As a dog lover, you already know that man’s best friend comes in all shapes and sizes, each breed boasting unique traits and talents. When it comes to loyal companions that also serve as protectors, two venerable working breeds rise to the top – the German Shepherd and the Dutch Shepherd.
On their own, both make for devoted pets that form strong bonds with their families. They have an innate instinct to watch over their loved ones and guard against threats. Now imagine combining these impressive traits into one powerhouse pooch through crossbreeding. Excited yet? You should be!
The Dutch Shepherd German Shepherd mix brings together the best that both breeds have to offer. Let’s discover why this hybrid has future star potential as your family’s steadfast sentinel.
| Dutch Shepherd | German Shepherd |
|---|---|
| Size | 55-80 lbs, 23-26 in |
| Coat | Short, long or rough |
| Energy Level | High |
| Lifespan | 11-14 years |
| Shedding | Year-round, seasonal blowing |
| Guard Instincts | Very strong |
| Prey Drive | High |
Bred Over Centuries To Work and Protect
Dutch Shepherds have a long history working farms in the countryside of the Netherlands. Their versatility was valued by farmers who depended on them to herd livestock, guard property, and haul carts or equipment. Still not widely known outside of Europe, they resemble wild wolves with athletic yet muscular frames. Don’t let the name fool you – they aren’t just loyal shepherds but also fearless protectors!
German Shepherds enjoy much more global fame, ranking as the second most popular dog in the United States. Breeders in Germany set out to create the ultimate working dog for herding sheep and protecting flocks from predators. Recognized for police and military service today, German Shepherds are intelligent, agile, and hardwired for guard duty.
Crossbreeding these two breeds of pastoral lineage brings together their innate herding and protective instincts. The goal is to preserve these qualities while sustaining genetic health.
A Formidable Physique Suited for Action
In terms of physicality, expect your Dutch Shepherd German Shepherd mix to closely resemble its parental lineage. These are medium to large dogs measuring between 22-26 inches shoulder height and weighing anywhere from 55-90 pounds.
Males typically fall on the higher end of size and weight ranges compared to females. No matter the gender, both sport athletic and muscular frames allowing them to traverse all kinds of terrain with ease.
With boundless energy reserves, these hybrids need plenty of activity to stay satisfied and out of trouble. Be prepared to provide at least 60-90 minutes of vigorous exercise split into two or three daily sessions. These action-loving canines enjoy all sorts of exploits from long jogs to competitive games of fetch.
Just remember, these dogs have a strong herding heritage. Don’t be surprised if yours tries to wrangle you, kids, or other pets into an orderly pack during playtime! Proper obedience training goes a long way toward managing this deeply ingrained instinct.
The Ideal Family Guardian Or Farm Protector
Perhaps what draws most people to the Dutch Shepherd German Shepherd mix is its venerated ability to watch over a family, herd, or property with fierce devotion. These hybrids combine the alert, protective nature intrinsic in both parent breeds.
While territorial in nature, these dogs shouldn’t be aggressive without cause. However, their mere presence and deep bark serves as a significant crime deterrent. Few intruders would dare trespass in a yard protected by such an imposing guard dog!
These traits also enable both Dutch Shepherds and German Shepherds to succeed as police dogs, security K9s, and military working dogs. Early socialization and obedience training is paramount so these hybrids learn to differentiate between harmless strangers and threatening situations.
As guardians, they tend to be reserved and aloof toward unknown visitors. But once accepted into their “pack”, expect this mix to be playful, friendly, and affectionate with family and friends.
Their protective instincts also lend well to homes with children. Though due to their herding heritage, kids under 10 might prove frustrating for this energetic hybrid to handle. Always supervise young ones during interactons.
Grooming Needs Vary Widely
When it comes to coat care for Dutch Shepherd German Shepherd mixes, requirements can vary quite a bit between offspring. This depends chiefly on which parent they take after.
Dutch Shepherds come in three different coat varieties:
- Short hair – Straight, dense and smooth coat easiest to groom. No feathering.
- Long hair – Slightly wavy medium length coat requiring more upkeep to prevent matting. Feathering on ears, legs, and tail.
- Rough hair – Thick furred coat with soft undercoat prone to matting and tangling. Feathering throughout.
German Shepherds sport the quintessential double layer herding dog coat best suited to harsh weather. Guard hairs of medium length cover a thick soft undercoat keeping it fairly water resistant.
No matter the coat type inherited, both parent breeds – and therefore offspring mixes – shed heavily year-round. Be prepared to devote 15-30 minutes per session brushing two or three times a week. Cleanup is intensified during seasonal blowing of undercoats.
On the upside, bathing doesn’t need to be frequent – no more than once every 8-12 weeks. This helps prevent over stripping of protective coat oils leading to skin irritation. Pay extra attention to ears, eyes, teeth, and nails during home grooming routine.
Longevity and Health Considerations
Sadly, German Shepherds suffer more than their fair share of inheritable conditions negatively impacting lifespan. Living only 7-10 years on average, issues abound like canine hip dysplasia, eye defects, immunologic disorders, digestive problems, and even temperamental instabilities.
The Dutch Shepherd averages a slightly longer 11-14 years thanks to better overall health. They share some concerns over hip joints, eyesight, and sensitivity to anesthesia.
Happily, crossbreeding offers the chance to minimize genetic disease while promoting hybrid vigor – that is, healthier and longer-lived puppies. Reputable breeders invest in comprehensive health screening of parent breeds before allowing them to mate.
No guarantees of course, but these prudent steps go a long way toward longer lifespans for Dutch Shepherd German Shepherd mixes and fewer chronic issues. Be sure to keep up with preventative veterinary visits, proper nutrition, exercise and loving care too!
Is A Dutch Shepherd German Shepherd Mix Right For You?
Deciding whether to add any dog to a family requires careful consideration of needs, expectations, and lifestyle factors. As you now know, this crossbreed packs loads of energy, protective instincts, smarts and heart – perfect for an active clan able to provide proper care, training and purpose.
Still undecided? Be honest with yourself about whether you can fully commit to responsible pet ownership. These hybrids don’t take well to being ignored, so having adequate time is a must. They also demand space to run around rather than tiny urban apartments.
If you seek more than just a pet but a furry family guardian and adventure buddy, then say hello to your perfect pooch match – the Dutch Shepherd German Shepherd mix! No one will protect or love you more wholeheartedly.
FAQ
1. How big will a Dutch Shepherd German Shepherd mix get?
These dogs range from medium to large, usually 50-90 pounds and 22-26 inches tall at the shoulder. Males tend to be on the taller/heavier end of the scale compared to females.
2. Are Dutch Shepherd German Shepherd mixes good family dogs?
Yes, with proper training and socialization they can be great family companions, especially for active households. They form strong bonds and have protective instincts towards their family unit. Supervise closely with very young children.
3. How much exercise does a Dutch Shepherd German Shepherd mix need?
Plan on providing 60-90 minutes of rigorous physical activity split into at least 2 session per day. These are very high energy, working dogs that need an outlet for stimulation.
4. What kind of coat and grooming will my Dutch Shepherd German Shepherd have?
Coat type can vary widely depending on inheritance, from short and dense to very long and thick. Expect year-round shedding and seasonal blowing of coat. Brush 2-3 times per week for 15-30 minutes.
5. What health issues are common in Dutch Shepherd German Shepherd mixes?
Potential concerns include hip/elbow dysplasia, eye defects, digestive troubles, and lifespans under 10 years. Work with responsible breeders that screen parent dogs to minimize these risks.