I'm writing this because I've heard several times that these two breeds are almost identical in everyway other than color.

I myself don't know a great deal about these two breeds. I want to know if this is true? If it's not then I'd be interested to hear the differences as well.

There is a kennel in Texas that sells both Malinois and Dutch Shepherds. They have a lot of information on both breeds.

Very nice people! Of course if you talk to Guy he will tell you the Mal is the best and Judith will say the Dutch is.<g> "

Sue

Thanks for the information, I'll look into it directly.

Thanks for the information, I'll look into it directly.

I looked at the above information and still am confused. Is the Dutch Shepherd a totally separate breed or is it a Malinois cross?

And I'm still trying to find out if a Dutch Shepherd has the same temperament as a Malinois or if they are more like GSDs. I am looking for an adult dog that already has *some* protection training under his belt, but that can also be a house dog. I have been told that Malinois are not good house dogs because of their hyperness (I like to make up words sometimes lol). Is a DSD the same??

here, this might help.
The Dutch Shepherd exists as a purebred breed in Holland. It has FCI recognition. But these are not the dog found in working circles.
the dogs that we see doing police work and in the KNPV are invariably cross bred dogs without pedigree. They are listed as Hollandse Herder Crosses if they have received a certificate for performance from the KNPV.
The same litter that produced a HHX may also produce a red or yellow dog with a black mask. This dog would be listed as a Mechelse herder cross. Parents would be the same.
If you are not interested in the temperment of the working malinois popular among the police and working crowd i would suggest that a DS would not be significantly different, eventhough enthusiasts of the DSX's like certain attributes in them they see as somewhat different than the MHX. Keep in mind these folks have sought out lineages for the work that suit them and their interests, but to call them dramatically different from the working malinois is probably wrong.
I have trained and fielded both animals in a working setting, I see little in the way of big differences eventhough I can see attributes among the lineages that I am familiar with.
My suggestion....go GSD.

Originally posted by Kristen Cabe:
I looked at the above information and still am confused. Is the Dutch Shepherd a totally separate breed or is it a Malinois cross?

And I'm still trying to find out if a Dutch Shepherd has the same temperament as a Malinois or if they are more like GSDs. I am looking for an adult dog that already has *some* protection training under his belt, but that can also be a house dog. I have been told that Malinois are not good house dogs because of their hyperness (I like to make up words sometimes lol). Is a DSD the same??

Thank you. After reading what little bit is on this board regarding their temperament and behavior, coupled with some things that owners of the breed have said, I think you're right about a GSD being more what I want. I don't want a hyper and destructive dog that I can't leave loose in the house when I go somewhere, or at night - which is the main reason I ruled out a Malinois. My impression of the Dutch Shepherd is that it's pretty much just like a Malinois in that respect, so, even though I love their look and size, I think I'm better off going with a GSD.

Good afternoon,

For the Dutch Shepherd dogs there is a little bit more information for you.
There are varieties in coat. The longcoats are not often used for the IPO sport or the KNPV trials. The rough coated ones and the short coated Dutch Shepherds dogs are quite often found in the sport as IPO and KNPV.
There are some breeders in the Netherlands who are very succesfull with their dogs in working on a very high level.
The Dutch Club is very active for the breed and they do have a re-breeding programm for the longcoated variety.
But also for the people who are looking for the workinglines the club is very helpfull and there are some very good breeders who really do try and work very hard to produce a good healthy and solid working dog.

My personal opinion is, that it is a must for the quality of the breed you are in or the breed you do fancy, that you have these breeders. (No difference if it is a Poodle, German Shepherd or a Rottweiler). Every breed does need breeders who do invest an awful lot of energy and money in their dogs and the sport just as they want to make progress and they want to continue with their beloved breed.

the club of the Dutch Shepherd does exist over 100 years already and they do keep record of the litters who are born and results etc.

sincerely,