Dutch Shepherd Adoption Guide: Temperament, Size, Coat and Care

Dutch Shepherd overview

The Dutch Shepherd comes from Holland, where it began as a sheepdog and as a general purpose farm dog. Today it is also used as a companion and guard dog. The American Kennel Club lists it in its Miscellaneous Class, which is not full AKC recognition.

History and recognition

The breed is enjoying a resurgence in popularity in its homeland. The United Kennel Club recognized the Dutch Shepherd on January 1, 1995.

Dutch Shepherd size and weight

The United Kennel Club describes the Dutch Shepherd as a medium-sized, well-muscled dog that is slightly longer than tall. The AKC also places it in the medium size category. The AKC gives its height as 21.5-24.5 inches and its weight as 42-75 pounds. The UKC standard gives male height as 22½ to 24½ inches and female height as 21½ to 23½ inches.

Dutch Shepherd temperament: are Dutch Shepherds good family dogs?

The UKC describes the breed's temperament as alert, devoted to its owner, obedient and eager to please. It adds that the dog is a good guardian, vigilant and active, with plenty of stamina. It may be somewhat reserved and should be well socialized. The AKC's temperament words for the breed are intelligent, lively and athletic.

In the AKC's general ratings, family affection and protective tendency sit at the top of the scale, while child compatibility and openness to strangers are rated in the middle. That mix suggests a devoted but watchful dog, so whether a Dutch Shepherd fits a family with children is worth discussing with the organization caring for the dog.

Activity and training needs

The AKC gives the breed its highest rating for energy, mental enrichment and trainability. Many Dutch Shepherds therefore tend to do best with plenty of exercise and mental work.

Coat, colors and do Dutch Shepherds shed?

The breed comes in short, long and rough coat types. Each of them has a woolly undercoat. The AKC lists the coat as short and double. The AKC rates grooming frequency at the low end of its scale and shedding in the middle, so Dutch Shepherd shedding is moderate rather than minimal.

For coat colors, brindle is the only acceptable pattern, defined as dark streaks on a lighter background. Very small white accents may appear on the breast or feet.

How long do Dutch Shepherds live?

The AKC gives a general life expectancy of 11-14 years for the breed.

Questions about Dutch Shepherd rescue and adoption

Because the breed is described as somewhat reserved, ask the organization caring for a dog how it behaves around new people. Ask too how much daily exercise and mental work the dog currently gets, given the breed's high energy rating.