Dutch Shepherd

• Bathing: Bathe them every four to six weeks (unless they’ve had a particularly dirty outdoor adventure). 
• Brushing: Your Dutch Shepherd’s grooming routine depends on what coat type they sport. But no matter their coat type, they’ll shed more in the spring and fall, and you’ll want to brush them every day then. You might want to keep a handheld vacuum at the ready during shedding seasons, too. 
  • Short-coated: Use a slicker brush every two weeks to keep their coat shiny and their shedding under control. You’ll also need to use a deshedding tool during heavy shedding seasons. 
  • Long-coated: Use a slicker brush every week to keep their coat shiny and their shedding under control, followed by a comb. They’ll shed more in the spring and fall, so brush them every day then and use a deshedding tool.   
  • Rough-coated: Use a comb once a month. They’ll also need to be hand-stripped at the groomer a few times a year to keep the fur healthy. This is best left to a professional. 
• Ear care: Check your Dutchie’s ears every day. If there’s redness, swelling, debris, or an odor, your pup may have an ear infection that needs meds. Talk to your vet about how to clean your dog’s ears if they’re prone to irritation or infections.  
• Dental care: Help keep your pup’s teeth in shape by brushing them daily with a dog toothpaste. It’s a good idea to start when they’re a puppy, so they get used to the experience. Get a pro cleaning at your vet once a year. 
• Nail care: Dutch Shepherds need their nails trimmed every month. If nails get too long, it can make it painful to walk. You’ll know it’s time for a trim when you can hear them tapping on hard surfaces. 

Dutch Shepherds have a very high energy level, and they need to exert all that energy if they’re going to be on their very best behavior.  

Short, active training sessions are best for these canines so they keep their eyes on the prize and don’t get distracted. They’re very intelligent and willing to learn.   

They also excel at following directions and will be eager to make you happy—and show off their new tricks. After you’ve mastered obedience training (the basics like sit, stay, and come), you can move on to more complex cues like the down cue.  

Dutch Shepherds are so smart, they might even enjoy getting the newspaper or mail for you.  

Start socializing your pup as soon as possible. If you bring them home as a puppy, that’s great, but if you adopt them when they’re older, do it then. Just make sure they have all their vaccines first, and you’re good to go.  

There’s no one-size-fits-all nutrition plan for your Dutchie, but every pup needs a complete and balanced diet that meets AAFCO standards. Choose a diet for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, or senior).   

As this dog is highly active, you might want to consider a high-protein diet, such as Purina Pro Plan Sport Performance Dog Food. But you should always talk to your vet, who can help you pick the best dog food for your pup. Dutch Shepherd puppies benefit from a large-breed puppy food for at least their first 12–18 months. 

Because Dutch Shepherds are a large dog with a deep chest, they can be susceptible to bloat. This is a serious condition where the stomach distends with gas, liquid, and/or food, and it can quickly turn life-threatening.  

To help reduce your Dutchie’s risk of bloat, take precautions when feeding: 

• Avoid using elevated food bowls. 
• Offer food in a slow-feeder bowl to slow your dog’s scarfing. 
• Don’t let your dog exercise vigorously for two hours before or after eating. 
• Feed your Dutchie at least two smaller meals spaced apart throughout the day instead of one big breakfast or dinner.  

Dog treat calories count, too. While they’re important for motivating your dog during training, know when to say when. Treats should never be more than 10% of a dog’s daily calories. Since you’ll be training a lot, veggies are a good option for a little extra reward.  

These dogs need a lot of exercise: Spend two to three hours a day focused on their physical and mental needs. This could include scent walks, brisk neighborhood jogs, or a game of fetch.  

These pups love to run, so if you go on a morning run in the neighborhood, be sure to bring them along—they’ll politely slow down so that you can keep up.  

These canines are not homebodies: They need to get out to see the world and revel in nature. Your Dutch Shepherd will love adventures like hiking, which will allow them to discover exciting new scents and get out all their energy.  

They may also enjoy a dip in a pool or lake when it’s hot. (But before you choose a spot to splash, make sure the water’s safe for your pup.)  

Have plenty of fun challenges planned around the house, too. Hide treats under boxes so your pup has to push them to get the treat, or stash kibble throughout the house. You can also use interactive feeding toys. 

Life in the country, suburbs, or any place with plenty of space to roam and play is ideal for a Dutch Shepherd.  

However, they might do OK in an apartment if they’re given time outdoors for frequent exercise, as well as for mentally stimulating activities at home. If you’re in a busy city, you’ll need to take them out at less busy times of day and plan less-hectic routes to avoid stress.  

Dutch Shepherds are big softies at heart and get lonely if left alone for long periods. Doggy daycare or a dog walker are good options if you’re gone during the day.   

They also are not the kind of dog to take it easy and nap away the day on the front porch—they want excitement and they want it now! The opportunity to explore and exercise is key to their physical and mental health.  

These dogs can be great with kids and babies if they’re well-socialized and trained (and the kids, too, must understand how to interact with dogs).