The Dutch Shepherd is a sweetheart with the warmth of a plushie. It loves snuggling and acting as the perfect little angel to make your life easier. The breed also has an amazing streak of efficiency. It won’t sit idly by while you are working. It’s brilliant and can easily adapt to various roles in the house. With the Dutch Shepherd in the house, you won’t even have to worry about security.
To help you understand the Dutch Shepherd better, we have compiled some essential information about the breed just for you. Please read on and enjoy the beauty of this beast.
Dutch Shepherd History
The Dutch Shepherd has a somewhat obscured origin story. Its primary ancestor is thought to be the same as the ancestor of the Belgian and German Shepherd. It’s also one of the reasons why the breed standards are quite similar for both breeds. The primary development of the breed took place in the Netherlands. To be more specific, the breed was bred in the southernmost part of the Netherlands.
The breed was superb at herding cattle. It was quite popular back in the day with farmers. The introduction of newer, more technologically advanced methods replaced the breed. The Dutch Shepherd was almost on the brink of extinction during this time. The World War further worsened things. Finally, a few devoted breeders decided it was high time to save the breed. The UKC accepted the breed in 1995.
Dutch Shepherd Characteristics
The Dutch Shepherd is a breed meant to withstand a multitude of various conditions. Thus it’s not surprising when we consider its body shape and appearance. The body of the Dutch Shepherd is muscular and strong, with long legs and padded paws. It may have some long hair on various parts of its body. The eyes of the Dutch Shepherd are almond shaped and lively, with a healthy expression.
How Big do Dutch Shepherd Get
The rough proportions of the Dutch Shepherd remain the same for both genders. The average height range is bound to be 22 to 24 inches. The weight range for males and females is, on average, between 60 to 70 lbs. The females, in general, weigh less than the males, though.
How Long Does Dutch Shepherd Live
The Dutch Shepherd is a healthy breed and will normally live a long life. The main lifespan will vary between 12 and 15 years. Yes, the right healthcare and dietary plan will increase its lifespan to a certain degree.
How Much Does a Dutch Shepherd Cost
The price of the Dutch Shepherd can vary between 1000 dollars and 2500 dollars. The price is relatively high because it has a well-established market. The price will also vary based on the pedigree and health of your puppy.
Dutch Shepherd Temperament/Personality
The Dutch Shepherd is a breed that doesn’t do well with sitting idly. It will be happy inside the family and will require attention. You will have to keep it preoccupied. Otherwise, you could have a troublesome bud on your hands. Children will be fine with the Dutch Shepherd if they don’t hurt it anyway. Smaller children and pets are best kept away from it.
It will only respond to your commands if you show it that you are the boss. It needs a pack leader with firmness to keep it preoccupied. The average beginner can’t keep this boy/girl in line. You may use a Dog Training Book or some professional guidance to help you. Generally, keep it inside an active household where it has a role to play. A daily job will keep it satisfied.
Caring for Dutch Shepherd
Every good doggie deserves the attention of its owner and special care. We have below this for you the care and grooming that it requires to remain happy.
Dutch Shepherd Nutrition
The Dutch Shepherd has a healthy tummy and an even healthier appetite. You should look into food like Purina Dog Food or Diamond Naturals Dog Food to give your buddy the right nutrients. The average dosage of the food will have to be between 2 to 3 cups per day.
How to Groom a Dutch Shepherd
The Dutch Shepherd will require grooming sessions based on the inherent coat of the breed. Normally it will require brushing sessions daily. You will have to use a Dog Brush to keep its coat free. The second important thing is ensuring a monthly or maybe bi-monthly bath. Ensure the use of a Dog Shampoo to keep its coat healthy. Trim its nails whenever you hear that click sound. Brush its teeth as often as you can. The wiry coat of the breed can become problematic if not taken care of properly.
Dutch Shepherd Activity Levels
The Dutch Shepherd will have exercise and activity needs based on its inherent traits. Normally it will require daily exercise sessions. The duration of the sessions shouldn’t be less than 40 minutes. You may use various toys, work roles, and puzzles to keep it preoccupied inside the house. We know that boredom is its worst enemy.
Caring for Dutch Shepherd
The Dutch Shepherd is a healthy breed that doesn’t demand much from its owners. You will have to remain vigilant about its interactions. Try not to force socialization. Make it seem natural. The best thing about it will be taking it to the local park. The second thing of importance is keeping it active and appreciated. If you don’t give it any task to do, eventually it will get bored. Boredom for any breed spells doom for furniture.
Dutch Shepherd Health
The Dutch Shepherd is a healthy breed because of its relatively pure-blooded nature. The breed has a remarkable immunity. The only things that should concern you are Hip Dysplasia, Goniodysplasia, and its sensitivity to different forms of anesthesia. The Dutch Shepherd will rarely require extensive examinations. We still recommend giving a thorough check-up every month at least. The reason for that is because you can never be too careful about your buddy’s health.
Breeds Similar to Dutch Shepherd
Best Dog Food for Dutch Shepherds
The best dog food for Dutch Shepherd is Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food. This food contains a unique formula with rice and salmon as the key ingredient. It has been designed for the better health of your pal. Moreover, it also includes highly digestible oatmeal in the formula, while with the lie probiotics and prebiotics, a smoother and healthier immune system and digestion are guaranteed.
- Contains vitamin A and omega 6 fatty acids that nourish your Dutch Shepherd’s coat while making their skin shinier.
- Includes omega 3 fatty acids for higher mobility and joints health.
- The better taste makes your dog crave food.
Best Puppy Food for Dutch Shepherds
The best puppy food for Dutch Shepherd is Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food. This food includes live probiotics and prebiotics that are better for the development and improve the overall health of your little partner. Diamond Naturals have used lamb as the first ingredient, while other items include vegetables like garbanzo beans, coconut, papaya, and peas.
- Includes lean protein that develops muscle.
- Better coat and skin health with the fatty acids from omega 6 and 3.
- Well-balanced diet.
Best Dog Crate for Dutch Shepherds
The best dog carte for Dutch Shepherd is Lucky Dog Sliding Double Door Wire Dog Crate. This study and strongly built crate ensure superior security for your dog. It is equipped with a sliding door design that makes it more convenient and reduces door sticking.
- Includes corner stabilizer for avoiding rattling and accidents.
- Panels are coated and reinforced to make them rust-resistant.
- Easy to remove leak-proof pan provides better cleaning experience.
Best Dog Bed for Dutch Shepherds
The best dog bed for Dutch Shepherd is FurHaven Plush Ball Pillow Dog Bed w/Removable Cover. This bed is extra cozy and comfortable. It has a nest-like design for better comfort. Moreover, its stretchy liner structure and equal-sided panels can be squished and easily formed.
- Includes stretchy interior that allows your dog to shape the bed.
- Easy to wash and maintain with its machine-washable quality.
- Filled with complete recycled material.
Best Dog Harness for Dutch Shepherds
The best dog harness for Dutch Shepherd is Mighty Paw Padded Sports Reflective No Pull Dog Harness. This harness features a dual-slip system that allows you to attach the leash both in the front and back. Moreover, it has a no-pull design that allows for greater comfort of your Dutch Shepherd.
- The non-restrictive design provides natural movements to your dog.
- Better control with the padded handle.
- Durable and long-lasting due to high-quality material.
Sources:
Recommended Reading:
- Best Dog Food
- Best Dog Bowl
- Best Automatic Dog Feeder
- Best Interactive Dog Toys
- Best Dog Playpen
- Best Outdoor Dog Kennel
- Best Dog House
- Best Dog Crate
- Best Dog Treat
- Best Automatic Fetch Machine
- Best Dog Activity Monitor
- Best Dog Food Container
- Best Electronic Dog Door
- Best Dog Ramp
- Best Dog Cooling Vest
- Best GPS Tracker for Dogs
- Best Dog Bed
- Best Dog Cooling Pad
- Best Indestructible Dog Bed
- Best Dog Training Book
