bond with them .
Nothing but a kind - hearted and playful breed , Dutch Shepherds have a wonderful character and will match in absolutely to any families ’ active life style .
A wonderful disposition , mixed with a beautiful brindle coat , you’re able to guarantee they will bear out for all the correct reasons at the dog common !
