Dutch Shepherds are intelligent, energetic, and athletic working dogs. They bond closely with their families and are affectionate and loving with them. Here are a few facts about Dutch Shepherds:

1. The Dutch Shepherd is a Herding Dog

The Dutch Shepherd originated in the Netherlands. They were originally bred and used as herding dogs, but often served as all-purpose farm dogs. Dutch Shepherds were prized for their intelligence, versatility, and reliability as working dogs.

Although the Dutch Shepherd was bred to be a herding dog, they often ended up doing just about everything around the farm. Their main purpose was usually to guard sheep, herd them, and also make sure they didn’t venture into and ruin the crops.

In addition to these duties, this dog breed often worked in dairy by herding the cows in for milking and also pulling the milk carts to market. They also often acted as protectors and guardians of the farm by acting as a watchdog and protecting the crops from the livestock on the farm including chickens!

2. They Are Versatile Working Dogs

The Dutch Shepherd is a versatile working dog. They can still be found honoring their farming dog roots, working as service dogs, and being a beloved family companion. Dutch Shepherds are still popular on farms and ranches. You can also find them working in other capacities.

This dog breed has excelled in working as a police dog and tracking dog. They’re even one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units. They’ve shown themselves to be valuable search and rescue dogs and service dogs. They truly are a versatile dog breed that loves having a job to do and tends to excel in any job put in front of them.

3. Dutch Shepherds Are a Great Fit For Families

When well-socialized, this dog breed gets along well with children as well as other dogs and other pets. This makes them a great fit for families as they are known for being loyal and affectionate. Plus, they’ll love the extra activity and attention that tends to come with children and will gladly take on the job as a playmate and loving protector. They also tend to be innately intuitive, so they will naturally and easily switch from work time to playtime as the situation calls for it.

4. These Working Dogs Need a Job

Dutch Shepherds are highly intelligent working dogs that are also naturally independent. When it comes to training and day-to-day life, they need to know what is expected of them. They need a job to do and the more structure you can provide for them, the better. Even if you don’t have a farm or a ranch, there are plenty of jobs your dog can do at home.

With structure, they will exceed your expectations and excel at whatever you put in front of them. Without structure, they will make their own decisions, which can be a challenge for first-time dog owners. Obedience and puppy training classes are usually a good idea and a bonus for a Dutch Shepherd.

5. Dutch Shepherd Coat Types Vary

One of the interesting facts about Dutch Shepherds is that they have various coat types associated with them. Their coat can be short, long, or rough and each one has different grooming needs in terms of brushing. The short-haired coat type needs more frequent brushing at a few times a week while the long-haired coat type needs weekly brushing.

The rough-haired coat type tends to be curly, but, unlike the high-maintenance Poodle coat, this coat type only needs to be brushed about once a month. Regardless of coat type, there will be heavier seasonal shedding sessions twice a year, during which the rough coat type will need to be hand-stripped. With either coat type, there will be a few different types of dog grooming brushes you will want to have on hand.

6. They Tend to Adjust Their Energy Level

The Dutch Shepherd is a high-energy working dog, so anyone looking to add one to their family will need to be prepared for a lot of activity. At the same time, a Dutch Shepherd will adjust their energy level to the situation. As long as they are getting enough exercise overall, they will intuitively adjust their energy level depending on whether it is time to work, time to play, or time to relax.

This does not mean you can be a couch potato all the time and expect the Dutch Shepherd to be the same. They still need a lot of exercise to be happy and healthy and, as with any dog breed, lack of proper exercise tends to result in undesirable behavior. Destructive behavior is one of the most common signs your dog isn’t getting enough exercise. So, make sure your Dutch Shepherd gets enough exercise and then enjoy their ability to read a situation and adjust.

Is a Dutch Shepherd Puppy Right For You?

These are just a few facts about Dutch Shepherds to help you determine if they are a good fit for you. A Dutch Shepherd puppy can be a great addition to an active family that can keep them mentally stimulated while providing plenty of exercise and affection. If you think this dog breed could be the perfect fit for you, learn more about them and check out the available Dutch Shepherd puppies!