Why does it seem this way?

[bradyma3]

Why does it seem a lot of people on here tell people who post on here that they want a Dutch tell them it’s going to be hell? My girl Rayas is easier then most dogs I’ve had and even more relaxed then some of the labs I had. She loves kids and other dogs. She has never showed any kind of aggression at all I still haven’t heard her bark. She is just a big cuddle bug who wants attention. But hey it just might be her personality but i bet there is more like her out there. Not here to start anything just wanted to make a point that not all Dutch shepherds are “hell” to take care of. But yes they do need their exercise I personally go for a 2 mile walk in the morning and 2 mile walk at night with some play time in between and some mental stimulation but it’s not like some people on here saying you have to do an absurd amount of miles.

[centrop67]

Why does it seem a lot of people on here tell people who post on here that they want a Dutch tell them it’s going to be hell?

Possible Reasons:
1. You have one of the exceptions.
2. Rayas may not be a DS
3. Actually a lot of them are cuddle bugs - with a serious side (Mine is the most affectionate dog I've ever owned).
4. Exercise is normally not enough - mental stimulation is actually more important. Perhaps, Rayas gets enough on the walks.

Not here to start anything just wanted to make a point

Look at the new member stirring the pot already - I love it.

Seriously though, one example is not enough, and we are quite aware of the exceptions. The problem is what happens to the dogs when unsuspecting families bring the fire into their homes. It's not a great situation for the dog or the family.

[bradyma3]

This is my gorgeous girl

[ladyjubilee]

I can only speak for me....and I have several reasons.

Aggression never once crossed my mine, until the first time Bramble got away from two leashes to get to a dog....and even her K9 trainer had issues with her. Which reactivity has been addressed. If I ever thought she was actually aggressive she wouldn't be training as a service dog for my child who is aggressive.....aggression isn't why I caution people.

If not for the posters who give to stronger cautions my family would have been living with an ever more dangerous dog, and my sweet, dependable, lifesaver would be back at the shelter. Not because Dutch Shepherd's are horrible dogs ( Bramble is wonderful), but because we wouldn't have known how to meet her needs. Which if an owner won't meet those needs, a dog will try to meet their own.

Bramble is a working dog. She needs that purpose for her intensity. I didn't know that when I got her. On the positive side, she decided my son is her herd that she needs to shepherd on her own. But on the downside she decided my son was her herd that she needed to shepherd. Without my leadership to set the boundaries that meant any dog that got too close was a problem to be challenged.

So, the guidance here lead me to a real professional K9 trainer which has made a complete difference.


The other reason I give caution is because like Dalmatians DS are flashy. They have a stricking look, which causes people to ask me all the time "where can I get one of those". Most don't realize the time and money I had to invest in Bramble. I don't want DS to end up in shelters like Dals, being called "hyper" dogs that no one wants. Dals died by the thousands in shelters when the big wave hit. So pretty, so sweet.....and needing so much. Too much for a number of families.

So that is why I offer caution when people ask....especially since Bramble is a rather mild mix.

[Tim91118]

I think the nail was hit on the head when it was said we must provide for the specific needs of each dog. You have to be intuitive to that. Some might need you to throw them a ball daily, while others might need sleeve work......and some might be satisfied with that daily walk or run.

[TimL_168]

Man, that Tim guy... Must be the name

[TimL_168]

For real though, read this:
viewtopic.php?p=51086#p51086

These dogs can be very sweet. These dogs can be complete assholes. Whatever they are, they're going to be very good at it. That's the warning. That's all.

[bradyma3]

No offense but if you think any dog is an asshole maybe you aren’t doing something right? And with the article thank you it was a good read!

[ladyjubilee]

Ever had a Parson Terrier?

[Joxgirl]

Because it can go from this

[Joxgirl]

To this....
FAST!!!

[bradyma3]

Sorry can’t relate

[Mark77]

My sample size is three dogs. I never owned these types of dogs prior and now I have three. Two documented KNPV lines Dutch Shepherds and one documented border patrol lines Malinois. Two girls and one boy. They each have their own personality, they have their own pack hierarchy, and they range from a dependent type personality to completely independent. They are very sweet dogs, very affectionate, each in their own way. They love to learn, they love to go places, always down for an adventure and have all the qualities that you'd want in a dog. The females are loud, they bark, but overall an experienced dog owner can handle them. However the male, especially one weighing over 90 pounds like mine- can be a handful and can be dangerous. He will attack unprovoked when defending the home and will attack other male dogs unprovoked. He's done both since I've owned him. If you decide to get one, especially a male then just plan to devote at least a couple years to obedience training along with protection training so they learn to look to you for cues on when to react.

[ladyjubilee]

Did you have dogs before these three?

[Mark77]

Did you have dogs before these three?

Yes several growing up. Not like these though. I'll say this, the one female Dutch Shepherd/Mal cross has some decent lines, she can be serious but she's also very sweet. The Mal female came from Hungarian border patrol dogs- she has way to much energy but isn't a serious dog. My male, he's different. All KNPV lines, while generally he's great around people, confident in public- I know full well he'd defend the home unlike the girls who would likely not. We did obedience training for years. The trainer didn't want to do protection training out of liability. So much later when the dog was almost four years old- I took him to a protection trainer and it was like flipping a switch. I wish I knew when he was young what I know now. I regret that I didn't start him young doing protection training but for those couple years when we did- I had a lot of fun and so did he.

[Laplaiefier]

Look at the new member stirring the pot already - I love it.

Yep it got stirred.
Maybe add some beef and a stuffed toy to that pot.

[Laplaiefier]

Not sure if its so with all Dutchies but digestion is an issue without a good run during the day here. Since everyone seems to be in agreement about the active trait.....