By Sylviane Chapoulaud — Dutch Shepherd News

There are moments in the history of a breed that deserve to be remembered.

The recent confirmation that the Dutch Shepherd has been approved to enter the AKC Stud Book and the Herding Group, effective June 30, 2027, represents an important milestone for our breed and for the many people and dogs who have been part of this journey.

Behind this announcement are years of dedication, commitment, hard work, and, above all, a deep belief in the Dutch Shepherd.

Every great community begins with someone who believes that knowledge should be shared. For Sylviane Chapoulaud, that belief became the foundation of Dutch Shepherd News—a place dedicated to celebrating, educating, and connecting Dutch Shepherd enthusiasts around the world.

As Founder, Sylviane believes every owner has a story worth sharing. Whether someone is earning their first title, welcoming a new puppy, competing on the international stage, or simply enjoying life with their Dutch Shepherd, those experiences help inspire others and strengthen the global Dutch Shepherd community.

For Megan Davis and her Dutch Shepherd, Kahn, that trust recently resulted in an impressive achievement.

On July 11, 2026, Megan and K-9 Kahn received a WDDO Certificate of Achievement for “Double Blind Testing” as a Sport Scent Detection Canine Team.

The certificate states that Megan and Kahn successfully completed the prescribed training and demonstrated proficiency in locating the odor of Sport Scent.

A CHIC number is an important part of health transparency for dogs, but what does it actually mean?

Health testing is an important part of responsible Dutch Shepherd breeding. A CHIC number provides valuable health information, but it is only one piece of the picture.

When evaluating a Dutch Shepherd, look at the whole dog:

Health • Temperament • Structure • Working Ability • Breed Type • Accomplishments

Dutch Shepherd News Presents: PSA Beginner Series
An introduction to Protection Sports Association, competition levels, and the journey of developing a working dog team.

Part 2: What Is PDC? Understanding the First Step in PSA Competition
This article would explain the first title in PSA, including the obedience requirements, protection scenarios, PDC-SD division, and what teams need to demonstrate before moving on to PSA1.

Today, my goal is to share my passion for this unique variety while promoting responsible breeding, ownership, training, and preservation. I believe that protecting the future of a breed begins with understanding what makes it special today.

My journey to the Long Hair Dutch Shepherd is still unfolding—and I’m excited to share that journey with you.

Mark your calendar for December 11–13, 2026!

The world of working Dutch Shepherds is about much more than the breed’s striking brindle coat, athletic ability, and versatility. For those who appreciate the Dutch Shepherd as a serious working and sport dog, the DVG America National Championship is an event worth knowing about.

The Dutch Shepherd has become something of a phenomenon in the working dog world. Whether the venue is IGP, American Schutzhund, PSA, Ring Sports, search and rescue, or law enforcement, the breed continues to distinguish itself. Yet the explanations offered for this success are often surprisingly shallow.

Dutch Shepherd News Presents: PSA Beginner Series
An introduction to Protection Sports Association, competition levels, and the journey of developing a working dog team.

Part 1: What Is PSA? A Beginner’s Guide to Protection Sports Association

Appa is more than Brian's dog—he's his training partner and teammate. Together, they showcase the intelligence, athleticism, and versatility of the Dutch Shepherd breed while preparing to compete at the 2026 UpDog International Finals, where teams from around the country demonstrate their skills in canine disc sports.

Although I had known about Dutch Shepherds before, I discovered the Long Hair Dutch Shepherd in 2017 and immediately became fascinated by this rare coat variety. The Long Hair Dutch Shepherd represents much more to me than a beautiful coat. I became interested in the history, character, versatility, athleticism, intelligence, and working ability behind these dogs.

I believe informed owners create successful dogs, and I'm excited to help showcase everything that makes the Dutch Shepherd such an extraordinary breed. Whether it's through training, sport, education, or simply sharing our everyday adventures, I'm honored to be part of a community dedicated to preserving and promoting these remarkable dogs.

Driven by a passion for lifelong learning, Ashley is pursuing doctoral studies in psychology with the goal of further exploring learning, cognition, behavior, and human-animal interaction. Her long-term vision is to bridge the gap between academic research and practical dog training, making scientific concepts understandable and useful for trainers, breeders, competitors, and everyday owners alike.

Visit the site to easily find all the essential information about the upcoming championship.

Quick navigation and a user‑friendly design will help you quickly get details on the schedule, timetable, venue and much more.

Epik Soars to New Heights: A Record-Breaking Weekend

What makes Epik truly remarkable isn’t just how far he jumps—it’s how consistently he shows up with enthusiasm, focus, and joy. Every leap is a reflection of his dedication and the strong partnership he shares with his owner, Maura Tanner.

🏆 What Does “NADD Best of Breed” Mean?

Today, I can't imagine life without a Dutch Shepherd—or several! They have introduced me to amazing people around the world and become so much more than dogs. They are family.

For me, the Dutch Shepherd isn't just the right breed—it's the perfect partner.

Ivy is a proven, multi-titled Dutch Shepherd competing successfully in both UKC and AKC venues. She represents a rare combination of structure, athletic ability, and temperament, excelling across conformation and performance sports.

One more UDX leg for Chris and Wildflower DSK Swing “Caerus”—

What a UDX Really Means

For those outside the obedience world, a Utility Dog Excellent (UDX) is one of the most demanding titles in AKC Obedience..

This month we’re featuring Billy for his beautiful and authentic Dutch Shepherd photography. His photo captures both the strength and personality of the breed.