Facebook page.I spent a lot of time thinking about a Dutch Shepherd before I got mine. I watched the rescues at NADSR and corresponded with people in Europe. However, I had two dogs already, a Malinois and a Laekenois, and I wanted to make sure I got a dog that would fit in with my current pack.
When it was time for a new puppy, I was torn between another Laekenois, or a Dutchie. I chose Laekenois. But when the litter was born, there weren't enough puppies to go around. After trying 3 other breeders for a last minute Laeken puppy, without success, I started looking at the Dutchie breedings.
Four months later I was on a waiting list with a breeder in Europe. But the mating didn't happen. I was really getting depressed about the whole thing as I started looking through the NHC geboren and dekking page for short-hairs, once again.
While I was researching the breedings I saw a male that I just fell in love with. Sometimes love at first sight really happens. I emailed his owner and I was told there there was one male available from a current litter (of 11 puppies!). And, he was going to be 8 weeks old in 5 days! Contacted the breeder of the puppy and two days later (Monday) I bought a plane ticket for Amsterdam. Friday I was on that plane. Saturday I landed in Amsterdam and at the breeder's home. Sunday I was on another plane for Chicago with a puppy sleeping at my feet.
That's the story of how Small Yard's Boaz came to live with me and my pack. I can't believe that was in March 2010, and he's almost 2 years old.
I really love the breed now, and I'm happy that it worked out this way. He's very squirrely, but very smart. We are working in obedience and agility, and he has a gorgeous natural heel. He has been to one Rally Obedience show this year, just to get him out there and doing something. He is the most athletic dog I've ever seen in my life! He is going to blow the competition away in agility if his handler can get in shape.
I don't do the protection sport, though, there just isn't time to travel and train. Same reason I abandoned my Malinois' herding training.
Carole and Boaz, Balto and Ciana, in Ohio.
http://clgoetz.8m.com/dogs
I finally met him, and his owners, this year at the big DS conformation show in The Netherlands. And he is a sweetheart, too. Loves watching Rugby on the "tellie", too. 
