A New Chapter for the Dutch Shepherd: Celebrating the Journey Toward AKC Recognition
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.
A Journey Built by Many
This achievement did not happen overnight.
For approximately ten years, people throughout the Dutch Shepherd community have contributed their time, knowledge, energy, and passion to help move the breed forward. The last three years, in particular, have brought an extraordinary amount of effort and commitment from members of the America Dutch Shepherd Association (ADSA).
To everyone who has worked for the breed, supported the breed, educated others, participated in events, trained, competed, bred responsibly, and helped introduce the Dutch Shepherd to new audiences — thank you.
A special thank you also goes to the AKC Foundation Stock Service (FSS) for its role in the breed's journey toward this milestone.
And finally, thank you to the American Kennel Club (AKC) for recognizing the Dutch Shepherd and for opening the door to this important new chapter.
But We Must Also Thank the Dogs
While organizations, breeders, owners, handlers, trainers, and volunteers have worked behind the scenes, it is the Dutch Shepherds themselves who have continually shown us what this breed can do.
They have worked in obedience, tracking, protection sports, search and rescue, scent work, agility, trick dog, conformation, and many other activities.
They have demonstrated athleticism, intelligence, versatility, trainability, endurance, and a willingness to work alongside their people.
Every title earned, every competition entered, every task completed, and every Dutch Shepherd that has gone out into the world and demonstrated the breed's abilities has contributed to the larger story.
The dogs have been ambassadors for their own breed.
What Does This New Chapter Mean?
The road toward full AKC recognition brings new opportunities for the Dutch Shepherd.
With the breed entering the Herding Group, Dutch Shepherd owners will have new opportunities to participate in AKC conformation and to introduce the breed to an even wider audience.
The future also brings opportunities for Dutch Shepherds to continue demonstrating their abilities through AKC performance sports and activities.
But recognition is not simply about ribbons, titles, or show rings.
It is also an opportunity to educate.
As more people discover the Dutch Shepherd, it becomes increasingly important that prospective owners understand the breed's history, temperament, energy, intelligence, working ability, and needs.
A Dutch Shepherd is not simply a beautiful brindle dog.
It is a breed with a history, a purpose, and a remarkable range of abilities.
Learn More About the Dutch Shepherd
This is one of the reasons I created Dutch Shepherd News.
My goal is to help people Learn • Discover • Understand the Dutch Shepherd.
Whether you are already a Dutch Shepherd owner, breeder, trainer, competitor, or simply someone who has recently discovered the breed, there is always more to learn.
As the breed enters this exciting new chapter, education will be more important than ever.
Learn about the breed before bringing one into your family. Discover the different ways Dutch Shepherds work and compete. Understand their temperament and their needs. Learn about responsible breeding, health, training, titles, and the many people and dogs who are helping shape the future of the breed.
And most importantly, take the time to understand what makes the Dutch Shepherd a Dutch Shepherd.
Looking Toward the Future
This milestone is not the end of the journey.
It is the beginning of a new chapter.
I look forward to seeing Dutch Shepherds entering the AKC Herding Group, competing in performance sports, earning new titles, and continuing to demonstrate the versatility and working spirit that make this breed so special.
I also look forward to seeing more people discover the Dutch Shepherd — not simply because of its striking appearance, but because they have taken the time to learn about the breed and understand what it means to live, train, work, and compete with one.
To everyone who has helped bring us to this moment: thank you for your dedication to the Dutch Shepherd.
And to every Dutch Shepherd that has been part of the journey: thank you for showing us what you can do. ❤️🐕🦺
The next chapter is beginning.
Let's make it a chapter worth celebrating — and worth learning from.
Sylviane Chapoulaud
Founder — Dutch Shepherd News
Dutch Shepherd News
Learn • Discover • Understand