Is the Dutch Shepherd or the English Shepherd better for families with children?

The English Shepherd tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.

Which sheds more, the Dutch Shepherd or the English Shepherd?

The Dutch Shepherd and English Shepherd shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Dutch Shepherd or the English Shepherd?

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

Is Dutch Shepherd or English Shepherd bigger?

Dutch Shepherd and English Shepherd are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, Dutch Shepherd or English Shepherd?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, Dutch Shepherd or English Shepherd?

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

Dutch Shepherd vs English Shepherd: Better With Kids?

Dutch Shepherd vs English Shepherd: full comparison

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

Size and living space

The Dutch Shepherd is a medium-sized dog that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. By comparison, the English Shepherd is a medium-sized dog that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. 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 Dutch Shepherd is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. The English Shepherd is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Dutch Shepherd needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. The English Shepherd needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Dutch Shepherd is exceptionally bright and absorbs new commands at speed, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is generally good with children when socialized and supervised. The English Shepherd is exceptionally bright and absorbs new commands at speed, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. On guarding instinct, Dutch Shepherd is naturally alert and defends its people, whereas English Shepherd is naturally alert and defends its people.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Dutch Shepherd and English Shepherd are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, English Shepherd has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Dutch Shepherd and English Shepherd are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Dutch Shepherd and English Shepherd are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Dutch Shepherd and English Shepherd are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

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

Choose the English Shepherd if you want the more child-friendly companion or you want a more outgoing, sociable dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Dutch Shepherd or the English Shepherd better for families with children?: The English Shepherd tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
Which sheds more, the Dutch Shepherd or the English Shepherd?: The Dutch Shepherd and English Shepherd shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Dutch Shepherd or the English Shepherd?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Dutch Shepherd or English Shepherd bigger?: Dutch Shepherd and English Shepherd are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Dutch Shepherd or English Shepherd?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Dutch Shepherd or English Shepherd?: For apartment or apartment living, Dutch Shepherd and English Shepherd are an even match — either can work well.

Dutch Shepherd vs English Shepherd