Dutch Shepherds stop growing between 18 and 24 months of age. They will continue to fill out and gain strength even after they’ve reached their maximum height, taking up to two years to fully mature and develop their muscle mass and overall body shape.

Dutch Shepherds are always brindle, with a coat pattern of dark stripes on a lighter base color, like a tiger. Dutch Shepherd brindles range in shades from golden to black, but the breed's standard colors are gold brindle and silver brindle.

Dutch Shepherds are large dogs, weighing 45 to 75 pounds and standing around 22 to 25 inches tall.

Yes, Dutch Shepherds shed a low to moderate amount. The amount of grooming a Dutch Shepherd needs depends on their coat type. Long-haired Dutch Shepherds will require a little more attention, trimming, and more frequent brushing to keep the shedding at bay.

Yes, Dutch Shepherds are good with cats. Of course, each dog (and cat) has their own preferences and temperament, but you can feel fairly confident your Dutch Shepherd, if properly socialized to your cat and/or introduced at a young age, should get along well.

Yes, Dutch Shepherds are good with other dogs. Their friendly and adaptable nature allows them to coexist peacefully with other canine companions. However, their herding instincts can sometimes lead to assertive or dominant behavior, so early socialization and proper introductions are important to ensure positive interactions. With appropriate training and socialization, Dutch Shepherds can be excellent playmates and companions for other dogs.

Yes, Dutch Shepherds are typically wonderful with kids. They are energetic and affectionate, yet gentle enough with kids to be ideal playmates for them.

As with any breed, supervise interactions between your child and your Dutch Shepherd to keep both safe. Teaching children how to properly approach and handle dogs is crucial to ensure positive experiences for both the dog and the child, as is teaching dogs how to interact gently with children.

No, a Dutch Shepherd is not the same as a Belgian Malinois, though they share some similarities. Both breeds are herding dogs who are intelligent and agile with a strong work ethic. However, they have distinct differences. Dutch Shepherds originated in the Netherlands, while Belgian Malinois come from Belgium. Dutch Shepherds have a brindle coat pattern (striped appearance) and can have coats in various colors, including gold, silver, and gray. Belgian Malinois generally have a short, fawn-colored coat with a black mask.

Dutch shepherds originated in the southern province of the Netherlands, Brabant, in the early 19th century.

Dutch Shepherds were bred for herding and working with sheep, cattle, and other animals. They were used by shepherds who needed sturdy, alert, robust companions to help them with their work and withstand tough working and climate conditions. These versatile farm dogs were prized for their intelligence, agility, and strong work ethic. Over time, their skills have also made them excellent in various other roles, such as search and rescue, police work, and loyal family companions.

Dutch Shepherds live 11 to 14 years on average. Their longevity can be influenced by factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, and overall health care. Regular check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can help them live a full and happy life.

Dutch Shepherds are rare compared to more popular breeds for a few reasons. They are more commonly found in their native Netherlands and are not as well-known or widely bred in other parts of the world. Because Dutch Shepherds were primarily bred for herding and working purposes, their strong working instincts and high energy levels might not be as appealing to families looking for a dog who will be content with a walk around the block and a cuddle.

No, a Dutch Shepherd is not the same as a German Shepherd. Dutch Shepherds are from the Netherlands, where they tended to work on farms, whereas German Shepherds originated in Germany, where they were used in police work, the military, and search and rescue. German Shepherds have a larger, more robust build and shed more than Dutch Shepherds.

The Dutch Shepherd is not a mix of different breeds but is a breed in its own right.

Yes, Dutch Shepherds are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), the United Kennel Club (UKC), and the American Working Dog Registry (AWDR).

No, Dutch Shepherds do not bark excessively. However, they will bark to alert their families of unusual activity or when they sense something out of the ordinary. As with any dog, they can be discouraged from barking as frequently with proper training and exercise.

Yes, Dutch Shepherds are good family dogs and have made wonderful family companions for centuries. They are devoted, loyal, affectionate, and very energetic, so an active family that will include their dog in their adventures is ideal for this breed.

Yes, Dutch Shepherds are relatively easy to train. Their intelligence, eagerness to please, and strong work ethic make them highly responsive to training, and they quickly grasp commands and enjoy mental stimulation, which helps in training sessions. Consistent, positive reinforcement and engaging training methods work well with this breed. Just keep in mind that even if a certain dog breed is known to be easy to train, training any dog requires a long-term commitment.

Yes, Dutch Shepherds are very smart. They are quick learners with keen problem-solving skills. Their intelligence, eagerness to please, and strong work ethic make them highly trainable and adept at various tasks, including obedience, agility, and specialized roles like search and rescue or police work.

Yes, Dutch Shepherds are friendly. They tend to have warm, approachable attitudes but can be reserved with strangers. In general, their loyal and affectionate natures make them excellent companions and family pets.

Yes, Dutch Shepherds are snuggly with their families. While this is a high-energy breed with a strong work ethic, Dutch Shepherds also enjoy spending time close to their loved ones. They can seek affection and appreciate cuddle time and physical closeness.

Yes, Dutch Shepherds like to swim due to their high energy levels and athletic nature. All dogs are different, though, and individual preferences can vary; it’s a good idea to introduce your Dutch Shepherd to water gradually and observe their comfort level.

Dutch Shepherds are a healthy, robust breed with quite a long average lifespan.

Dutch Shepherds are generally healthy but may be susceptible to the following: 

• Hip and/or elbow dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs. They are similar diseases in which either the hip or elbow joint has grown abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from adequately meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Though the main complication with hip dysplasia is joint instability, the abnormalities present in elbow dysplasia often result in pieces of bone and/or cartilage breaking loose and irritating the joint tissues. Over time, the rubbing from dysplasia can cause a variety of issues, such as pain, lameness, and secondary osteoarthritis. Surgery can be done to fix the joint if diagnosed before the onset of arthritis. If you are rescuing a Dutch Shepherd, have them checked out by a vet to see if they have or are prone to getting dysplasia.

• Eye issues: Dutch Shepherds might experience goniodysplasia, an abnormal eye defect where fluid from the eye is restricted and can not properly drain, potentially causing an obstruction, and keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea. To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may recommend joint eye and imaging tests for the dog.

No, Dutch Shepherds are not hypoallergenic. They shed regularly, which can spread dander, a common allergen. While no dog breed is completely hypoallergenic, some breeds produce fewer allergens than others. With their short coat and moderate shedding, Dutch Shepherds may be less of an issue for some people with mild allergies, but they are not specifically bred to be hypoallergenic. If you have allergies, spend time with the breed before committing, and consult with an allergist for extra guidance.