Dutch shepherd German shepherd mix is a mixed dog breed that results from breeding the second most popular dog breed, the German shepherd, and the rare Dutch shepherd.
With the parents of this breed having similar temperaments, i.e., their loyalty and work drive, expect the same to reciprocate on this pup.
Although it’s a perfect breed mix, this dog breed is not suitable for new pet owners. Unexperienced or inactive family members will find it hard to contain this lovely hound.
However, experienced dog owners who understand how to handle high-energy dogs will find it easier to maintain this lovely canine.
With that said, stick on to learn more about this dog breed mix.
Understanding The Dutch Shepherd German shepherd Mix: Can the German shepherd and the Dutch Shepherd Mate?
With the parent dogs bearing the same size, they can mate with ease. However, breeders will need to perform various health tests on the parent dogs before they can mate.
The Dutch-German Shepherd German shepherd Mix
Before learning more about this breed mix, we need to learn about its parents, i.e., the German shepherd and the Dutch shepherd.
The German shepherd
The German shepherd is the second most popular dog breed in the USA, if not the whole world. This medium-sized dog is famous because of its versatility and sweet temperaments. If not leading the blind, you will find the German shepherd working as a search and rescue dog.
Alert and always confident, this dog has become a popular police dog and one of the best companions any family can have.
Male German shepherds have a weight range of 24-26 inches, whereas females have a weight range of 22-24 inches. The difference between the two sexes is clear. Males will weigh 65-90 pounds, whereas females have a weight range of 50-70 pounds.
The Germans shepherd has a medium double coat- With the outer coat being dense, harsh, and close lying. Consequently, the inner coat is wooly and always soft to touch.
Most coat colors are acceptable according to the AKC breeding standards. However, white German shepherds are disqualified.
With its intelligence, the German shepherd is an easy dog to train. This dog is always eager to learn and work.
If not working or having a job to do, the German shepherd will be happy resting between your legs, begging for tummy rubs and ear scratches.
Quite a fantastic dog breed that has seen it become popular in a short time since it was discovered by one captain Max von Stephanitz, who is known as the founder of the German shepherd dog breed
The Dutch Shepherd Dog Breed
Medium in size, the Dutch Shepherd is regarded as one of the most intelligent dog breeds compared to other shepherd dogs. Looking at this canine closely, you will see a well-muscled dog with a balanced structure.
This dog is courageous and always willing to work. As one of the rarest dog breeds, the Dutch shepherd still retains its herding abilities. With its high work drive, coupled up with its loyalty, the Dutch shepherd has become a gem in the military and police departments.
History
As from its name, the Dutch shepherd originated from the Netherlands, where it was used for all kinds of tasks in the Netherlands’ farms. If not herding the cattle, the Dutch shepherd would keep the chicken away from the kitchen gardens, pulled cats to the market, and lastly worked as a guard dog. And during those days its popularity rose.
However, with the rise of modern farming techniques, the Dutch shepherds were less valuable.
This dog also comes in three varieties;
- Short hair Dutch shepherds- coat is often short and uniformly hard
- Long hair coat- the outer coat is long and harsh to the touch, such is accompanied with a woolly undercoat
- Rough hair- the coat of this Dutch shepherd is dense and harsh all over its body except the head.
Across all borders, the coat comes in brindle with shades of gold and silver.
The Dutch shepherd is not a suitable pet for people living in confined environments. If you live in an apartment with your dog, ensure it gets enough exercise daily. Consequently, inactive families will find it hard to contain and maintain this canine.
Also, with its intelligence, expect to have smooth training sessions with the Dutch shepherd. With its intelligence, this dog has become a top competitor in behavioral and agility competitions.
Besides ensuring this dog is well physically stimulated, remember to fulfill its daily dietary requirements.
Remember not to overfeed to underfeed the Dutch shepherd.
As a natural breed, the Dutch shepherd is a healthy breed. This breed is not susceptible to a host of diseases.
The lifespan of this dog breed is 11-15 years.
Comparing the German shepherd And the Dutch Shepherd
| German shepherd | Dutch shepherd | |
| group | Herding | Miscellaneous |
| Origin | Germany | Holland |
| Other names | Deutshe Schaferhund | Hollandse herder |
| Height | 22-26 Inches | 21.5 -24.5 inches |
| Weight | 50-90 pounds | 42-75 pounds |
| Coat type | Double coat | Coat can either be : short, long or wire-haired(rough haired) |
| Coat color | Most colors are accepted | Brindle which comes in either gold or silver |
| temperaments | Intelligent, loyal, alert | Courageous, lots of energy, intelligent |
| Trainability | high | High |
| Exercise needs | high | high |
| Energy levels | high | high |
| Pet friendly | high | high |
| Tendency to bark | mild | mild |
| Amount of shedding | high | high |
| Lifespan | 12-14 years | 11-14 years |
The Dutch Shepherd German shepherd Mix Appearance and Size
The Dutch shepherd German shepherd is a medium-sized dog, similar to its parents. Expect to have a dog weighing between 40-70 pounds and reaching heights of between 22- 26 inches.
Worth noting, differences between both sexes of this breed mix are apparent.
Consequently, the Dutch shepherd German shepherd has a wedge-shaped head, a feature prevalent in both parents of this dog.
Also, the Dutch shepherd German shepherd will probably have erected ears well-placed on its head. The eyes are almond-shaped, and they have an expression of intelligence and confidence.
The coat type of this dog breed will often vary depending on the parent with the strongest genes.
However, we are sure that the Dutch shepherd will have a double coat, with the outer coat being harsh and the inner coat being wooly.
Consequently, the coat coloration will vary. Any coat color present in either parent with the strongest genes will overshadow the other.
The tail of this dog is medium-sized; however, not too furry nor not too thin.
The legs are well balanced and boned, equal to the task of stabilizing the body frame of this canine.
The Temperaments
Expect to have an intelligent, loyal, and confident dog breed if you decide to have one in your home. The reason being the parents of this breed share such attributes.
This Dutch shepherd German shepherd mix will always be devoted to its owner and ready to risk its life for that.
With its high working drive, a trait present in its parents, expect to have a dog breed who will not be a couch potato. This dog will need a job to do to please his master.
Both the Germans shepherd and the Dutch shepherd are always aloof of strangers. And so, such an attribute will trickle down to this dog breed mix. With that, anyone unfamiliar with this dog will never be welcomed with all paws whenever you are away.
To combat any behavioral issue, teach your Dutch shepherd German shepherd mix who to and not to welcome.
With its playful nature and love for kids, the Dutch shepherd German shepherd mix relates well with the kids. Kids who play and interact with this dog without becoming a nuisance will also receive similar treatment.
While at that, kids will need to learn how to relate and play with this dog. They need to learn that this dog is a breed mix that can attack if provoked beyond its limits.
Exercise Needs
With both parents being high-energy dogs, you must be aware such an attribute will trickle down to this pup.
Daily exercises that are not overexerting will be essential. This dog will need physical stimulation daily. Jogging, running, walks or playing fetch with this dog will keep its muscles fit.
Other than that, this dog will need toys that will physically stimulate this dog and challenge its intelligence.
There are lots of toys already on amazon that will keep your dog’s brain revitalized.
Remember confining this dog in a small space inside your house will not be okay. Have a yard in your compound where this dog can jump or run to burn any pent-up energy.
If the dog doesn’t receive much exercise and has lots of pent-up energy, he will probably look for ways to amuse himself.
Quench all the exercise needs of this lovely doggo, and you will have a sweet family companion that you will be proud to have.
Training and Socialization
Training the Dutch shepherd German shepherd mix is never a cumbersome task. Both parents’ dogs of this breed mix are intelligent and always eager to learn new tricks.
You can train your dog to walk on a leash and follow specific commands that you give. While at that, remember to potty train your dog while it’s still a puppy.
Ensure the pup has a consistent potty schedule, and if done correctly, you will never come across accidents in your house.
While at that, you need to use positive reinforcement when training your dog. The dog will know that every time it does something good, a treat will follow.
Negative discipline methods will not work at all; utmostly, they will make the behavior you want to eliminate extreme.
If you cannot be able to discipline and train your dog, seek the services of a professional dog trainer.
Also, remember to take the leading role in your house. Dogs are pack animals, and they thrive where there is leadership. If they note any gap, these fids will ignore your authority. However, saying that you need to be the leader doesn’t imply that you have to be cruel or harsh to the dog.
Lack of leadership will see your dog ignore or follow the rules you give it as per its wish, not as per your command.
However, all is not lost; you can eradicate such behavior through early training.
Socialization is a critical aspect of every dog’s day-to-day life. Socialization is what will make your dog acceptable to the community.
So how can you socialize your Dutch shepherd German shepherd mix? One, take it to an obedience class; obedience class is a perfect starting place where your dog will learn to socialize with other dogs and learn other positive behaviors.
Interacting with other pets and dogs will make this dog a good family pet who can stay with other pets with ease.
Secondly, another way you can socialize your pet is by taking it to a park. Let your dog meet other dogs and other animals. It’s also at the park the dog will experience different sights and sounds. With that, you will have a well-balanced dog who never trembles when an airplane flies by or one who barks his lungs out when he sees other dogs.
While at that, always ensure your dog’s vaccination schedule is up to date when taking it to a park or in an obedience class. You never know whether the next dog is sick or not.
Grooming and Care.
The Dutch shepherd German shepherd mix will need grooming like every other dog.
Worth noting, the coat of this Dutch shepherd German shepherd mix will need regular brushing. And so, more emphasis will be needed during the shedding seasons, depending on your designer dog’s coat. Use a fine-toothed comb to remove all loose fur and dead skin. You can also a fine bristled brush to remove all mats that can occur on your dog’s coat.
Brush your mix’s coat twice weekly, and rarely will you find its fur on your furniture or clothes
Also, bathing the coat will be necessary, however not severally. Two bathes yearly will be better than nothing. While bathing this dog, remember to use a dog-friendly shampoo that will not cause skin irritation or corrosion. If your dog has any skin issues, consult your vet on the best dog shampoo that will not cause more harm.
Also, remember to clean your dog’s ears weekly. Ensure the dog has no excess wax or debris on its ears. Use 50-50 parts of water and apple cider vinegar to clean the ears.
While cleaning the ears, don’t use Q tips as they can cause much damage.
Also, remember to clean the corner of the eyes in case tearing occurs on your dog. While cleaning the eyes, use a different towel for each eye to avoid the passing of infections.
Also, trimming the nails is vital. Use a nail grinder or a nail clipper that will not injure the nerves of the Dutch shepherd German shepherd mix. If you hear the nails clicking the floor, know it’s time to trim them down.
If unable to do this grooming procedure, seek the services of a professional groomer.
Once a year, you can take your dog to a professional groomer who will perform thorough grooming that this dog will enjoy. You know, you need to appreciate your dog’s loyalty and love by taking it to such a place.
Diet
A healthy diet is all that the Dutch shepherd German shepherd mix will require. Lots of proteins and healthy fats will keep this dog fit all the time.
Remember to feed this dog according to its size and energy levels. Puppies will need a different diet compared to adult Dutch shepherd German shepherd dogs.
Also, to avoid tummy issues, let your dog take its food twice a day. Having a feeding guideline is preferable to free-feeding your Dutch shepherd German shepherd mix.
Consult your vet on the feeding guideline your new companion in your family will need daily.
Visit the nearest pet store and look for the best kibble that will nourish your dog’s nutritional needs. While at that, you can either use dry or wet food for your mixed dog breed.
Health
The Dutch shepherd German shepherd mix is a healthy breed if sourced from a reputable breeder.
Here are some of the diseases that your dog may get in its lifetime. Worth noting, it doesn’t imply that this dog will acquire these diseases- instead, it’s a list of diseases that will most probably occur on this dog breed during its lifetime.
- Hip dysplasia- more prevalent to the GSD
- Obesity
- Kidney diseases
- Glaucoma
While at that, always adhere to your dog’s vaccination schedule. And remember to deworm and de-sex your dog.
Unless you are a breeder, don’t stay with an intact dog in your house.
Where Can I Get a Dutch Shepherd German shepherd Mix?
You Can Check From Breeders In Your Area.
Enquire from a reputable breeder in your area about the possibility of getting a Dutch shepherd German shepherd mix. Don’t visit untrustworthy breeders who will sell sick or malnourished puppies to you.
Since this is a new dog breed mix, you may stay long before you get it anywhere.
Shelters
You can get a Dutch shepherd German shepherd mix in shelters. Dogs In these centers are dewormed, vaccinated, and de-sexed. And most of all, they are cheap.
Is The Dutch Shepherd Germans Shepherd Mix Hypoallergenic?
The Dutch shepherd German shepherd mix is not hypoallergenic as it produces enough dander and fur that can trigger an allergic reaction.
What Is The Cost Of The Dutch Shepherd German Shepherd Mix?
The Dutch shepherd German shepherd mix can cost between 2000-4000 dollars, as it’s a new dog breed with remarkable traits.
However, if you are lucky to find one in a rescue center, you may part with 75-150 dollars.
Conclusion
Hoping this article has given you all the information you needed to know about the Dutch shepherd German shepherd mix.
By now, you will be able to make an informed decision whether this the right dog for you.
