Dutch Shepherd Forum

Hello all! Nice to meet you. I'm a new member who's here to learn about these wonderful dogs!

My husband and I have been searching for our first family dog (I grew up with a German Shepherd as my childhood dog and best friend). Recently we met a 3-5 year old female DS at a local rescue. We are quite taken with her as she is gregarious and a sweetheart. However, we are familiar with Belgian Malinois and a little with Dutch Shepherds and are aware of their needs for physical and mental exercise. We would really like to adopt her but want to be realistic about meeting her needs. Would the following be enough?

-1/2 hour to 1 hour walk/run twice a day.
-playtime in yard daily (tug, ball, chase)
-short daily training (obedience, tricks, etc)
-weekend hike, beach, dog park or the like
-weekend obedience/agility/nose work type class

During the workday she can come to the office with us or stay kenneled in the yard. We could do dog daycare some days, but not daily.
Is this enough to keep a girl her age happy? At what age do they slow down or mellow? Or do they?

I know most of you do much more, but I'd like to know if a DS is even a possibility for us.

If this is your first family dog I would not recommend a DS. They are very high drive working dogs.

They dont slow down or mellow, my 14 yo DS still plays hard and a lot with my 5 yo DS.

Why do you want a DS< there are plenty of other breeds that will suit your needs. These are not pets, they are best suited for police, guard or a heavy work schedule.

Being familiar with the needs of the dog, but actually living with one and experiencing what they need and what they will do ( destroy) when the needs of the dog are not met.

there is a post on here with some graphic pictures of what can happen when someone has a DS that does not understand what the dog needs.

I would say if you can maintain that schedule every day, despite weather, sickness, and life, yes, you could probably do it. However if you're planning to have kids within the next 3 years I would seriously pause and reconsider a high drive dog. I see a lot of DS/Mals getting rehomed because of problems with young children (not necessarily to the fault of the dog; toddlers and DS are like having quintuplets in the house).

They don't slow down. Some will learn a routine and "mellow" out, but that's because they know patience gets them their reward. Right now mine is laying at my feet, looking for all intensive purposes chill, but if a squirrel were to run by or I stood up, I would get Zoomy McZoomerton since its time for his walk and he is aware of this. They need constant challenges and mental problems training offers them, as well as lots of bonding time with their handler. They also tend to pick one person as their person and that person will have a second shadow. They will listen to the other but not as well.

If you are truly dedicated to meeting their physical and mental needs, and understand you're adopting a toddler on crack with protective tendencies for the next 10-12 years, then I would say go for it. If you have misgivings or the thought of coming home after a long work day and walking for an hour and also training makes you groan, I would probably rethink it.

On the other side of the coin, a DS can be a great addition. You just need to keep in mind that you must be actively working their bodies and minds all the time. No matter the weather or if you feel up to it when you get home - they will be ready for some major fun activities. Letting them outside on their own or with the other dogs will not be enough. Not all DS are aggressive uncontrollable monsters but they do need much more active training and playing than your average GSD.
Maybe your local rescue would let you foster her or offers a trial adoption? Then you could be sure that you are the best home for her.

It's DO-OVER time!

MultipurposeK9 and Dutchringgirl are concerned that foster or temporary adoption might be a bad idea. I am looking forward to seeing some reason behind that...

Most people who foster DS or working breeds have experience with what they need. A trial adoption to me seems like a test drive and kick the tires to see if there's a fit.Two of the cornerstones of having a happy healthy and well adjusted working dog or any dog for that matter is providing structure and consistency in their daily lives from food and when fed, training and exercise to people in their lives to bond with in addition to the surroundings in which they live. The idea to go from rescue to foster or trial adoption seems like a lot of messing with structure and consistency.

centrop67 wrote:It's DO-OVER time!

MultipurposeK9 and Dutchringgirl are concerned that foster or temporary adoption might be a bad idea. I am looking forward to seeing some reason behind that...

The poster who posted the deep bite wounds is a good one. This is not the breed to " well, lets see if this works" This is a hard working breed that needs alot, of work, play, engagement. I really cant type it all on here as to why this is not a " try and see breed"

My Thalie, who is super sweet and does get along with everyone, WILL go up the least and grab your hand if you dont do it right. Now imagine a dog who has some fear, some worry, with a handler who has no clue, a bit nervouse, or hesitant.


there are so many other breeds that are super wonderful that are easy to have as pets, this is not one of them.

ICE wrote: Not all DS are aggressive uncontrollable monsters but they do need much more active training and playing than your average GSD.

Sadie is controllable but can someone handle a dog who herds all the time? Kids, table , everything? Who can go from sound a sleep to light speed to the front door? Who has a drive that when she is frustrated for lack of play on a pouring rain day will shred things before I can even say OUT.

There is just too much to talk about with this breed, too many small things that get lost in the cracks to tell someone who does not have any idea about this breed, that " well, do a trial"

Sorry, No.

A Dutch Shepherd will go to the ends of the earth for you....
And bring you back the corners in shredded little pieces.

DS's are a big commitment with big rewards if you respect and treat them right. My Roo is a mix, she can still out think me and is ready to go even before I know I am.

A Dutch Shepherd will go to the ends of the earth for you....
And bring you back the corners in shredded little pieces

Hilarious ... I'll have to remember that one!