In 2021, a Dutch Shepherd named Max was granted the American Kennel Club (AKC) ‘Paw of Courage’ award, recognizing exceptional service to mankind. Max was injured in the line of duty while pursuing a suspect during a shooting incident.
Dutch Shepherd
If you’re looking for a partner in adventure, congratulations — you’ve found the one! The Dutch Shepherd is lively, intelligent, and blessed with many talents. Get to know the breed that accompanies mankind in business and pleasure.
Country of Origin
Netherlands
Breed Group
Herding
Height
Male 56-61 In
Female 53-58 In
Weight
Male 23-32 Ib
Female 23-32 Ib
Life Span
11-14 years
In a Nutshell
The Dutch Shepherd is a talented companion that can assist its owner in many ways. Throughout history, the breed has filled many vital roles in a variety of fields, such as farming, guarding, rescue, and more. But worry not, as it is also a lovable family pet. You will maintain an active and joyful lifestyle with a Dutch Shepherd in your family.
Life With a Dutch Shepherd
Low (1)
High (5)
Energy level
Trainability Level
Amount of Shedding
Tendency of Barking
Exercise Needs
Kid Friendly
Pet Friendly
Looks & Personality
This medium- to large-sized, muscular breed is built for activity. The Dutch Shepherd has a double coat in various lengths and gold and brindle shades, which protects the dog from the elements but sheds a little more than owners would like. Their erect triangular ears and athletic build make members of this breed great watch and work dogs.
This breed exudes confidence and versatility, ready to switch from a playful partner to a serious guardian in a heartbeat. The Dutch Shepherd is more than just a pet; they are true partners and family members. This dog is often chosen to serve in military, police, and rescue forces for a reason.
As a natural protector and loyal companion, they balance their protective instincts with a deep affection for their families. Friendly even with strangers (when the circumstances and introduction are pleasant), they integrate well into households, showing their love for children and other pets. In other words, there’s almost no task this dog can’t handle, and they deserve every pat and treat they get.
A tip from a vet
Dutch Shepherds’ love for intense physical activity can be dangerous in warmer climates. To prevent heatstroke, it's best to skip the high-energy activities during the peak heat of the day. Keep in mind that dogs don't sweat like we do, so cooling down can be more challenging for them.
A tip from a trainer
Dutch Shepherds love to learn and aim to please, so keep training sessions engaging and varied. Use positive reinforcement to encourage their natural intelligence and give them fascinating tasks. Prepare to be amazed!
What about your Dutch Shepherd?
Did You Know
Movie star Channing Tatum is the proud owner of a Dutch Shepherd named Rookli, which he nicknamed ‘the Little Savage’.
A two-year-old Californian Dutch Shepherd named Ozzy was trained in jiu-jitsu. His trainer based his approach on unique communication and balance techniques and stated, “Ozzy is not an everyday dog”.
In 2011, Pyro, a Dutch shepherd, won a dock jumping competition and tied a world record by jumping over 31 feet into the water. His owner shared that Pyro used to be afraid of water but leaped in to rescue another dog, which sparked his love for water.
In The News
The History Behind the Breed
As the name suggests, the breed originated in the rural Netherlands. The Dutch Shepherd was first developed to assist with farming tasks and was excellent at herding. With the rise of industrial farming, some traditional roles were replaced with modern-day working roles such as herding sheep, guarding homes, and even pulling carts if needed. This versatility made them invaluable partners.
Post-World War II, breeding decreased, and the Dutch shepherd’s population dwindled almost to the point of extinction. However, through the efforts of breed enthusiasts, the Dutch Shepherd has made a remarkable comeback despite remaining the rarest breed in its group. Today, Dutch Shepherds serve in various roles, including police work, search and rescue, and as loyal companions with a proud, rich heritage.
If a Dutch Shepherd Could Talk…
A Quick Anatomy Lesson
Dutch Shepherds are usually healthy, suffering from only a few inheritable conditions. Still, paying attention to bone, muscle, and eyesight health challenges is important.
Common Health Problems
What about your Dutch Shepherd?