Quote: David Winners

Dutchies can be a little quirky, as in they usually have something about them that is a funny behavior or habit. A lot of the Dutchies at the kennels were hard dogs, as opposed to some of that Mals that were softer. In contrast though, one of the softest dogs in the kennels was a Dutch.

Yep They can be quite eccentric. Logan has a few "quirks", like obsessive digging on a surface that cannot be dug, flinging toys in the air and watching them bounce off the ground (sometimes catching them), he used to bite me when I gave a command (prey drive), he weaves behind me when he follows me, he has always liked to push his head between my legs and stand there to be petted, "greeting" me by leaping up to my face and snapping his teeth shut just touching my face but not at all biting...stuff like that.

Oh and one thing I forgot, many both mals and dutchies can be reactive to corrections, esp when badly timed, hard and /or unfair. Like you correct the dog too late and he shows teeth or bites you back. I don't find as many GSDs do that, unless its just dominance.

JMO that either breed will make you a better trainer!

DUPLICATE

As for DS history, there's kind of a lot behind it (including when stud books closed in different places, after WWII Mal's were used for breeding since DS population was low, etc., etc.).

They are known for being handler-aggressive, though all are not, and I know a reputable breeder/trainer for work programs whose dogs are not.

They typically cannot get handled like other dogs (e.g., GSDs). I know of two recent occasions in law enforcement (who got their first DSs as partners), were told not to handle them like the GSDs they were used to (in regard to "making them" obey). They did, involving trips to the E.R. (Another recent fellow trying to train his DS in IPO--a poor trainer, obviously--was bitten after unfair and aggressive corrections.)

Which leads to another point: they have an unusual sense of fair play.

They require respect, and they'll give it to you, but not if you're a push-over, a poor leader, or administer unfair treatment. There's a balancing act.

They learn fast; whatever you want them to know, make sure it's what you want them to know.

They can be a little OCD (or a lot). Seems such a weird thing to say, but for example, some people have taken to using laser lights to play with dogs...not something to do with a DS...it'll take a lot of counter-conditioning to un-do what will inevitably happen.

I've heard some people say a DS and Mal are pretty much the same; to that, I'd say "yes" in regard to their needing tons of mental and physical stimulation. Regardless, much depends upon on researching breeders and learning who is reputable and who only looks like it.

I have a DS, my second one. After years of owning dogs, I cannot think of owning another breed since I got (adopted) my first DS.

bump

 Quote: Tresa Hendrix

Yep They can be quite eccentric. Logan has a few "quirks", like obsessive digging on a surface that cannot be dug, flinging toys in the air and watching them bounce off the ground (sometimes catching them), he used to bite me when I gave a command (prey drive), he weaves behind me when he follows me, he has always liked to push his head between my legs and stand there to be petted, "greeting" me by leaping up to my face and snapping his teeth shut just touching my face but not at all biting...stuff like that.

Oh and one thing I forgot, many both mals and dutchies can be reactive to corrections, esp when badly timed, hard and /or unfair. Like you correct the dog too late and he shows teeth or bites you back. I don't find as many GSDs do that, unless its just dominance.

JMO that either breed will make you a better trainer!

Sounds just like Bailey. She does, or has done, all those exact things.

 Quote: Greg Meyer

Sounds just like Bailey. She does, or has done, all those exact things.

I guess you got a good one!

 Quote: Tresa Hendrix

 Quote: Greg Meyer

Sounds just like Bailey. She does, or has done, all those exact things.

I guess you got a good one!

That, or she's just a DS wannabe. If anything, it supports everything I've read on this forum that states that Mals and Dutch Shepherds are mostly cut from the same mold. They're nutso dogs but after having one, I can't imagine having any other kind without being disappointed.

They make other dogs seem so boring and predictable.

When I wanted a Malinois puppy, I told my husband 'At least I don't want a Dutchie.' I know they're individuals, but I've only been around the ones doing bite work. They're impressive.

bump