Dutch Shepherd Dog Questions Questions

Hi Everyone,

I am hoping I can get some answers to a few questions so we can get an idea if we are being realistic on the possibility of having a dutchie as our next dog.

We are not rushing into it yet as we only lost our previous dog 2 months ago.

1) How do they do with other family pets?

2) Will they adapt to more than one human being dominant to them in pack?
Husband normally takes the pack leader roll, but I want to be able to have a partner for my evening runs/walks.
Plus we have two pre-teen girls.
Do they do ok being left at home alone, for a bit. Husband does school runs etc. But due to distance takes over hour depending on trains..... [please note its something we would look to train for over time like to avoid anxiety etc.] 3] Dog or bitch? Our previous shepherd was intact male. But we have no desire to breed dutchie and never felt need to neutere Odin.

Anything else we should consider? only other breed on short list is belgium malinois.
Our Odin was 6ft long and over 65kg but we need a breed that is a bit smaller as we also have a caravan in Norfolk and Odie struggled as he got older being able to move & turn round in it.

Thanks

Sorry can't help never owned an Dutch Shepherd
But if it helps my previous last German shepherd I owned was a miniature one not a regular size one, not sure if they have miniature Dutch Shepherds as well.

Certain breeds more than others can become more attached to one family member than another but that doesn’t mean they won't happily go for walks or take commands from other family members, there is no question that Heiko is a daddy’s boy yet I train, feed and do most of the walking which he happily accepts.
I have never with any of my dogs tried to be ‘Pack Leader’ and never had any problems.

@ Tina Quote) But if it helps my previous last German shepherd I owned was a miniature one not a regular size one, not sure if they have miniature Dutch Shepherds as well.)

There is NO such thing as a ‘miniature' Gsd, we occasionally get Pituitary dwarfism, but that’s completely different, a small German shepherd is likely to be a mixed breed.

@GsdSlave yes I know miniature GSD's are not full pedigree breed, but was pointing out that my last GSD was not the regular size one, however she did live longer then some regular size GSD's as she was 18 years old when she went over to rainbow bridge.
I did find this on a GSD web site Vee :
When it comes to pint sized dogs that look like their full sized cousins, the Miniature German Shepherd is a very popular variety, they live longer then their full size cousins & have less health problems to.

You could have trouble locating a Dutch Shepherd puppy, they seem to be becoming popular as working dogs, and there are only a few breeders at present.
Malinois are usually quite high drive dogs. Although any puppy is largely what you make it, in your case - with sub teen children - I would like to see both of the parents, so you can assess their temperament traits.
I don't generally subscribe to dominance theories, but some dogs are harder than others.

@Azz Don't think so but can't be sure, I got her from the GSD Rescue Home to be my system alert dog
Zara aged 8 years old

She most likely wasn't purebred @6JRT's but she was gorgeous all the same.

Regarding the original topic, as @CaroleC said Dutch Shepherds are not popular here in the UK and only a few select sport kennels own/train them, so you may have more luck contacting one of those places ( can't recall the kennel names off the top of my head but a Google search should bring something up )

However, did want to pick up on your comments regarding 'dominance' and 'pack leader' stuff. You may find this link useful - http://www.apbc.org.uk/articles/why-wont-dominance-die

Dominance based training does nothing but harm your relationship with your dog IMO and there is no need for anyone in your family to take the role on as 'pack leader'. Building a relationship based on trust, mutual appreciation and on a fair basis will have more benefit than constantly having to 'assert' yourself.

There are some breeds of dogs which do not tolerate heavy handed training and only flourish with fair, equal based training/respect.

Hello,
These dogs need a purpose, stimulation or a job if you like. This is why they are suited to a working life such as Police, Military or as sports dogs.
What is a Herder? To some people it is simply a stripey Malinois. They are bred for work and most breeders don't really care what the dog looks like so long as it has the traits they are looking for, high drive, courage, intelligence etc. My observation of the difference between Herders and Mali's is that the Herders have an "off switch" where as the working line Mali's I know and work with are hyper 24/7, I have two destroyed bed boxes to testify to this!
My Herders are so chilled out at home that friends and family simply can't believe they have such a different side to their character.
I see nothing but sad stories of private homes giving up a herder at 12 months because they can't cope, the dog has taken over their lives and have ended up destroying furniture, showing aggression or becoming uncontrollable.
If you are looking for a herder/mali and can honestly say that you are going to put the work in and give the dog the life they deserve then you will get the best dog in the world, if you want one because "i've always had shepherds and I think they look nice" I would suggest that you look at another breed.
To answer your questions. My herders live with other dogs, chickens and 3 year old twins and I have never had a problem. If you get a dog as a pup and it is brought up and introduced to other animals, children you should not have a problem.
Some lines of Herders are known to be "handler hard" and will challenge for authority. In my experience I find them to be very human orinentated and they accept their position and thrive in a family environment. My wife will happily walk my Herders with no problems but I am their dad and they will always look at me for direction.
Never had a problem with leaving them but going back to my opening comment my dogs are working dogs and their time in the kennel at home is their down time so they are happy to relax when not working.
Marc

What a stunning dog.

You are spot on with this. I've just joined the forum and there are not many posts for Dutch Shepards.
I have a rescue Dutch so not sure about the traits that are associated with her abusive past . Had her for 5 years now and she is an old girl. I've known her for 11 years . Got her off a friend who went travelling so I don't know exactly how old she is.
Anyway she is nowty with other dogs and will jump through a car window to chase a cat.
Apart from that she seems to recognise family stuff . ie my sisters cat she is friends with and has time and patience for other young family members.
Dutches need purpose as you say. I have my own business and take her to work every day and she seems to love being the company dog.barking at every delivery man. They are protectors but not aggressive( although they sound it).
Can be trained well ergo the police aspect.
And they love their dad.
Wes