The Dutch Shepherd is an energetic and enthusiastic worker with a loyal nature. But how do you know whether you are ready to own a pet and if this is the right breed for you? This information is absolutely necessary in making the decision to purchase a pet.
History
While the Dutch Shepherd was originally bred specifically to herd sheep, it was noted that this breed made an excellent worker in general. In 19th century Holland, the Dutch Shepherd became a popular guard and watch dog, due to its protective nature and love of work.
Thanks to the hard work of breeders and enthusiasts alike, the Dutch Shepherd was finally accepted into the United Kennel Club in 1995.
The breed has recently increased in popularity in its native Holland, for its ability to make a nice companion and pet.
To current date, the Dutch Shepherd remains rather rare outside of its native country.
Personality Traits
The Dutch Shepherd is known as the most obedient, trainable, and intelligent of all Shepherd breeds, including the popular German Shepherd. This breed enjoys work and generally maintains a serious and dedicated attitude. Due to its protective and dominant instincts, the Dutch Shepherd makes an impressive guard and watch dog, alerting and protecting its owner of potential danger.
When in its home environment, the Dutch Shepherd is a relaxed and sweet dog, often showing an affectionate and loving side to its master. This breed makes a nice pet and companion, although it sometimes shows impatience with bothersome children and other pets.
Train-ability
Perhaps the most trainable of all breeds, the Dutch Shepherd excels at basic training and commands. This is a highly intelligent breed that loves to learn and work hard, and typically enjoys training. These naturally obedient dogs can be taught most anything its trainer is willing to take the time to teach.
As with all athletic and muscular breeds, it is very important to establish dominance and trust from the very beginning with the Dutch Shepherd. This is key to succeeding at training and maintaining a safe environment for your family and other pets.
Benefits and Disadvantages of the Breed
There are many benefits to owning a Dutch Shepherd. This breed is extremely intelligent, obedient, and quick to learn. Training comes quite naturally to these incredible animals. Due to their protective instincts, the Dutch Shepherd makes an amazing guard and watch dog. These dogs are often very affectionate and loving to their owners and make nice pets and companions.
Unfortunately, there are also disadvantages to owning a Dutch Shepherd. These highly energetic working dogs need large amounts of daily exercise and room to run and play. Anyone wishing to purchase a Dutch Shepherd lacking the adequate amount of time and space to dedicate to the dog is strongly advised against doing so. Dutch Shepherds not receiving the proper amount of exercise will act out by destroying property, barking, whining, chewing, and ignoring basic training such as housebreaking.
The Dutch Shepherd is known to lack patience when it comes to children and other pets. This breed prefers not to be bothered or bullied, often becoming aggressive when it feels necessary. Proper training is absolutely required to prevent aggressive behaviors in these powerful dogs.
As previously mentioned, the Dutch Shepherd remains rather rare outside of its native Holland and can be difficult to obtain. Individuals wishing to purchase a Dutch Shepherd will often face such challenges as inability to locate a breeder, high prices, and being placed on long waiting lists.
Common Health Concerns
While the Dutch Shepherd is generally a healthy and hearty breed, they do fall victim to a few health problems, such as: hip dysplasia, patellar luxation – dislocation of the knee, and various joint problems such as arthritis.
Now that you know all about the breed, do you think you are ready to own a Dutch Shepherd? Remember, purchasing a pet is a big decision and should be discussed thoroughly and seriously with your entire family.
Sources:
http://www.ukcdogs.com/website.nsf/breeds/dutchshepherd
http://www.trainpetdog.com/Dutch-Shepherd
