---
title: "Dutch Shepherd - temperament, price, health, breeders | Pedibase"
description: "Everything to know about the Dutch Shepherd (Netherlands): temperament, size, health, lifespan of 12-14 years, feeding, price, and verified breeders."
canonical_url: "https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/dutch-shepherd"
meta:
"og:description": "Everything to know about the Dutch Shepherd (Netherlands): temperament, size, health, lifespan of 12-14 years, feeding, price, and verified breeders."
"og:image": "https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:1200:630/el:1/q:80/f:jpg/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/10045/berger-hollandais-1788875121499-0.jpg"
"og:image:alt": "Dog and cat breeders near you"
"og:image:height": "630"
"og:image:width": "1200"
"og:title": "Dutch Shepherd - temperament, price, health, breeders"
"twitter:description": "Everything to know about the Dutch Shepherd (Netherlands): temperament, size, health, lifespan of 12-14 years, feeding, price, and verified breeders."
"twitter:image": "https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:1200:630/el:1/q:80/f:jpg/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/10045/berger-hollandais-1788875121499-0.jpg"
"twitter:title": "Dutch Shepherd - temperament, price, health, breeders"
---
> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+7
Dogs
# The Dutch Shepherd: temperament, price, health, and breeders
Netherlands
A brindle shepherd, loyal and versatile, built for action and an active family life.
Size LargeLife expectancy 12–14 yearsBudget ≈ €115/monthPuppy €500 – €1,000
[Find a breeder 37](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-dutch-shepherd) [ Compare with other breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare-dog-breeds?races=dutch-shepherd)
The right choice?
## Is this breed right for you?
[Find your ideal breed with our online quiz!](https://www.pedibase.com/en/choose-your-dog)
Families and children Very good
Daily exercise needs Very high
Apartment living Fair
First-time owners Good
Other pets Good
Tolerance of being alone Fair
Guarding instinct Very good
Strengths and weaknesses
- Versatility: He excels in many work and sport disciplines.
- Loyalty: He forms a close bond with his owner and his family.
- Intelligence: He learns quickly when the exercises are consistent and motivating.
- Vigilance: His attentiveness and territorial instinct make him a good guard dog.
- High activity needs: Significant physical and mental exercise is essential every day.
- Guarding instinct: Insufficient socialization can reinforce distrust toward strangers.
- Managing solitude: Very attached to its humans, it copes poorly with prolonged absences.
- Variable grooming: The long-haired variety requires more frequent brushing, especially during shedding.
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- Sporty owners: They can meet its daily need for exercise and stimulation.
- Dog sports enthusiasts: Its energy and intelligence are fully expressed in a structured activity.
- Active and available families: It appreciates being close to home and shared activities.
- Experienced owners: They will know how to consistently manage its lively and protective temperament.
Not recommended for
- Very sedentary households: Lack of activity encourages frustration and undesirable behaviors.
- People often absent: He needs regular interactions and tolerates prolonged isolation poorly.
- Owners looking for a low-maintenance dog: His training, socialization, and exercise require a daily commitment.
- Homes without sufficient outings: A small space is only viable with long outdoor activities every day.
Meet the breed
## What does it look like?
1,75 mHuman
59 cmDutch Shepherd
- Height at the withers
- 55–62 cm
- Weight
- 20–32 kg
- Coat
- Short, long or rough, with woolly undercoat
- FCI group
- 1
- Origin
- Netherlands
- Grooming
- Moderate grooming needs
## Photos and videos
See the Dutch Shepherd in photos and videos: coat colors, size, and distinctive expressions.
Origins
## Where does it come from?
Originally from the Netherlands, the Dutch Shepherd long accompanied shepherds in very varied missions: driving and protecting herds, guarding farms, watching over poultry-yard animals and pulling small carts. Its versatility then opened the doors to guard work, the police, the army and many canine sports. The first breed standard dates from 12 June 1898. Recognized by the FCI in 1955 under number 223, the breed remains relatively rare outside its country of origin. The standard distinguishes three varieties according to coat texture: short, long and rough.
Appearance
## What does it look like?
The Dutch Shepherd is a muscular, enduring and harmoniously built dog, slightly longer than tall. Its head, well-proportioned and dry, has a flat skull, a slight stop, dark almond-shaped eyes and medium-sized ears set high and carried erect. The back is straight and solid, the chest deep and the tail reaches approximately the hock. The coat is brindle on a golden or silver base. Depending on the variety, the hair is short and close, long and straight, or harsh and tousled, always associated with a protective undercoat.
Temperament
## Temperament and personality
Intelligent, vigilant and very loyal, the Dutch Shepherd develops a strong bond with its owner and family. Courageous without needing to be unnecessarily aggressive, it has a marked territorial instinct and is naturally protective. It is a lively, hardworking dog capable of taking initiative. Well socialized, it can be an excellent companion for children and live with other dogs, but its energy, herding instinct and reserve toward strangers require consistent guidance.
Affectionate Playful Intelligent Sociable Protective
Living together
## Living with children and other pets
On a daily basis, the Dutch Shepherd seeks closeness to its humans and copes poorly with a passive life or long periods of isolation. It needs active outings, running, retrieving games, obedience exercises and mental challenges. A house with a secure outdoor space suits it particularly well, without replacing walks. Apartment living remains possible only with significant physical and cognitive expenditure every day.
Training
## Training and socialization
His intelligence and his taste for work allow rapid learning, but his lively and autonomous temperament requires early, fair and consistent training. Positive methods based on play, reward and clear instructions are the most suitable. Socialization must begin from the youngest age and include people, dogs, other animals, environments and handling. Activities such as obedience, tracking, agility or working sports help him channel his energy.
Budget
## Price and budget for the Dutch Shepherd
The purchase price varies depending on the lineage, the coat variety, the reputation of the breeding kennel, the health screenings carried out and the dog's intended purpose, companionship, sport or work. The relative rarity of the breed can also influence availability.
[See cost breakdown](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/dutch-shepherd/price)
Health
## Health at a glance
The Dutch Shepherd is generally robust and hardy. Like many active medium to large dogs, it can nevertheless be affected by certain joint conditions and, depending on the lines, by eye disorders. Serious selection, growth without excess, age-appropriate activity and maintaining an optimal weight contribute greatly to its health.
[Prevention and things to watch for](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/dutch-shepherd/health)
Nutrition
## Feeding your pet well
The Dutch Shepherd needs a complete, digestible diet adapted to its age, its weight, its activity level and its physiological condition. Its ration must support its musculature without promoting overweight.
[Our feeding advice](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/dutch-shepherd/food)
Did you know?
## Fun facts and popularity
The Dutch Shepherd is recognizable by its brindle coat, an essential characteristic of the breed. Its three coat varieties belong to the same breed, even if their maintenance differs. Historically able to fulfill almost all the tasks of a farm, it retains today this remarkable versatility in guarding, search, service work and canine sports.
FAQ
## Frequently asked questions about the Dutch Shepherd
Answers to common questions from future owners before their new companion arrives.
### Is the Dutch Shepherd suitable for a family with children?
Yes, if properly socialized, trained, and given sufficient exercise. It is generally protective and playful, but its energy requires supervision of interactions with young children.
### Can it live in an apartment?
Apartment living is possible but demanding. It requires several daily outings, real physical activities, and mental exercises; a house with a secure garden is more suitable.
### What is the difference between the three coat varieties?
The breed includes short-haired, long-haired, and rough-haired varieties. They share the same general temperament, but the frequency of brushing and the appearance of the coat differ.
### Is the Dutch Shepherd suitable as a first dog?
It may be suitable for a very committed and well-supported beginner, but its energy, intelligence, and guarding instinct make the experience more demanding than with a calmer breed.
## Find a Dutch Shepherd breeder
The areas where Pedibase lists the most Dutch Shepherd breeders, along with their litters and typical prices.
[Dutch Shepherd breeders in Hauts-de-France6](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-dutch-shepherd/hauts-de-france) [Dutch Shepherd breeders in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes6](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-dutch-shepherd/auvergne-rhone-alpes) [Dutch Shepherd breeders in Normandy5](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-dutch-shepherd/normandy) [Dutch Shepherd breeders in Centre-Val de Loire4](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-dutch-shepherd/centre-val-de-loire) [Dutch Shepherd breeders in Nouvelle-Aquitaine3](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-dutch-shepherd/nouvelle-aquitaine) [Dutch Shepherd breeders in Occitanie3](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-dutch-shepherd/occitanie)
### Dutch Shepherd breeders by country
[37 breeders of Dutch Shepherd in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-dutch-shepherd) [13 breeders of Dutch Shepherd in Italy](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-dutch-shepherd/italy) [8 breeders of Dutch Shepherd in Germany](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-dutch-shepherd/germany) [7 breeders of Dutch Shepherd in Austria](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-dutch-shepherd/austria) [6 breeders of Dutch Shepherd in the Netherlands](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-dutch-shepherd/netherlands) [1 breeder of Dutch Shepherd in Denmark](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-dutch-shepherd/denmark) [1 breeder of Dutch Shepherd in Finland](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-dutch-shepherd/finland) [1 breeder of Dutch Shepherd in Spain](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-dutch-shepherd/spain) [1 breeder of Dutch Shepherd in Switzerland](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-dutch-shepherd/switzerland)
[All breeders of Dutch Shepherd in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-dutch-shepherd)
## Ready to welcome a Dutch Shepherd?
Find a registered, verified breeder near you and meet your future companion with confidence.
[View breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-dutch-shepherd)
## Discover other breeds
[German Shepherd Dog
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/german-shepherd-dog)
[White Swiss Shepherd Dog
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/white-swiss-shepherd-dog)
[Saarloos Wolfdog
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/saarloos-wolfdog)
[Belgian Malinois
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/belgian-malinois)
[Bohemian Shepherd
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/bohemian-shepherd)
```json
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#website","@type":"WebSite","description":"Find dog and cat breeders near you. France's leading breeder directory, with an interactive map, breed information, and verified reviews.","inLanguage":"en","name":"Pedibase","url":"https://www.pedibase.com","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/search?q={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"publisher":{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#identity"},"translationOfWork":{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#website"}},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/dutch-shepherd#webpage","description":"Everything to know about the Dutch Shepherd (Netherlands): temperament, size, health, lifespan of 12-14 years, feeding, price, and verified breeders.","name":"Dutch Shepherd - temperament, price, health, breeders","url":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/dutch-shepherd","@type":["WebPage","FAQPage"],"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/dutch-shepherd#breadcrumb"},"isPartOf":{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en#website"},"mainEntity":[{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/dutch-shepherd#/schema/question/1"},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/dutch-shepherd#/schema/question/2"},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/dutch-shepherd#/schema/question/3"},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/dutch-shepherd#/schema/question/4"}],"potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/dutch-shepherd"]}],"primaryImageOfPage":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:1200:630/el:1/q:80/f:jpg/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/10045/berger-hollandais-1788875121499-0.jpg","width":1200,"height":630,"inLanguage":"en","contentUrl":"https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:1200:630/el:1/q:80/f:jpg/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/10045/berger-hollandais-1788875121499-0.jpg"}},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#identity","@type":"Organization","description":"Pedibase is a free directory of dog and cat breeders that helps prospective owners find a registered breeder near them.","email":"contact@pedibase.com","name":"Pedibase","url":"https://www.pedibase.com/","contactPoint":{"@type":"ContactPoint","contactType":"customer support","email":"contact@pedibase.com"},"logo":{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#logo"},"parentOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Aurion","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"1 rue Pasteur","postalCode":"72000","addressLocality":"Le Mans","addressCountry":"FR"}},"sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/pedibase","https://www.instagram.com/pedibase_app"]},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/dutch-shepherd#breadcrumb","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","name":"Home","item":"https://www.pedibase.com/en","position":1},{"@type":"ListItem","name":"Dogs","item":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breeds","position":2},{"@type":"ListItem","name":"Dutch Shepherd","position":3}]},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/dutch-shepherd#/schema/question/1","@type":"Question","inLanguage":"en","name":"Is the Dutch Shepherd suitable for a family with children?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, if properly socialized, trained, and given sufficient exercise. It is generally protective and playful, but its energy requires supervision of interactions with young children."}},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/dutch-shepherd#/schema/question/2","@type":"Question","inLanguage":"en","name":"Can it live in an apartment?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Apartment living is possible but demanding. It requires several daily outings, real physical activities, and mental exercises; a house with a secure garden is more suitable."}},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/dutch-shepherd#/schema/question/3","@type":"Question","inLanguage":"en","name":"What is the difference between the three coat varieties?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The breed includes short-haired, long-haired, and rough-haired varieties. They share the same general temperament, but the frequency of brushing and the appearance of the coat differ."}},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/dutch-shepherd#/schema/question/4","@type":"Question","inLanguage":"en","name":"Is the Dutch Shepherd suitable as a first dog?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"It may be suitable for a very committed and well-supported beginner, but its energy, intelligence, and guarding instinct make the experience more demanding than with a calmer breed."}},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#logo","@type":"ImageObject","caption":"Pedibase","contentUrl":"https://www.pedibase.com/logo.svg","inLanguage":"en","url":"https://www.pedibase.com/logo.svg"}]}
```