Is the Blue Lacy or the Dutch Shepherd better for families with children?

Both the Blue Lacy and the Dutch Shepherd are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Blue Lacy or the Dutch Shepherd?

The Dutch Shepherd sheds more than the Blue Lacy. If shedding is a concern, the Blue Lacy is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the Blue Lacy or the Dutch Shepherd?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Blue Lacy or Dutch Shepherd bigger?

Blue Lacy and Dutch Shepherd are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, Blue Lacy or Dutch Shepherd?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, Blue Lacy or Dutch Shepherd?

For apartment or apartment living, Blue Lacy and Dutch Shepherd are an even match — either can work well.

Blue Lacy vs Dutch Shepherd: Which Sheds Less?

Blue Lacy vs Dutch Shepherd: full comparison

Trait	Blue Lacy	Dutch Shepherd
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	Very High	Very High
Trainability	Very High	Very High
Friendliness	Medium	Medium
Good with children	Medium	Medium
Grooming needs	Low	Medium
Shedding	Low	Medium
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	High	High
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	14 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Blue Lacy is a mid-sized breed that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. By comparison, the Dutch Shepherd is a mid-sized breed that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Blue Lacy is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. The Dutch Shepherd is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Blue Lacy needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and drops very little hair. The Dutch Shepherd needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Blue Lacy is highly intelligent and learns new commands remarkably fast, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and usually does well with children given socialization and supervision. The Dutch Shepherd is highly intelligent and learns new commands remarkably fast, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and usually does well with children given socialization and supervision. On guarding instinct, Blue Lacy is naturally alert and defends its people, whereas Dutch Shepherd is naturally alert and defends its people.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Blue Lacy and Dutch Shepherd are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Blue Lacy and Dutch Shepherd are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Blue Lacy and Dutch Shepherd are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Blue Lacy and Dutch Shepherd are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Blue Lacy has the edge, as it sheds less dander around the home.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Blue Lacy if you prefer lower grooming upkeep, you want less shedding around the home, or you want a longer-lived breed.

Choose the Dutch Shepherd if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Blue Lacy on temperament, size and care.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Blue Lacy or the Dutch Shepherd better for families with children?: Both the Blue Lacy and the Dutch Shepherd are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Blue Lacy or the Dutch Shepherd?: The Dutch Shepherd sheds more than the Blue Lacy. If shedding is a concern, the Blue Lacy is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Blue Lacy or the Dutch Shepherd?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Blue Lacy or Dutch Shepherd bigger?: Blue Lacy and Dutch Shepherd are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Blue Lacy or Dutch Shepherd?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Blue Lacy or Dutch Shepherd?: For apartment or apartment living, Blue Lacy and Dutch Shepherd are an even match — either can work well.

Blue Lacy vs Dutch Shepherd