Why a Dutch Shepherd?

[ladyjubilee]

Why did you pick a Dutch Shepherd? What drew you to this breed over others?


I didn't really pick the breed since I didn't even know it was a breed. She was just the only dog in the shelter that drew all of our attention. Looking back, I guess I should have asked why she was in the room with all the aggressive/powerful dogs. But as soon as we took her out and she was such a sweetie we just knew.

Had I know what a Dutch Shepherd was, I would have left the shelter without a dog that day. I would have been intimidated and missed out on a great dog.

[TimL_168]

I needed a harder working dog for tracking, as well as a dog that would bark when needed around the house. I also needed a dog that could run with me all year and I could train for general utility on jobsites, home, and wherever we are.

[Tim91118]

I needed a dog that could keep my attention and challenge me. I also wanted a biddable dog that would be a good companion.

[sysyphus]

Wanted an intelligent, hardy, medium sized dog that's not like the rest.

[Mark77]

I wanted one Dutchie but somehow ended up with two Dutchies and a Malinois. Why this breed? They are an all around solid family dog. Especially the KNPV dogs because that level of training to get titled eliminates much of the genetically weak or nervy animals that you may find in showline animals. Finding a dog with that perfect balance between a protection dog and companion dog is very rare. I got that with my first one, he's been solid. The next one I bought, a female has been a very friendly dog, extremely serious dog, requires no corrections ever. My final dog was a Malinois, I will never own another Mal again, they are a little softer handling corrections with just a little to much annoying energy where they can't really just settle down. A nicely bred KNPV Dutchie is a better dog all around.

[ladyjubilee]

I read an article this week list Malinois are on of the top breeds increasing in popularity as pets. If they have more energy than a Dutch Shepherd, I have to wonder where all these popular Malinois are going to end up.

[TimL_168]

I read an article this week list Malinois are on of the top breeds increasing in popularity as pets. If they have more energy than a Dutch Shepherd, I have to wonder where all these popular Malinois are going to end up.

If you're on FB, follow some of the rescue and re-home pages. There's a effing ton of them dumped in California.

[Mark77]

Malinois are great dogs, don't get me wrong, they are very sweet, very loyal, and learn exceptionally fast. My Malinois never went to formal training despite me paying for the training but my lazy wife didn't want to take the dog to that facility. I spent years doing obedience and bite work with Riddick. A year and a half doing advanced obedience with Asia. Yet Zoe, my Malinois, managed to learn 95% of her commands just by watching the other two. Basically she was very easy to train. That being said, my Mal has markedly more energy than my Dutchies through all the same age ranges.

[Susannah]

Why? I have seen malinois, hates their sooo over drive and lack of calm.
Working gsd i have had, and yes, very easy To train but so straightforward. Also very hyper.

Ds have had 2 from bad situations/ New home and they have turned To be so great. Unfortinetily my last gs Who came just over 1,5 years old To me cause no one handles her, died. She was so nice, fierce, but so easy. I had To put her sleep after 1 yer cause She paralized, had bad back. That when i got my jedi, from breeder Who said its healthy line and very tough boy. I dont agree toughness, he is very versatile and socile and very command friendly puppy.
Also i like dutch stripes and their own head. But from every shepherd i know, i just say its the Best companion for Everything, and great Family dog when properly socialized as puppy.

I still say i would not Take short haired Gsd.
There are so much difference In coat lines, and longhaired ds is just my type, unfortunately, they have big issues with nerves. That is why my puppy is cross breed, half long, half short. Its fairly rare, but i would love To see More crossing, would bring much To a breed. Longhaired are very socile couchpotatoes so crossing can, if good parents, do very versatile puppies with good character and health.

[Mark77]

Really has nothing to do with coloring or coat length that makes any difference.