Dutch Shepherd
Athletic, intelligent, and loyal, this breed thrives in active homes and excels at learning new tasks. Naturally protective, Dutch Shepherds make reliable companions and versatile working partners.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
57–62 cm (male)
55–60 cm (female)
WEIGHT
23–32 kg (male)
18–25 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
11–14 years
Dutch Shepherd: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Dutch Shepherd isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Dutch Shepherd's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
Dutch Shepherds are known for their loyal, alert, and even-tempered nature, forming strong bonds with families while remaining watchful and responsive without being overly aggressive.
Key Personality Traits
Generally sociable with people and other dogs
Quick learner, excels in training sessions
High stamina, needs frequent physical activity
Enjoys games and interactive play
Adjusts well to various living situations
Strengths
- Highly intelligent and quick to learn
- Strong work ethic and drive
- Loyal and protective with family
- Athletic and agile for various activities
- Adaptable to different environments
Challenges
- Needs extensive daily physical exercise
- Can be reserved with strangers
- High prey drive may affect small pets
- Prone to boredom without mental stimulation
- Requires consistent training and socialization
Protect your Dutch Shepherd
Dutch Shepherd are active and energetic, but they can develop hip dysplasia and inflammatory myopathy. Get peace of mind with PetSecur's comprehensive coverage.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Dutch Shepherds are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Highly trainable
Overall rating
Highly intelligent and eager to learn, Dutch Shepherds excel in obedience and working roles, responding well to consistent, positive training methods and adapting quickly to new tasks.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
60–90 minutes daily
recommended per day
This breed has high energy and requires substantial daily exercise, including vigorous physical activity and mental stimulation, to stay healthy and prevent boredom-related behaviors.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Dutch Shepherds are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Dutch Shepherd would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Needs experienced handling and consistent training
Apartment Living
High energy and exercise needs make small apartments less suitable
Active Lifestyle
Thrives with active owners who provide daily physical and mental stimulation
Kids
Can do well with kids if socialized and supervised
Multiple Pets
Accepts other pets if socialized from a young age
Being Left Alone
Dislikes being left alone for extended periods
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Dutch Shepherds compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dutch Shepherd
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
Helpful pet owner tools
Use our interactive tools to help you make the best decisions for your pet journey
Pet name generator
- 1000+ unique pet names
- Filter by gender & personality
- Save your favorites
Random breed generator
- Explore unexpected matches
- Learn about rare breeds
- Find hidden gems
Breed comparison tool
- Side-by-side comparison
- Multiple criteria options
- Detailed breed information
Explore more dog breeds
Discover other popular dog breeds and find your perfect canine companion
