Dutch Shepherd Forum

Hello! I created a post in "Is my canine a DS?" We are seriously considering adopting a young female listed as DS mix. Met her today and is was a very eye-opening experience. She was unlike any other dog I've ever interacted with. If we adopt her we will DNA her, so time will tell.

About me, I am the mom of three great kiddos. From upstate NY, spent 11 years in Manhattan and now live in the suburbs of NJ. I train hardstyle kettlebells (though Strong First). Background in Psych/Philosophy. Husband works in finance. I will be home and primary caretaker of this majestic creature. I don't have a lot of dog experience but have the time and resources to devote to training. Hope it turns out well. If so, I'll be back

The only decent photo we have of her from our first meeting today is from my 6 year olds Kidzoom camera. This is much better than the many shots he has of her pooping. I was too busy assessing, analyzing and asking the foster mom a million questions

She's beautiful. Did they say what she might be mixed with?

Looks about right. And my kid would def burn a roll of film on poop pictures, too.

Hi! well, If she is a DS then having her as a first time with not much dog experience might be more than just an eye opener. They can be very destructive and difficult. Time and resources are great but this breed is still not a beginner breed.

Hello! The GSD specialist just couldn't place what the possible mix might be. He thought maybe boxer? He just wasn't sure. He said she looks even more DS now than when he met her 2 months ago b/c she is more filled out.

Dutchringgirl - I agree with you completely! We are proceeding cautiously with eyes wide open. Here is what we learned about her background yesterday:

She was called in as a "stray" in Newark NJ. Newark rescuer picked her up from what she described as a crack house. She would have been about 7 months old. She knew all her basic commands and was very obedient and well trained. She has been with a foster mom, a young woman who lives in a small apartment in Newark, for the last 2 months. Foster mom doesn't crate her and leaves her in house alone when at work and she doesn't destroy anything. Says she only plays and destroys the plush toys that are hers. It doesn't sound like she gets a ton of exercise - 2 or 3 20-30 mins walks a day. And she's not destructive. Foster says she's very easy to manage and affectionate. We mainly saw ball play time so didn't bond as much as I would have liked on initial meeting. Newark rescuer thinks she is a pit/gsd mix but isn't sure.

The GSD specialist/trainer is in charge of placing her and he is who we have been in contact with the most. He thinks her focus and intelligence point to DS. Highly recommends agility training for her. We have a large fenced in yard and she was in heaven. I trust his judgement. It is a lengthy and in-depth adoption process and he thinks she would be a good fit for us based on her temperament so we will see. I think we are going to opt to spend more time with her with the hope that it all works out well. My 9 year old described her as kind and happy-go-lucky .

Thanks for your feedback and thoughts. I'll circle back here once we have more time and info on her. This is a really kind and helpful forum. And I love everyone's pictures!

Well, that all sounds good !

Does she have tan points above her eyes ? Picture looks like she foes

Yes! Cute little tans spots above her eyes.

she has a doberman vibe to her look...

great Danes have brindle. I have a feeling she is not a DS mix but something else. everything you have described so far does not point to a DS..

I see the Doberman vibe

Her personality has Dane qualities to it - very friendly, calm, gentle and she doesn't seem to have above average exercise demands (based on foster mom's reporting). But there is definitely a smart/very focused/quick learner and highly athletic quality in there too. It's a rather nice combination, whatever she is...

smart and quick learning is not a trait only DS have. Many dogs are smart and quick learners. I have had a few other breeds that are just as smart and quick as the ds, Its the drive that is different.

Gottcha. Her ball drive was pretty strong! Maybe she's got some GSD in there. Who knows? In the end, all that matters is that she is happy and manageable.

This is exactly how she played fetch (minus the fence jumping). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mV-b9CM5vaU



Maybe it's common with many breeds? She would bring it back, gently nudge it to my son over and over again and even do the cute little front leg lift with an unbelievably intense focus on the ball at all times (moreso than the dog in this video). Maybe she was trained to do this? No idea!?

She was super sweet. We are getting her on Saturday.

If you did not tell me anything at all about her, and I only saw this video, I would say she is a DS.

hahaha...oh boy! Just say a prayer for me!