Dutch Shepherd

🏞 Origin & History

The Dutch Shepherd, a close cousin of the Belgian Shepherd, was the favorite of shepherds in the Netherlands. Originally, it was the ultimate multitasker: it managed herds, monitored farms, pulled carts, and stood guard. Over time, it became an ultra-reliable companion and security dog. Today, it is also found in police and military units, although it remains less known than the German Shepherd.

🐕 Dutch Shepherd Profile

A perfect mix of power and agility, with a keen and intelligent look. It comes in three versions: short-haired, long-haired, and rough-haired. In terms of character, it is an ultra-loyal protector, always ready to defend its family, but also a real clingy dog. It loves to work, learn, and be active, so it's best to be ready to move with it!

🔍 Quick Info

• Hypoallergenic: No

• Weight: 24-32 kg (males), 20-30 kg (females)

• Height: 55-62 cm (males), 55-60 cm (females)

• Life expectancy: 12-14 years

• Activity needed: 2 to 3 hours/day

❤️ Personality & Compatibility

• Intelligent: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

• Affectionate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

• Protective: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

• Playful: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

• Vocalizations: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (talks but not excessively)

• Obedient: ⭐☆☆☆☆ (stubborn, but not unmanageable)

• Hunter: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (strong instinct present)

• Calm: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (energy ++, not a couch dog)

• Athletic: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (war machine 💪)

• Independent: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (clingy but knows how to manage alone)

🛠 Where and with whom does he thrive?

• Children: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (playful, but needs supervision)

• Animals: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (socialization needed)

• Strangers: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (reserved, but not hostile)

• Apartment: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (possible but complicated – he needs exercise!)

💡 The Dutch Shepherd is not made for a sedentary life. He needs space, challenges, and mental stimulation. If you live in an apartment, he will need long walks and plenty of activities to balance him out. He is very attached to his human, so leaving him outside all day without interaction is not an option.

✨ Maintenance & Care

• Maintenance difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆

• Maintenance cost: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆

• Maintenance frequency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

• Tips:

• • Regular brushing to avoid tangles and remove dead hair

  • Cleaning ears, eyes, and teeth to prevent infections and tartar

  • Occasional bath, but not excessively

💰 Budget

• Purchase price:500-1000 €

• Average annual cost: 1300-1400 € (food, vet care, accessories)