Character & Temperament

The Dutch Shepherd (Wire-haired) is known for its intelligent, energetic and loyal character. These are dogs that bond closely with their people and love being part of the family. They are playful and enjoy a good dose of fun and games, but are also very alert and attentive, making them excellent watchdogs. Thanks to their intelligence and high energy levels, Dutch Shepherds are very versatile and can excel in a variety of roles. They love completing tasks and learning new things, making them excellent candidates for many different types of work and activities, from search and rescue to dog sports like agility and obedience. Despite their willingness to work, Dutch Shepherds are also very people-oriented and enjoy spending time with their family. They are generally friendly and open-minded towards people, but can also be somewhat independent. It is therefore important to provide them with enough mental and physical stimulation to keep them happy and balanced. Although they may exhibit some degree of hunting and prey-catching behavior, Dutch Shepherds are generally good at controlling this behavior, especially if they are well socialized and trained from an early age. They can also easily learn to stay alone as long as they are well occupied and have enough to do. Overall, the Dutch Shepherd (Wire-haired) is a charming, lively and loyal companion who integrates well into an active family ready to meet his needs for exercise, activity and companionship.

What Awaits You

Dutch Shepherds are intelligent dogs with lots of energy. They must be exercised according to their type and are not beginner dogs.

Housing & Care

Dutch Shepherds (Wire-haired) are dynamic and active dogs that require lots of exercise and mental stimulation. They are therefore not necessarily suited to city apartment living unless they have regular access to a large outdoor area for exercise and play. They tend to do well with children and can be a good addition to families. However, their tolerance towards other pets, including cats, can vary from dog to dog and depends heavily on their socialization and training.

Training & Education

Due to their working history, Dutch Shepherd Dogs (wire-haired) are intelligent, capable of learning and easy to train. They are well suited to a variety of dog sports and activities, including agility, obedience, search and rescue work, and even protection dog training. However, they should not be overwhelmed or "over-busy" as this can lead to stress and possibly behavior problems. Despite their enthusiasm for games and activities, there is a risk that they will become “ball junkies”. which means they can develop an obsessive fixation on the ball game. It is therefore important to offer balanced and varied activities and to teach them that there are also times for rest and relaxation. Impulse control and frustration tolerance are also important aspects of training this breed. They tend to be excited and enthusiastic, and learning self-control can help prevent unwanted behaviors and make them well-adjusted and happy dogs.

Nutrition & Care

A Dutch Shepherd's diet should be balanced and nutritious to meet its high energy needs. It is recommended to use high-quality dog ​​food that is rich in proteins and healthy fats, as well as fruits and vegetables for additional vitamins and minerals. When it comes to grooming, the wire-haired Dutch Shepherd requires regular brushing to keep its coat clean and free of tangles and tangles. He has a dense undercoat that protects him from harsh weather conditions, meaning he also copes well with the German climate. However, keep in mind that this breed sheds quite heavily, especially during the spring and fall shedding seasons.