Whether you are looking for a working dog or an active canine to join your family, consider the Dutch Shepherd. This furry friend is a wonderful companion that can make your life complete. They are loyal and have endless energy, which can bring years of happiness for people that are outdoors a lot of the time. Are you interested in the Dutch Shepherd? Let’s learn more about this active breed and what their needs are. This way, you can know if they are the right dog for you.
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What Can I Expect from the Dutch Shepherd?
The Dutch Shepherd has been used for many years as a farm and herding dog. They are active and strong canines that make them adaptable and good to use as working dogs. A lot of people confuse the Dutch Shepherd, German Shepherd and Belgian Shepherd. Indeed, they are cousins. The good thing about the Dutch Shepherd is that they are generally a healthier breed and they are said to be easier to train.
The Dutch Shepherd is a medium to large canine that can reach a height of between 21 to 25 inches. They can also weigh anywhere from 50 to 70 pounds. Often, the male is going to be heavier than the female. The average life span for the Dutch Shepherd is 12 to 15 years. The coat of the Dutch Shepherd is brindle and this can include a variety of colors. This includes anything from gold and brown to variations of red.
Do They have a Good Temperament?
The Dutch Shepherd is capable of being a loving family dog if their exercise needs are met. While they love to be active, they also adore spending time with their pack. They are sweet and love affection. The Dutch Shepherd will make a good watchdog for your family. They will alert you if they think there is something wrong. Indeed, they are also very loyal to their pack. This can offer you peace of mind.
Just make sure that you socialize your Dutch Shepherd from a young age. Otherwise, they may become wary of strangers. They are a pooch that can make new furry friends at the dog park too. Again, early socialization is the best way to ensure this. The Dutch Shepherd is an intelligent pup and they are going to respond when to positive reinforcement. They are obedient and like to please.
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Ask a Vet Live NowDo They Need a lot of Exercise?
As a working dog, the Dutch Shepherd does need a good amount of exercise every day. They are best when they are active and this is the type of family they are going to be suited to. So, if you love to go out hiking or running, they are going to make the perfect companion for you. Of course, they are also going to help you out around the farm or work in the police, search and rescue and agility. Since they are intelligent, they can learn new tasks and commands quickly.
This canine is smart and this means that they want to be entertained when they are in the house. They will not laze around all day without expending their energy. Therefore, make sure your furry friend has some fun toys they can play with and make time to play with your canine. Short and regular training sessions are also going to be beneficial for exercising your dog’s brain. In addition, it is a good way for you to bond with your Dutch Shepherd.
Do They have a lot of Grooming Requirements?
It is important to note that there are three coats for the Dutch Shepherd. So, your grooming requirements are going to depend on the coat your furry friend has. This can be short, long and wire hair. For example, if you have a Dutch Shepherd that has a short or long coat, this is going to mean that you need to brush them on a regular basis. They have a woolly undercoat and this can mean that this pooch will shed. You should expect to see some fur lying around your house. If you have a wire-haired Dutch Shepherd, this is going to require less maintenance. You are not supposed to brush this type of coat. Instead, you can take your furry friend to a professional groomer twice a year.
Where Can I Find a Dutch Shepherd?
There are a few ways that you can find a Dutch Shepherd and welcome them into your family. First of all, you can visit your local animal shelter. There are going to be lots of dogs here that are looking for a new home. While the Dutch Shepherd might be difficult to find at the shelter, it is not impossible. But you may mistake this breed for a German Shepherd or Belgian Shepherd. Therefore, you may not be sure the exact breed of the canine you choose. But if you fall in love with them then this will not matter!
You can also search online to find a Dutch Shepherd. There can be charities that can connect you with a furry friend that needs a new home. In addition, there are some owners that try to re-home their pooch over the internet. This could be for free or for a price. Make sure that you find out everything about the dog before agreeing to re-home them. You want to ensure that you can meet their needs and that they are the right dog for your family.
The last option you have is to find a reputable Dutch Shepherd breeder. There are going to be a lot of them across the country and you will have to do your research to find the best one. It is best not to choose one because of the price tag. Instead, consider their qualifications, reputation and methods used for raising the Dutch Shepherd puppies. Do not be afraid to ask questions and it is recommended that you see the mother and father before agreeing to purchase a puppy.
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Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
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