DUTCH SHEPHERD

Breed Group: Herding

For full breed standards, visit American Kennel Club

Average height: 55 - 62 cms (21.5 - 24.5 in)

Average Weight: 19 - 34 kgs (42 - 75 lbs)

Coat Length:Short, long, or rough, depending on variety

Life Span: 11 - 14 years

Colours: brindle (gold or silver)

HISTORY

The Dutch Shepherd hails from the Netherlands, originally bred as a versatile farm dog with skills ranging from herding sheep to guarding the farm and keeping it free of small pests. These dogs thrived on the ability to work independently in rugged, open landscapes, managing livestock without much supervision from their handlers. As agriculture in the Netherlands became more industrialized, the need for these farm dogs diminished, and the Dutch Shepherd faced near extinction. However, thanks to breed enthusiasts and the dedication of the Dutch breed club, this resilient and capable breed survived and adapted to new roles in society.

Today, the Dutch Shepherd shines in various work environments, from police and military service to search-and-rescue and dog sports. Their high intelligence, agility, and loyalty make them exceptional working partners. The Dutch Shepherd’s history as a multitasker on farms speaks volumes about their mental sharpness and ability to think on their feet, making them an impressive companion for those who can match their energy and drive.

L.E.G.S.

Using the L.E.G.S.® model, our breed descriptions offer insights into typical behavior based on Genetics, Learning, Environment, and Self.

Knowing the sort of 'job' a breed was created for can offer valuable insights into the type of life dogs of that breed would most enjoy. But bear in mind, they are all individuals, treat the following as an indication of breed tendencies – not a prediction.

Shedding

minimal <> considerable

Grooming

minimal <> likely to need professional grooming

Barking

relatively quiet <> very vocal

Predatory behaviour around other pets/livestock

low<>high

Response to strangers

happy to greet everyone <> very wary

Affectionate with family

not at all<>very cuddly

Playful

serious<>very playful

Focus on handler (bond)

independent thinker<>very biddable

Excitable/Impulsive

very calm<>easily aroused

Motivated

laid back<>obsessive

Easy to care for

suitable for inexperienced<>challenging

Exercise needs

minimal<>hours daily

Off-lead exercise needs

happy on lead<>needs plenty of freedom

Enrichment needs

basic<>needs challenges

WHY YOU'LL FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR DUTCH SHEPHERD

Dutch Shepherds form strong bonds with their families, making them steadfast and affectionate friends
With impressive agility and stamina, they’re perfect for those who enjoy outdoor activities and dog sports
Known for their intelligence, Dutch Shepherds are problem solvers who pick up training quickly and thrive with tasks
These dogs bring enthusiasm to everything they do, from playtime to work, with an infectious spirit
They have a natural instinct to protect, creating a safe and loving environment for those they cherish

WHY THEY MAY BE HARD TO LIVE WITH

Without enough physical and mental stimulation, Dutch Shepherds may become restless or bored
Known for their independence, they need a confident, knowledgeable owner who can provide consistent guidance
Their protective instincts make them naturally suspicious of new people, requiring socialization
They may have a strong drive to chase smaller animals, needing supervision around pets like cats or rabbits

YOUR DUTCH SHEPHERD PUPPY HIGHLIGHTS

Dutch Shepherd puppies are curious, alert, and incredibly quick to learn. With high energy levels and an innate drive to explore, they’re like tiny detectives, investigating every corner and new object in their environment. Early socialization is crucial, as it helps them develop a balanced temperament and feel comfortable around other dogs, people, and different environments. Training should start young, capitalizing on their sharp minds and eagerness to please. While playful and endearing, Dutch Shepherd puppies can quickly develop mischievous habits if not given consistent structure, so interactive toys, puzzles, and age-appropriate physical activities are essential to keep them positively engaged.

YOU MAY NEED PROFESSIONAL HELP WITH:

A trainer can help ensure your Dutch Shepherd becomes comfortable with strangers and other animals
Working on controlling excitement and focus, particularly in stimulating environments
They can be distracted by interesting sights and sounds, so professional recall training is valuable
Guidance may be needed to safely manage interactions with smaller pets
For those interested in competitive training or agility, professional assistance can help

YOUR RELATIONSHIP SURVIVAL KEY

Consistency and mutual respect are the keys to a successful relationship with a Dutch Shepherd. This breed thrives with a strong, fair leader who sets clear boundaries and offers plenty of mental and physical engagement. Daily routines that include training sessions, interactive play, and time for independent exploration will keep your dog content and bonded to you. Remember, the Dutch Shepherd loves to work, so building trust and a deep connection through activities like agility, herding trials, or tracking exercises can create a lasting and fulfilling relationship.

UPBRINGING

Raising a Dutch Shepherd involves a balanced blend of early socialization, consistent training, and plentiful enrichment activities. Because they are highly intelligent and observant, they quickly pick up routines, both good and bad. Begin with positive reinforcement techniques, focusing on basic cues and gradually introduce more advanced skills. Expose your Dutch Shepherd puppy to a variety of experiences in a calm and controlled manner—this early exposure will help them grow into a well-rounded adult dog. Be patient with their natural independence; rather than overwhelming them with cues, give them choices within a structured environment to help build their confidence and decision-making skills.

LIFESTYLE

The Dutch Shepherd’s ideal lifestyle includes an active home environment where both physical and mental exercise are part of the daily routine. They do best in homes with ample space to roam and run, but they can adapt to smaller living areas as long as they receive adequate exercise and stimulation. This breed loves to have a purpose, so they’ll thrive in households that engage them in interactive play, training exercises, and outdoor adventures. Whether it’s hiking in the mountains, working on obedience drills, or competing in dog sports, the Dutch Shepherd is a dog who wants to stay busy, making them a good match for energetic, hands-on owners.

INTERESTS & HOBBIES

Dutch Shepherds excel in activities that let them use their natural herding instincts and agility. They are stars in sports like agility, obedience, and herding trials, but they also enjoy scent-based games like tracking. These dogs often enjoy puzzle toys, interactive games, and problem-solving exercises that challenge their intellect. The key to keeping a Dutch Shepherd happy is variety and activity—try alternating between physical exercise and mental challenges to keep them engaged and satisfied.

EDUCATION

For Dutch Shepherds, training should be as mentally engaging as it is structured. Training activities that encourage focus and build on their problem-solving abilities, such as scent work or agility, are especially effective. Reward-based methods work best, as Dutch Shepherds respond to praise and positive reinforcement over punitive methods. Consider training sessions that include off-leash obedience in controlled environments and mastering cues that require patience and impulse control—these exercises play into their natural tendencies while fostering well-rounded behavior.