Dutch Shepherds are excellent family dogs. They are extremely friendly towards children and other dogs. This breed is confident and calm. It can adapt to any situation and lifestyle.
The Dutch Shepherd lives 11-14 years, more than the German Shepherd. American breeding standards are often lacking, leading to poor health in our dogs. The Dutch Shepherd is also a loyal, friendly and affectionate friend. It craves companionship and family time above everything else. If left alone for too long, the Dutch Shepherd can get bored and lonely.
Although the dog has 3 coat types, it should always be a brindle color. The base is silver or golden. The brindle is present over the body. Properly socialized, the Dutch shepherd is not aggressive. Puppies need to be handled frequently by many people before 20 weeks. The Dutch Shepherd is rare. It is intelligent and athletic. This breed makes an excellent watch and guard dog. It is active and alert. The best way to train a Dutch Shepherd is with treats for repetitions of desired behavior. Dog breeders in the Netherlands invest to not let this breed go extinct. There are “Dutch Shepherd Behavioral Therapists” who specialize in training this breed. The military uses the Dutch Shepherd. It is valued for intelligence, trainability and adaptability. Dutch Shepherds make great family dogs. Early socialization helps them stay calm around new pets and people. Reputable breeders charge $1000-$1200 per puppy for this rare breed.
Is a Dutch Shepherd the same as a Malinois?
The history shows that both breeds were used to herd sheep and cattle. The Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherd breeds are often mixed up due to their very similar characteristics. While they are similar, they are two distinctly different breeds.
The Differences:
1. History. As its name suggests, Dutch Shepherds originated in the Netherlands, where farmers used them on farms. Most families used this dog as a trustworthy babysitter. Belgian Malinois have a different origin story.
2. Size. Belgian Malinois females stand between 22-24 inches, males 24-26 inches. Dutch Shepherds are slightly smaller at 21.5-24.5 inches.
3. Cost. On average, a Belgian Malinois puppy costs around $1,000. Dutch Shepherds cost $1,000-$2,500. Shelter dogs vary from $100-$600.
4. Trainability. Both are highly trainable, but the Malinois requires more intense training and socialization. This makes them more challenging to train and handle.
5. Lifespan. The Dutch Shepherd lives 12-14 years. The Malinois lives 10-12 years.
6. Use. The Dutch Shepherd is the more powerful working dog with greater strength and endurance.
While similar at first glance, these breeds have key differences in history, size, cost, trainability, lifespan and use. With understanding of these unique aspects, owners can determine which breed aligns better with their lifestyle.
Why are Dutch Shepherds so rare?
During World War II breeding of Dutch Shepherds came to a halt. Many perished. After the war, enthusiasts reestablished breeding programs, yet the Dutch shepherd remains a rare breed. Once nearly extinct, the Dutch shepherd is a rare Dutch breed. At first glance, easy to confuse with his German cousin, there are differences between the two breeds, physically and in temperament.
Dutch Shepherds are medium to large-sized, well-built and muscular dogs. As herding dogs, they are quick, athletic with endurance and stamina. They have powerful hind legs allowing them to run freely. They stand prominently and proudly, ears always perked up and alert.
Most Dutch Shepherds have blue or yellow darting eyes, gauging situations. In addition to strong frames, they have powerful jaws. With high intelligence and great temperament, Dutch shepherds have working skills. However, independent, yet affectionate, steadfast and loyal, forming strong attachments. With right introductions, they live well with dogs and children.
As land reclamation reduced need for farm dogs, World War II nearly made the breed extinct. Not until second half of twentieth century were skills and talents as service dogs discovered. Still rare today, popularity grows.
Being rare benefits the Dutch Shepherd breed, experiencing few genetic problems often bane of popular overbred dogs. They can live 12 to 15 years.
The Dutch Shepherd originated in Netherlands. Long ago, versatile “Jack of all Trades” dogs were needed. In addition to shepherding, they kept chickens from gardens, gathered cows for milking, pulled milk carts and brought milk to market.
To increase numbers, Dutch Breed Club requests breeding of dogs meeting conformation standards and has produced breeding standards. Although numbers have increased, the Dutch Shepherd remains a rare breed.
Is a Dutch Shepherd stronger than a German Shepherd?
They look alike, were bred to perform the same herding tasks, and make loving and loyal pets. However, German Shepherds are larger and stronger dogs, but they are also less tolerant of other dogs than Dutch Shepherds.
How can you tell a Dutch Shepherd? Although the dog has 3 different coat types, the Dutch Shepherd should always be a brindle color, with a silver or golden base, and either dark brown or black-colored brindle that is present all over the dog’s body.
How rare are Dutch Shepherds? The average Dutch Shepherd weighs between 42 and 75lbs. Most German Shepherds are quite a bit heavier than this. German Shepherd males weigh around 65 to 90lbs. The GSD females can be between 50 to 70lbs. German Shepherds are taller as well. Many Dutch Shepherds measure between a height of 21.5 to 24.5 inches. German Shepherd males are 24 to 26 inches tall, with the GSD females between 22 to 24 inches tall.
When you look at a Dutch Shepherd you will notice that they have a wedge-shaped head. The head tends to be proportionate to the rest of the body.
The Dutch Shepherd Dog is a healthy breed, but there are health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Overall, the Dutch Shepherd is better bred than the German Shepherd, and it shows. While German Shepherds live just 10-13 years Dutch Shepherds live a more average 11-14 years.
Both the Dutch Shepherd and the German Shepherd are very loyal and intelligent, meaning they are relatively easy to train.
The Dutch Shepherd is a medium-sized breed with a solid bone structure and moderate musculature. Quite smaller than cousin breeds the German or Belgian Shepherds. They are slight and slender and come in three coat types. You can tell if your dog is a Dutch shepherd by the brindle color, with a silver or golden base which all three coat types have. A German shepherd is a large dog. Its length to height ratio is high typically 56cm to 66cm in length.