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Dutch Shepherd Dog Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Dutch Shepherd Dog so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank525
Reviews2
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Dutch Shepherd Dog dog profile picture
OriginNetherlands flagNetherlands
Other Names
What other names does the Dutch Shepherd Dog have?
Hollandse HerderDutch Shepherd Dog
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Dutch Shepherd Dog Size and Weight

Size
Is a Dutch Shepherd Dog small, medium or large dog?

How big do Dutch Shepherd Dog get?

What is the average size of a Dutch Shepherd Dog?

Large
Weight
How much does the Dutch Shepherd Dog weigh? How much should a Dutch Shepherd Dog weight? What is the normal weight of a Dutch Shepherd Dog? How much does a full-grown Dutch Shepherd Dog weight?
Male: 61-70 pounds (27-31 kg) Female: 52-61 pounds (23-27 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Dutch Shepherd Dog?
Male: 65.5 pounds (29 kg) Female: 56.5 pounds (25 kg)
Height
How tall is the Dutch Shepherd Dog? Dutch Shepherd Dog height:
Male: 22-25 inches (56-63 cm), Female: 21-24 inches (53-61 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Dutch Shepherd Dog?
Male: 23.5 inches (60 cm), Female: 22.5 inches (57 cm)

Dutch Shepherd Dog Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Dutch Shepherd Dog puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Dutch Shepherd Dog in the United States? How much money is a Dutch Shepherd Dog?

Where to buy a Dutch Shepherd Dog with a good pedigree?

$1000-$1200
If you choose to purchase the Dutch Shepherd Dog, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Dutch Shepherd Dog for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Dutch Shepherd Dog gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Dutch Shepherd Dog? How many Dutch Shepherd Dog are there in the world?
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.

There are very few of them, and there have been times when they have almost drifted to the brink of extinction, so few are left.

Dutch Shepherd Dog Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Dutch Shepherd Dog? Is the Dutch Shepherd Dog breed dumb or smart?
Smart: The Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs have great intelligence. They understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions.

The Dutch Shepherd Dog is among the smartest dogs in the intelligence ranking.

Trainability
Are Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Dutch Shepherd Dog?
Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Ability
Is Dutch Shepherd Dog good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Dutch Shepherd Dog can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Dutch Shepherd Dog will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Dutch Shepherd Dog Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Dutch Shepherd Dog have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
AlertAffectionateObedientReliableLoyalTrainable
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Dutch Shepherd Dog sensitivity:
Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. Sometimes it's okay to change the daily routine, have guests and listen to loud music.

Some dogs handle moderate punishment very well, while others crumble apart at a dirty look. This breed is not affected emotionally by moderate punishment.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Dutch Shepherd Dog a good family dog?
Average to High: Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs are highly affectionate dogs. They like being involved in the family's life. This breed isn't considered an aloof dog.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Hollandse Herder need? Dutch Shepherd Dog social needs:
Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Dutch Shepherd Dog to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Dutch Shepherd Dog roam?
Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. They have low to average wanderlust potential. Exploring the world is not the best activity they can imagine.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Dutch Shepherd Dog have high prey drive?
Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

Dutch Shepherd Dog Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The Dutch Shepherd Dog is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Hollandse Herder bark?
Low to Average: The Dutch Shepherd Dog rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Dutch Shepherd Dog good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Dutch Shepherd Dog in an apartment?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Dutch Shepherd Dog indoors.

Dutch Shepherd Dog Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Average: Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Dutch Shepherd Dog be left alone? How long can you leave a Dutch Shepherd Dog alone?
Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Dutch Shepherd Dog Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Dutch Shepherd Dog has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Dutch Shepherd Dog? How much bite force does a Dutch Shepherd Dog have? How strong is a Dutch Shepherd Dog bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Dutch Shepherd Dog bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Dutch Shepherd Dog measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Dutch Shepherd Dog is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Dutch Shepherd Dog bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Dutch Shepherd Dog bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Dutch Shepherd Dog puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Dutch Shepherd Dog, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Dutch Shepherd Dog bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Dutch Shepherd Dog can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do Dutch Shepherd Dog bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Hollandse Herder? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Dutch Shepherd Dog? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Dutch Shepherd Dog has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Dutch Shepherd Dog do?
Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Dutch Shepherd Dog Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
The Dutch Shepherd Dog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Dutch Shepherd Dog breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Dutch Shepherd Dog see the vet?
Average
The Dutch Shepherd Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs live? How old can a Dutch Shepherd Dog be? What is the age limit of the Dutch Shepherd Dog? How many years can the oldest Dutch Shepherd Dog live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Dutch Shepherd Dog?

How long is the lifespan of a Dutch Shepherd Dog?

11-15 years
The average lifespan of Dutch Shepherd Dog: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.

Dutch Shepherd Dog Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Dutch Shepherd Dog have? What is the activity level of the Dutch Shepherd Dog?
Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn't the perfect choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Dutch Shepherd Dog need? How much exercise do Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs require per day?

Do Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs need a lot of exercises?

Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Dutch Shepherd Dog breed need?
Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

Dutch Shepherd Dog Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Dutch Shepherd Dog need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Dutch Shepherd Dog breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Dutch Shepherd Dog? How much food should I feed my Dutch Shepherd Dog?
3 to 4.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Dutch Shepherd Dog risk for obesity:
Low to Average: The Dutch Shepherd Dog has a low to the average risk for obesity. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Dutch Shepherd Dog weight regularly.

Dutch Shepherd Dog Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Dutch Shepherd Dog have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
Wiry
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Dutch Shepherd Dog coats?
Blue SilverYellow Brindle Golden Grey Salt & Pepper
Grooming
How to groom the Dutch Shepherd Dog and how often? How often should I take my Dutch Shepherd Dog to the groomer?
Easy to groom: The Dutch Shepherd Dog doesn't require a lot of grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Dutch Shepherd Dog is a good choice if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Recommended for beginners.
Shedding Level
How much do Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Hollandse Herder? Do Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs shed a lot?
Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Dutch Shepherd Dog need a bath? How often should you give a Dutch Shepherd Dog a bath? Can I bathe my Dutch Shepherd Dog every day?
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

For example, short-haired dog breeds can go a very long time in between baths. These short-haired breeds shed regularly and that shedding works to naturally remove excess dirt and oil. So unless your weenie dog got into the garbage can, you can probably hold off on a bath for a while.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Dutch Shepherd Dog breed hypoallergenic?
No
Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Dutch Shepherd Dog has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Dutch Shepherd Dog drool?
The Dutch Shepherd Dog is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency. If you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, the Dutch Shepherd Dog could be a good choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool less than others, just like the Dutch Shepherd Dog.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Dutch Shepherd Dog Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs get along with other pets? Are Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Dutch Shepherd Dog temperament with other people:
Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Dutch Shepherd Dog temperament with children:
Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Dutch Shepherd Dog breed live with a cat?
Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Dutch Shepherd Dog good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs get along with other dogs?
Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Dutch Shepherd Dog breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Dutch Shepherd Dog breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs good office canines? Do Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Dutch Shepherd Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Hollandse Herder temperament with senior people? Are Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs good for elderly owners?
Dutch Shepherd Dogs are commonly okay with elderly people.

Dutch Shepherd Dog As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Dutch Shepherd Dog be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Dutch Shepherd Dog is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Dutch Shepherd Dog be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Dutch Shepherd Dog be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Dutch Shepherd Dog is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Dutch Shepherd Dog be a sniffer dog?

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Dutch Shepherd Dog breed is a good choice for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Dutch Shepherd Dog be a search and rescue dog?

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people.

The Dutch Shepherd Dog breed is a good choice for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Dutch Shepherd Dog be a boat dog?

Not really

Dutch Shepherd Dog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Dutch Shepherd Dog be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Dutch Shepherd Dog is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Dutch Shepherd Dog Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Dutch Shepherd Dog pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Dutch Shepherd Dog breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Dutch Shepherd Dog: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Dutch Shepherd Dog have in a litter? How many puppies can the Dutch Shepherd Dog breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Dutch Shepherd Dog have? How many puppies can a Dutch Shepherd Dog give birth to?
6-10 puppies

Dutch Shepherd Dog Recognition

AKC Group
Is Dutch Shepherd Dog recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club as a Miscellaneous breed.
FCI Group
Is Dutch Shepherd Dog recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the Dutch Shepherd Dog breed?
American Canine RegistryAmerica's Pet RegistryDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleAmerican Canine Association, Inc.Continental Kennel ClubNational Kennel ClubUnited Kennel ClubFoundation Stock Service

Dutch Shepherd Dog Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligent Rank: Smart: The Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs have great intelligence.
  • Grooming: Easy to groom: The Dutch Shepherd Dog doesn't require a lot of grooming.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Dutch Shepherd Dog is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Low to Average: The Dutch Shepherd Dog has a low to the average risk for obesity.
  • Watchdog Ability: Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Mouthiness: Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog: After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
  • Search and Rescue Dog (SAR): This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Cons
  • Hypoallergenic: Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Cat Friendly: Dutch Shepherd Dog dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: Dutch Shepherd Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Rate The Dutch Shepherd Dog Breed

Dutch Shepherd Dog Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Nicholson

    Aug 27, 2022, 9:40:30 PM:

    Dutch shepherds are pretty much like Belgian Malinois. I love them but they are a little too hyper sometimes or most of the time the only thing I don’t like about them the only thing.

  • Lisa Holy

    Sep 4, 2021, 10:47:37 PM:

    Great description of the breed