Dutch Shepherd Puppies for Sale

overview of the Dutch Shepherd Dog Breed

Are you looking for an intelligent, high-energy dog that is also a loyal companion? 

Take a look at our Dutch Shepherd puppies below!

Originally an all-purpose farm dog in the Netherlands, this hardy, athletic dog is capable of any task you give it! Dutch Shepherds love to work, run, and play. This breed is rare, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t talented! In fact, Dutch Shepherds are often used in canine careers such as police and military work. 

Dutch Shepherds can make loyal companions and excellent family guard dogs; however, because of their high drive, intellect, and protective nature, Dutch Shepherds are not recommended for first-time dog owners. 

Purchase your Dutch Shepherd puppy today and enjoy this excellent, hardworking breed! 

Check out a few of our other breeds for sale while you are at it.

Dutch Shepherd temperament

Intelligent – Dutch Shepherds are brilliant and love a challenge! They are often used in police work, search and rescue, or as guide dogs for the blind. 

Independent & Protective – As with many dog breeds, high intelligence also means an independent spirit and a mind of their own! Obedience training is recommended for Dutch Shepherds. They can also be overly protective and need to be properly socialized and trained to be comfortable around new people and animals.  

High Exercise Requirements – Bred for herding sheep, the Dutch Shepherd can run all day. They have a lean, muscular build, high endurance, and they excel in many dog sports. 

Hard Working – Originally an all-purpose farm dog, the Dutch Shepherd is smart and high energy and wants to be kept busy! If you are considering adopting a Dutch Shepherd, make sure you have a plan for exercise and mental stimulation for your dog. This dog will not be happy left at home alone for long periods. 

Loyal Companion – While we can sing the praises of the Dutch Shepherd’s abilities, they are also adaptable and playful. They can make great family dogs and companions if given proper exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization. 

Versatile: Dutch Shepherds are versatile working dogs. They can excel in various roles, including police work, search and rescue, herding, and as family pets.

Reserved with Strangers: Dutch Shepherds are typically reserved and aloof with strangers. They may not immediately warm up to new people but are not typically aggressive unless they sense a threat.

It’s important to note that individual Dutch Shepherds can have variations in their personalities, and early socialization and training are crucial to ensure they develop into well-rounded and well-behaved dogs. Dutch Shepherds are best suited for active families or individuals who can provide them with the physical and mental stimulation they need.

Dutch Shepherd Breed history

The Dutch Shepherd originates from the Netherlands, where it was bred to help with a variety of farm tasks, including herding and guarding sheep, bringing cows in for milking, keeping hens out of the garden, pulling carts with milk or produce to market, and of course, alerting the farmer to strangers. 

The first breed standard for the Dutch Shepherd is from 1989. At this time, any coat color was accepted. However, by 1914 the standard was changed and required the Dutch Shepherd’s coat to be brindle. The brindle coat allowed the Dutch Shepherd to be easily distinguished from the German Shepherd and the Belgian Shepherd. 

As farms modernized, the need for Dutch Shepherds decreased. During World War ll, the breeding of Dutch Shepherds came to a stop. Many dogs died of starvation, and others were taken to Germany to work in the military. 

After World War ll, the breeding of Dutch Shepherds resumed; however, its unknown at this time what breeds were mixed with the Dutch Shepherd. 

Although this breed is rare today, the Dutch Shepherd is a highly trainable and talented breed and succeeds in police work, search and rescue, and as guide dogs.

Dutch Shepherds are similar to German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, and Australian Shepherds.

Dutch Shepherd Average size

Dutch Shepherds measure 21.5-24.5 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 42-75 pounds.

Average Dutch Shepherd lifespan

Dutch Shepherds have an average lifespan of 11 to 14 years.

Dutch Shepherd body features

Dutch Shepherds have erect, triangular ears, long legs, and a lean, athletic build. 

There are three types of coats: short-hair, long-hair, and rough-hair. Their coats are either silver-bindle or gold-brindle. They have black noses and black eyes. 

At first glance, the Dutch Shepherd can look like a German Shepherd or a Belgian Malinois. So how can you tell these beautiful breeds apart? 

German Shepherds are larger than Dutch Shepherds (and Belgian Malinois). German Shepherds usually have a black “jacket” on their backs with a light-colored chest and belly.

Belgian Malinois are slightly larger than Dutch Shepherds, but your best bet at telling them apart is by looking at their coat. Belgian Malinois are usually a solid fawn or sable with a black face, while Dutch Shepherds are silver-brindle or gold-brindle.

grooming Your Dutch Shepherd Puppy

Dutch Shepherds are relatively low-maintenance in the grooming department. Depending on their coat type, they required different grooming. 

Short-haired Dutch Shepherds will only need occasional brushing. 

Long-haired Dutch Shepherds should be brushed thoroughly once a week and more often during shedding seasons. 

Rough-haired Dutch Shepherds must be combed once a month and hand-stripped twice a year. 

For all coat types, bathe as needed. 

Your Dutch Shepherd will also need its nails trimmed and teeth brushed regularly.

Keeping Your Dutch Shepherd Puppy Healthy

Dutch Shepherds are generally a healthy breed, but there are a few things their owners should know. 

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia 

Like all dog breeds, Dutch Shepherds are at risk for hip and elbow dysplasia, two of the most common health issues in dogs. 

Hip and elbow dysplasia occurs when the thigh bone doesn’t fit snugly into the hip and can result in limping, lameness, or arthritis if it’s not addressed.

Hip and elbow dysplasia can be genetic, or it can be caused by environmental factors such as overeating or injuries. 

Here are some ways to prevent hip dysplasia in your puppy: 

1. Ask the breeder for an OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) Hip Clearance. Dogs with hip dysplasia shouldn’t be bred. 
2. Talk to your vet about the right food for your puppy and stick to the correct amount to prevent unhealthy growth. 
3. Keep your puppy from running or jumping excessively on hard surfaces and standing on its hind legs.  

Bloat (for large breeds)

Bloat, also called gastric dilatation-volvulus or gastric torsion, can affect any medium-to-large breed dog and is a life-threatening condition. 

Bloat is when the stomach becomes twisted, and the gases in the stomach are unable to escape. The pressure from these gases affects the blood flow to the heart, and it can be fatal. 

To prevent bloat:

1. Avoid feeding your dog right before or after heavy exercise.
2. Feed them a few smaller meals a day instead of one large meal to prevent bloat.
3. Learn to recognize the symptoms of bloat so you can take action immediately.

Some owners choose to have surgery done to tack their dog’s stomach in place and prevent it from twisting. 

Protect Your Dog from Obesity 

You can protect your dog from one of the most common health problems: obesity. One of the best ways to extend your dog’s life is by feeding them the correct amount of food and giving them adequate exercise.

Other Conditions That May Affect Your Dutch Shepherd

AKC.org recommends testing long-haired Dutch Shepherds for thyroid issues and rough-haired types for goniodysplasia (an eye condition).

Typical Dutch Shepherd Allergens

Allergens are caused by dander, which is dead skin cells. Both animals and humans shed these dead skin cells. Dander is attached to the fur that dogs shed.

Because they are high shedders, Dutch Shepherds create more dander and allergens than some breeds and are not considered allergen-friendly. 

Frequent grooming and cleaning reduce the number of allergens a Dutch Shepherd releases. However, if you or someone in your family has allergy concerns, please consult your family healthcare provider before adopting a puppy.