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We discovered the Dutch Shepherd while watching the National Geographic channel on (oddly enough) dog bites. They had
a American Bulldog, Belgan Malinois, Mastiff (looked like a Presa Canario), and a Dutch Shepherd. I felt the work ethic
of the Dutch Shepherd was incredible and not long after I started my research on the breed.
They are not
very well-known in the United States, but they are gaining in popularity which may or may not be a good thing as it all depends
on the people getting the dogs. There are two main "types" of DS and there is a controversy even amongst the people
who are owned by the DS.
Do you get an FCI registered DS or get one that has a KPNV background? It is a personal decision in my opinion.
Too many people get caught up in the "if it's not a KPNV-type Dutchie it's been ruined" or the other side: "If it's not registered
with FCI or UKC I have no idea if I'm getting a purebred DS." A lot of DS also have Belgian Malinois in their background
which is important to know when looking for a dog, especially if you're specifically looking for a purebred. One site
called the DS not a seperate breed but just a brindle version of the Malinois. That may be so, but there are many breeds (the
American and English Cocker Spaniel to name one) that started off as exactly the same breed and through selective breeding
became distinct over time. I think this is where the DS and Mal are headed.
For me, I think
there is a middle ground that can be reached somewhere. A hard working, health-tested, titled, purebred Dutch Shepherd. I
don't think it's a difficult thing to attain and one I will be personally striving for and I plan on utilising both KPNV
and FCI dogs in my program.
For me, being able to LIVE with the dog is extremely important as they will be in my home and not in kennels. If it's
not your bag that's not a problem at all. I would stress, however, that you look for a dog with health-tested parents that
have at least OFA (or PennHip) good hips, are CERF clear, and a thyroid that is normal. A good site on health-related issues
of Dutch Shepherds can be found here. Coming from the "show" world I thought that most ethical breeders did that, but apparently most Dutch
Shepherd breeders do not. Just because they say their dogs "have no health issues" means nothing. Absolutely nothing so if
any breeder claims that without testing to confirm then buyer beware. Now, that doesn't mean they are not good dogs or talented
on the sleeve, but if I'm going to spend $1000+ on a puppy I want the parents tested. That simple. We will be
learning more about the breed and eventually getting our first female puppy sometime in the near future.
What's New?
08/26/2008: Working on the website.
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