Dutch Shepherd

The Dutch Shepherd is closely related to the Belgian Shepherd and is a high-energy, muscular, and versatile dog. These medium-sized dogs are powerful and loyal, and can be independent thinkers despite wanting to please their owners.

Dutch Shepherd Breed Overview

Energetic, alert, and smart, the Dutch Shepherd was originally found naturally bred as a sheep herder and guard dog. It is closely related to its cousin, the Belgian Shepherd, but is a different breed. Because of its roots, the Dutch Shepherd has a lot of stamina and a lot of energy to burn. They are loyal and devoted dogs and are ready to work; they have found work post-farm as police dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, and more.  

Dutch Shepherd Facts

• There are three coat types: short-hair, long-hair, and rough-hair  
• They are a relatively rare breed in the United States  
• They were originally bred in rural areas of the Netherlands as sheep herders and versatile farm dogs
• Dutch Shepherds can also be used as police dogs and search-and-rescue dogs  
• They are independent thinkers and sometimes aloof or stubborn  
• They thrive when given a job to do

How to Care for Your Dutch Shepherd

Nutrition and feeding, grooming and hygiene, and living arrangements for the Dutch Shepherd are highly specialized. Here’s what you need to know.  

Nutrition & Feeding

What to Feed a Dutch Shepherd?

Dutch Shepherds are medium-sized dogs that need a high-protein diet. Look for food formulas for medium-breed active dogs, such as Purina Pro Plan Sport Performance. It has a good protein-to-fat ratio to meet the dog’s energy needs and maintain the correct muscle mass. It has probiotics to support digestion, and ingredients like glucosamine and Omega-3 fatty acids for joint health.

How Much to Feed a Dutch Shepherd?

Because the Dutch Shepherd is such an active dog, it’s important that they get enough food to sustain them.  

A feeding schedule is important for this breed to maintain a healthy weight. Consult your dog’s bag of food or your vet for recommended daily amounts of food, or use the Purina Feeding Calculator to help you get an accurate amount based on your dog’s weight.

Treats & Supplements

Medium to large dog breeds can suffer from a condition called hip dysplasia as they age. For preventive care, you can give them a joint supplement, like Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements, after speaking with your vet, and help them maintain a healthy body weight. Treats can be used in moderation and in combination with positive reinforcement training.

Health & Wellness

Veterinary Care

The Dutch Shepherd is a relatively healthy dog breed, but they can be predisposed to a few conditions, such as allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, and hip dysplasia, a joint condition. Slow growth as a puppy and keeping them lean as they age can help with hip dysplasia. Long-haired Dutch Shepherds could be susceptible to a bleeding condition called von Willebrand's Disease. Your dog should get regular vet checkups to help with preventive care, including parasite prevention and vaccines. Include dental hygiene in your regimen and talk to your vet about spaying or neutering your dog.

Dutch Shepherd Enrichment & Exercise Needs

Bred to work, Dutch Shepherds expect a lot of mental and physical stimulation. The best owners for them are those who can meet these needs through walks, running, hiking, puzzles, games, and training sessions. They will gladly lie down and settle, but only after a hard day’s work. Dutch Shepherds can also be used for more formal employment, such as guide dogs and police dogs. They might enjoy activities like agility courses and scent tracking, which can exhaust them mentally and physically.

Understanding Your Dutch Shepherd’s Behavior

If paired with owners who can rise to the occasion and meet their high demand for stimulation, the Dutch Shepherd can be a good family dog for families that are active and have no children or older children. They form strong bonds with their families, but can be protective of their families around people they don’t know. Because they were bred to herd and protect, they could nip at small children’s heels or be loud barkers as they are hard-wired to alert their owners. They can be independent thinkers, so socialization is important to build up confidence.

What to Expect as Your Dutch Shepherd Ages

Dutch Shepherds that are healthy could potentially live 11 to 14 years. They could have issues with their joints as they age, something to keep an eye on with your vet. As your dog gets older, switching them to a senior dog food with high-quality protein, good fats, and additional vitamins and minerals can help them age. You can consult your vet about when to make the switch. Formulas like Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind offer additional nutrients like enhanced vegetable oils to help with cognitive health.

Grooming & Hygiene

Skin & Coat Health

The Dutch Shepherd comes in three coat types: short, long, and rough-haired. Depending on what kind of coat they have, they will shed a moderate to heavy amount of hair. The rough-haired Dutch Shepherd has higher grooming needs. Regular brushing can help remove loose hairs. They can have allergies, which can show up as skin irritations. This can be managed with a combination of diet, environment, and medication if needed, something to talk to your vet about.

Ear, Paw & Dental Care

Working dogs, such as Shepherds, are prone to ear infections. Inspect their ears regularly for moisture and infections, and clean them with a vet-approved regimen. Trim their nails often and inspect their paws for cuts, scrapes, and foreign materials that could lead to paw irritation. Be sure to start a dental hygiene routine for good teeth and gum health.

Anal Gland Care

Highly active dogs like Dutch Shepherds usually naturally express their anal glands, but they could have abscesses. If your dog is scooting, excessively licking, straining to go to the bathroom, or emitting a foul-smelling odor, it’s time to have them professionally expressed at the vet.

Living With a Dutch Shepherd

Living Space

The Dutch Shepherd is a highly adaptable dog, but they thrive with a lot of space indoors and outside. They will benefit from a fenced-in yard on a lot of land, but can get by with regular long walks. They do shed, something to consider when it comes to your cleaning routine and home decor.

Socialization

Dutch Shepherds are smart dogs that love to obey commands. They rely on training to keep themselves in check, and if left to their own devices, they can become more independent in their thinking, which might lead to more stubbornness. Socializing them early and often will help them build confidence around other dogs and strangers, and obedience training will keep them well-mannered.

Climate Considerations

The Dutch Shepherd was originally bred in the Netherlands, so comparable climates work for the breed. They are sensitive to hot and humid climates and can handle colder temperatures better than warmer ones, although extreme ones are not best for them. Their dense coats can keep them comfortable to a point, but they should be monitored for heat exhaustion.

Potential Challenges

These dogs need their stimulation needs met, both physically and mentally, to be happy and well-mannered dogs. If their needs aren’t met, they can become restless and destructive, so a good rotation of obedience training, running, agility training, and other exercises will keep them on track. They bond with their families and do not do well when left alone for a long time, which can lead to destructive behavior or excessive barking. They do bark to alert, so to reduce the likelihood of territorial barking, you can socialize them well, control their exposure to strangers, and use positive reinforcement training.

Explore All Dog Breeds or find a Dutch Shepherd to adopt with our partner, Petfinder!