Facebook page.I joined the forum so I can do some research on Dutch Shepherds and breeders. My dog experience is growing up with two labrador retrievers (hunting dogs trained by my father and I), K9 handler in US Air Force Security Police (what we were called in the 1980s) where I worked with a GSD and a Mal during my time in. Since then I have had two GSDs (male and then a female), both working lines, and did Schutzhund with them. Unfortunately both my GSDs developed degenerative myelopathy right at 9 years old. While I like the GSD working lines and loved my dogs, I will not put myself through that heartache again.
So I am researching information on Dutch Shepherds and putting a list of good breeders together to talk with about getting a pup sometime in the spring or summer.
All my dogs have been house dogs......most have had their favorite chair or couch.
I have a home with a large fenced in back yard and a 10' x 10' kennel in it. I don't leave my dogs in the kennel, I got it when my male GSD decided that all muddy puddles needed to be thoroughly explored (an attitude that lasted his whole life).........picture letting in a 20-80 lbs ball of mud while dressed for work and getting ready to go out the door. So kennel was used for the dogs to do their business in and to prevent a repeat of what is now referred to as the mud ball apocalypse. I am looking at becoming the "double nickel" this year (55 years old), so I am a little older and a little slower. I have done outdoor activities with my GSDs and continue to do so with a new dog: hiking, biking, walking/jogging, etc. Plans for this dog will be either Schutzhund, Agility, SAR, etc.
I live alone but have kids living all around me with no other animals in my home. I am looking at a dog that will be a companion first, protective, and enjoys activities. When I was going through K9 school, a wise old trainer told me that he always looked for dogs that were confident, calm, and controlled. Getting those three traits involved damn good genes, good socialization, and good training.
