How to really know/learn about our dog?

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JustMe
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Tell us about yourself: Mac is our newest canine family member. We adopted him from the pound around June 2010 with all paperwork saying he was and ‘Australian Shepherd Mix.’ Upon walking into obedience training the trainer giggled and said, “that isn’t Australian anything you’ve got there.” The next class she talked to us about the Dutch Shepherd and their potential and dedication. And….here we are.
Location: H-town, TX
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How to really know/learn about our dog?

Post by JustMe »

So my husband and I sure think our dog looks the part of DS, but how do you really ever know? He is a rescue with no known history. Our obedience trainer discussed blood testing or something? Can you explain more? What is that? Expensive? What is your favorite link to learn about this breed?

Any additional info?
Thanks!!!
Shannon. Momma to two bipeds and 5 furry friends. Mac is our 2yr old DS (we think). We got him from the pound labeled as an 'Australian Shepherd Mix.'
JustMe
Just Whelped
Posts: 5
Joined: Mon Mar 26, 2012 3:27 pm
Tell us about yourself: Mac is our newest canine family member. We adopted him from the pound around June 2010 with all paperwork saying he was and ‘Australian Shepherd Mix.’ Upon walking into obedience training the trainer giggled and said, “that isn’t Australian anything you’ve got there.” The next class she talked to us about the Dutch Shepherd and their potential and dedication. And….here we are.
Location: H-town, TX
Contact:

Re: How to really know/learn about our dog?

Post by JustMe »

Oh, here's a pic of us from our camping trip last weekend.

Image

http://flickr.com/gp/76599844@N02/96TD8X

Ugh.... I can't figure out how to make the picture actually show in the post so there's a link.
Last edited by JustMe on Wed Mar 28, 2012 4:08 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Shannon. Momma to two bipeds and 5 furry friends. Mac is our 2yr old DS (we think). We got him from the pound labeled as an 'Australian Shepherd Mix.'
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Christie M
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Re: How to really know/learn about our dog?

Post by Christie M »

The link goes to a page that is protected as private.
Christie Meyer
http://www.northwoodsk9.com
http://www.dutchshepherdrescue.org
http://www.thunderhawkcanine.com

Be proud of the things that you have taught your dog. Be humbled and grateful for all of the things that your dog has taught you. - Unknown
JustMe
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Posts: 5
Joined: Mon Mar 26, 2012 3:27 pm
Tell us about yourself: Mac is our newest canine family member. We adopted him from the pound around June 2010 with all paperwork saying he was and ‘Australian Shepherd Mix.’ Upon walking into obedience training the trainer giggled and said, “that isn’t Australian anything you’ve got there.” The next class she talked to us about the Dutch Shepherd and their potential and dedication. And….here we are.
Location: H-town, TX
Contact:

Re: How to really know/learn about our dog?

Post by JustMe »

Thanks & Sorry. Still figuring things out. Try it now.
Shannon. Momma to two bipeds and 5 furry friends. Mac is our 2yr old DS (we think). We got him from the pound labeled as an 'Australian Shepherd Mix.'
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vneerland
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Re: How to really know/learn about our dog?

Post by vneerland »

I have little confidence in the blood test to determine what breed (mix) your dog would be.
They build up a database from private submissions. Not too sure that what has been submitted as DS is, indeed DS. Maybe we as DS owners should do a test, and submit a known specimen and see what it comes back as :)
As for your dog. I would absolutey NOT label him as an Aussie! No way. I might label him as a DS though :)
A bit much angulation (It seems) in the back, and a GSD (german shepherd) ear/tail, but I have seen less beautiful dogs pass for DS's. He might be a GSD x brindle (bulldog or DS) mix, but I'd say go ahead. Save your money and call him a DS. ;)
ImageJudith Van Neerland Dutch Shepherds Image
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Dutchringgirl
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Location: Ct, USA

Re: How to really know/learn about our dog?

Post by Dutchringgirl »

He is beautiful! Sure, call him a dutch, have fun with the looks and comments you get :player:
Lisa, Thalie CGC & Sadie, Cookie the Basset, CT
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alspyce
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Tell us about yourself: I am in New York State. Got my first DS about 14 years ago (more or less as a rescue- lost her in Nov.). After years of GSD's, and a few dogs of other breeds (Rotti/Beauceron/Ger. Shorthaired Pointer/ Yorkie and my current Jack Russell) I now have another DS, 4mo female, no name yet, tho I have a few in mind.
Also have a horse-old quarter horse mare-32.
Can't wait for all the snow to get gone! Spring is coming too slow this year!
Location: Corinth, New York

Re: How to really know/learn about our dog?

Post by alspyce »

Pretty boy!
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." Anatole France
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wahinelf
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Tell us about yourself: I recently moved from CA to MA (10/12), Ellie (my 4 year old DS mix) and I are adjusting together!
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Re: How to really know/learn about our dog?

Post by wahinelf »

I've looked into the genetic testing - all the companies I've looked into don't even have Dutch Shepherd on the list of possible breeds to test for. So, I don't think testing would even be effective for a "purebred" DS. Also, I've gone to some dog genetics seminars and most people in the field think the tests are total BS, they don't test for enough DNA markers to be very effective.

I'm just a big wimpy weiner and call my dog a shepherd mix. :D
-Aubrey

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Eleanor CGC FM TF-II, my 5YO DSX
JustMe
Just Whelped
Posts: 5
Joined: Mon Mar 26, 2012 3:27 pm
Tell us about yourself: Mac is our newest canine family member. We adopted him from the pound around June 2010 with all paperwork saying he was and ‘Australian Shepherd Mix.’ Upon walking into obedience training the trainer giggled and said, “that isn’t Australian anything you’ve got there.” The next class she talked to us about the Dutch Shepherd and their potential and dedication. And….here we are.
Location: H-town, TX
Contact:

Re: How to really know/learn about our dog?

Post by JustMe »

Well thanks for the info and compliments. I figured as much about the dna testing. That's one reason we didn't jump on it.

The awesome knowledge/opinions on here are good enough for us :D
Shannon. Momma to two bipeds and 5 furry friends. Mac is our 2yr old DS (we think). We got him from the pound labeled as an 'Australian Shepherd Mix.'
Kgazlay
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Tell us about yourself: I am a women of a certain age who adopted my dog Ozzy two years ago. He is a beautiful short haired black and gold brindle. Unfortunately in the first year of his life he had four owners and a short stint in the pound because the people who took him had no idea what the breed is about. He has become a loving companion who loves his walks and particularly going to the off leash park and running with the other dogs. He is truly my best friend.

Re: How to really know/learn about our dog?

Post by Kgazlay »

@Justme, I too got my dog as a rescue and have no idea what his true lineage is. He was billed as a DS and based on the research and great advice I received on this web-site I am 99% sure that's truly what he is. I think all you can do is look at the standards and compare to what you've got. But DS or not I am sure you've got a wonderful dog who will love you and be your best friend always.
Kathy and Ozzy "Prince of Darkness" Gazlay
Kansas City, MO

"Animals are such agreeable friends - They ask no questions, they pass no criticisms" - George Elliott
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kchristy
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Tell us about yourself: My name is Katrina, I have 1 dutch shepherd name Merlin. He is a handful and keeps things in our house very interesting and fun :)
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Re: How to really know/learn about our dog?

Post by kchristy »

He is beautiful, looks so smart :)
Katrina, Soba, & Merlin
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